By Donna Dunning

ISTP Practical Analyzer: Examine and Evaluate

“Get to the point.”

5.4% of the population

Type Dynamics for the ISTP

Dominant (Ti): Inwardly logically analyzing data based on their experience

Auxiliary (Se): Outwardly acting on the facts and details of the immediate situation

Tertiary (N): As they mature, consider possibilities as well as facts and current realities

Inferior (Fe): Developmental challenge is using empathy to connect with others and to provide encouragement and support

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

The ISTP Preferred Mode

Practical Analyzers use Introverted Thinking (Ti) as their core approach to work and living. ISTPs usually take a calm, objective, logical approach. They tend to enjoy investigating and analyzing situations.

Practical Analyzers thrive in situations where they can spot flaws and figure out solutions to problems. They often want to work independently and solve practical problems. If you are a Practical Analyzer, you are likely at your best when you are logically evaluating data.

Adding a Secondary Approach

To gather more information, Practical Analyzers observe situations and pay attention to concrete facts and realities. This realistic approach to the world provides input for a more accurate and thorough analysis of facts. Others usually see the ISTP using this secondary, flexible approach. They may glimpse the more private, examining side of the ISTP by observing their somewhat detached interactions or their sometimes cynical or sarcastic humor.

Development Pathway

ISTPs will likely be convinced to develop their non-preferred preferences when they can see how using these parts of their personality will provide them with additional data to examine and analyze.

As Practical Analyzers develop, they learn to look more at patterns and possibilities when deciding. For example, a young ISTP may be interested in taking immediate, practical actions to see what happens. A more mature ISTP will want to ensure his or her actions are strategically useful in the long as well as the short-term. Practical Analyzers will be motivated to develop this more future-focused side when doing so seems reasonable and logical.

Over time Practical Analyzers can also learn to place more emphasis on how individuals are affected by situations. They will be motivated to do this when it serves their preferred mode of operating. For example, an ISTP can be convinced to use a more personal approach when they know this mode of examining data will make their analysis more accurate and thorough. Using a broad, personal approach can also serve the Practical Analyzer by providing ways to relate to others and solve problems more effectively.

Developmental Tips for the Practical Analyzer

• When examining situations, collect and analyze conceptual and theoretical data as well as factual data. This additional data will lead to a better analysis.
• When coming up with a solution to a situation consider potential implementation problems and challenges. Work on following through and putting solutions into action.
• Once you have completed a logical evaluation of an idea or situation take time to also consider who is involved in the situation and observe how the situation is affecting them personally.
• Notice and offer appreciation when others do something to help you.
• Learn to develop rapport with others by figuring out their preferences. Use small talk and share some personal information to build relationships when it is appropriate.

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

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