The MBTI® Test ISTP Personality Type and Emotional Intelligence

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Your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality type can say a lot of different things about each of us as a person, including how emotional adept we are. Each MBTI test type’s emotional intelligence varies, including whether they deal with their emotions internally or externally. The Introverted Thinking with Extraverted Sensing (ISTP) MBTI type, for example, deals with his or her emotions internally, focusing on action rather than feelings.

For the purpose of clarity, we will define emotional intelligence as “a complex ability to regulate your impulses, empathize with others, and persist and be resilient in the face of obstacles.” (Pearman, 2002, CPP)

ISTP Types are usually fairly unemotional, preferring to work with their tactical and duty-oriented minds than with the feelings of themselves or others. They prefer to focus their attention on completing tasks or finding solutions, using the experience and knowledge they have gained throughout their lives. When they don’t already have the knowledge to solve a problem, they are fast to find workable solutions, even if it means researching extensively and proficiently. (Pearman, 2002, CPP)

ISTP personality types are open-minded and accommodating, but occasionally they aren’t very patient with others’ emotional issues. They choose to play an outsider role in group settings, passively observing until they feel it is appropriate for them to take part in the conversation or activity. Unfortunately, this can occasionally leave the ISTP type unaware of how specific situations or interactions affect others until long after the group disperses. (Pearman, 2002, CPP)

Those with the ISTP type are readily adjustable to different demands and needs, but only when there is a reasonable and justifiable motive for change. These parameters also apply to their desire for risk-taking and seeking out new adventures. They enjoy achieving their goals and forging their own paths on the way to those goals. (Pearman, 2002, CPP)

Because of their goal-oriented minds, the ISTP type individual may seem as though they are inconsiderate or unsympathetic of others, even though they are often energetic and approachable. They are either so absorbed in observing their surroundings or too absorbed with completing a task at hand. In group settings, ISTP personality types are also often preoccupied with acting as an authority on problem-solving, asserting their reason and judgment in solving issues. They are proud of their accomplishments and enjoy receiving positive reinforcement for their hard work, choosing to focus on solutions and criticism over the emotions of their peers. (Pearman, 2002, CPP)

In order to better grow in their emotional intelligence, MBTI Test ISTP types should focus some energy on showing empathy and sympathy outwardly when others are dealing with emotional issues, making them more approachable to their friends and peers. This can be achieved by verbally responding in conversations to show active engagement. Furthermore, ISTP types should begin asking more questions and engaging others in conversation in order to show interest, as well as thinking about what they do and say before they actually do or say those things. By playing a more active role in conversation and in discussing the emotions of others, ISTP types can greatly augment their emotional intelligence. (Pearman, 2002, CPP)

Discover how your personality best manages conflict, how the different parts of your personality work together to make decisions or gather information, how your personality type best communicates with others, and how you best deal with change in your life.

Learn to communicate more efficiently by understanding how your personality type best interacts with others with the MBTI test below:

References

Introduction To Type® and Emotional Intelligence. (Pearman, R. CPP, 2002)

Learn More About the MBTI ISTP Personality Type

• Explore our MBTI ISTP Personality Type Page

Explore Our Other ISTP Blog Pages:

• Myers-Briggs test ISTP Personality Type Leadership Styles Blog
• Myers-Briggs test ISTP Personality Type and Innovation Styles Blog
• Myers-Briggs test ISTP Personality Type and Project Management Blog
• Myers-Briggs test ISTP Personality Type and Communication Blog
• Myers-Briggs test ISTP Personality Type and Learning Styles Blog
• Myers-Briggs test ISTP Personality Type and Decision-Making Blog

Click on one of these corresponding popular ISTP Careers for detailed information including Career Stats, Daily Tasks and Required Education:

Agricultural Inspector, Automotive Master Mechanic, Avionics Technician, Civil Engineering Technician, Construction & Building Inspector, Electric Power-Line Installer & Repairer, Forest & Conservation Worker,Light Truck or Delivery Driver, Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic, and Operating Engineer or Other Construction Equipment Operator.

Click On Your Personality Type & Read About Your Emotional Intelligence: