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Developing Your Type – ISFJ

Developing Your Type – ISFJ

By Donna Dunning

ISFJ Compassionate Assimilator: Specialize and Stabilize

“Don’t rock the boat.”

13.8% of the population

Type Dynamics for the ISFJ

Dominant (Si): Inwardly taking in and assimilating personally important data

Auxiliary (Fe): Outwardly decisive, collaborative and sensitive to others’ needs.

Tertiary (T): As they mature, assess situations objectively as well as personally.

Inferior (Ne): Developmental challenge is to seek and act on new ideas and possibilities.

My previous blogs – Understanding Type Dynamics: Dominant FunctionsUnderstanding Type Dynamics: Auxiliary Functions, and Taking Personality Type Beyond Your Preferences have more information on type dynamics.

The ISFJ Preferred Mode

Compassionate Assimilators use Introverted Sensing (Si) as their core approach to work and living. They quietly and calmly collect in-depth information. Others usually won’t see this approach, as it is reflective rather than action oriented.

Compassionate Assimilators thrive in situations where they can learn and use specialized skills and knowledge. They often like to understand a topic in detail before acting. Compassionate Assimilators usually carefully consider their options and actions. If you are a Compassionate Assimilator, you are likely at your best when you are carefully thinking through a situation.

Adding a Secondary Approach

To move into a more active mode, Compassionate Assimilators consider how others are affected by situations and then take steps accordingly. This secondary, supportive decision-making approach helps the Compassionate Assimilator connect to and work cooperatively with others to accomplish tasks. Others see this caring approach as the ISFJ provides a useful helping hand, service, or product.

Development Pathway

ISFJs will likely be convinced to develop their non-preferred preferences when they can see useful reasons for exercising these parts of their personality.

As Compassionate Assimilators develop, they learn to look more at logical as well as personal implications and consequences when making a decision and acting. For example, a young ISFJ may focus mainly on the people in a situation, taking a personal and caring approach. More mature ISFJs will take an objective look at the pros and cons of situations and actions as well as considering the needs of the people involved. They will be motivated to do this when they have experienced how being more objective supports their desire to work cooperatively with others.

Over time Compassionate Assimilators can also learn to place more emphasis on long-term as well as short-term implications and consequences. They will take a broader look at situations and will conceptually organize and integrate their detailed knowledge. They will be motivated to do this when it serves their preferred mode of operating. For example, an ISFJ can be convinced to change standard operating procedures or redesign a process when doing so makes practical sense and provides a better service to others.

Developmental Tips for the Compassionate Assimilator

  • Although you prefer to reflect carefully before acting, at times try taking a calculated risk and “jump in”. This can help you capitalize on unfamiliar or unexpected opportunities.
  • When making a decision, logically analyze the pros and cons of your options.
  • Make trade-offs between taking a personal, immediate approach to matters and being more objective and efficient in what you do.
  • Think about what might be happening in 3-5 years and make a long-range plan. Be willing to revisit and change your plan.
  • Challenge yourself to look for new ways of doing familiar tasks.

You will find an overview of the two types of Assimilators, their career success stories and strategies, and occupations that attract them on the Assimilator main page.

What’s Your Type of Career? includes a section on career and life development strategies for Assimilators.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 at 9:28 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Developing Your Type – ISFJ”

  1. Sue Lussier says:

    You are so right. This is my type and I have been searching for a very long time for the perfect job. Of course because of my type I have to analyze the pros and cons of each one which is very tiring. I think I have finally found a career path that would fit me instead of the other way around. Real Estate appraiser. What are your thoughts on this type of job for my personality type ISFJ?
    I would appreciate your input.

  2. Donna Dunning says:

    Thanks for your comment Sue. Having ISFJ preferences, you will likley enjoy making the detailed comparisons necessary for a conscientious appraisal of properties. You will also likely enjoy listening carefully to your customer’s perspectives and helping them use this information in a practical way. Only you can decide if the hours, tasks, pay, and interactions on the job are a good match not only for your personality, but also for your interests, skills, values, lifestyle, and constraints. Best wishes for success on your career path.

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