ISFJ Type and Change

How Do Myers-Briggs (MBTI Test) ISFJ Personality Types Deal with Change? 

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Responding to Organizational Changes as an ISFJ Personality Type
Individuals who assess with the ISFJ (Introverted-Sensing-Feeling-Judging) Personality Type are known to be loyal to not only their organizations, but also to the members within it. They often submit work that is above and beyond what is expected of them and commonly accomplish tasks in excess of their required responsibilities. They are typically empathic people, and when a change is introduced to their organization, they may not only feel overwhelmed with their own personal emotions, but also those of their peers and coworkers. During a time of change, they may concentrate on other’s energies in order to ensure everyone’s needs are being considered. When doing so, it is common for ISFJ Personality Types to create structure for the changing policies in order to not only fulfill personal needs, but also to consider the functional needs of their organization. Many ISFJs have reported to endure a significant amount of discomfort when forced with implementing alterations to their routine. Instead, they generally prefer to use an accumulation of information gathered from their experience. This is especially true when in respect to the immediate people in their lives.

Learn about ISFJ Personality Types and how they handle change.

For example, if an ISFJ has internally cataloged a coworker to act in a specific fashion, and that person abruptly changes their behaviors, it may be upsetting to an ISFJ. Additionally, if a change is made to policies or procedures which are directly related to an ISFJs common daily functions, it can affect these individuals negatively, leaving them feeling defeated due to the inability to relate to their previous experience. In order to defeat these innate responses, it is best to offer an ISFJ “lots of specific, detailed information and support to deal effectively with change.” (Barger and Kirby, p.29, 2004, CPP Inc.) Additionally, it is best if this personality type is given a detailed representation of how the change will affect their daily tasks or their immediate environment.
ISFJs will generally respond well to having a step-by-step, comprehensive guideline for how a transition will be implemented. It is common for this personality type to experience difficulty if they are not given an appropriate amount of time to strategize and find a technique for them to deal with the change. However, ISFJs are also known to plan and prepare for these transitions prior to them becoming apparent. This innate behavior can be beneficial, as it generally builds stability for an ISFJ’s organization, due to the habit of automatically creating a contingency plan for most circumstances. Individuals who assess with this personality type also are advantageous with the regard to others, and during a time of change generally will ensure their peers’ or coworker’s needs are being met. Additionally, ISFJs are known to consider not only other’s needs, but also that their own and other’s emotional states are remaining intact. They may even provide reinforcement for others by providing encouragement and fostering stability. When doing so, individuals with this personality type should remember to also consider themselves and have patience with their reaction to the change. They should concentrate on their talents, such as their special attention to detail and their ability to provide these technicalities associated with the change for others.

Learn about ISFJ Personality Types and how they handle change.

If an ISFJ is faced with the coordination of tough decisions, it will be important for them to not become overwhelmed by sudden changes involved with the progressions implicated. This personality type will generally handle developments with ease when they are able to piece all factors together and visualize the big picture. Also, individuals who assess with the ISFJ Personality Type will generally respond better to change if they are supplied an explanation of why the transition will benefit the organization, as well as sufficient time to process specific data supporting it. Most ISFJs will want to know “what’s expected of them personally” (Barger and Kirby, p.29, 2004, CPP Inc.), and will have a positive reaction if the change is proposed to them by someone using a calm manner to do so. If an ISFJ is not allowed the regulation of implementing a significant change at their preferred pace, they may become overwhelmed or reluctant to move away from old habits. However, it is common for individuals with this personality type to explore opportunities to have support from others and generally will use this outlet to assist them with their feelings. Overall, ISFJ Personality Types are will handle change to the extent of how it is communicated to them.

Learn More About the MBTI ISFJ Personality Type
Explore additional information that delves deeper into the ENFJ Personality Type by examining various personality and career based subjects:

• How the MBTI ISFJ Type relates to Innovation
• How the MBTI ISFJ Type relates to Emotional Intelligence
• How the MBTI ISFJ Type relates to Leadership
• How the MBTI ISFJ Type relates to Project Management
• How the MBTI ISFJ Type relates to Decision Making

Click on a link below to read more about different MBTI Personality Types

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References
Introduction to Type and Change (Nancy J Barger and Linda K. Kirby, 2004, CPP Inc.)