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


Responding to Organizational Changes as an ISFP Personality Type
Individuals who assess with the MBTI® ISFP (Introverted-Sensing-Feeling-Perceiving) Personality Type are known to be value driven people who generally welcome organizational changes as long as they coincide with their belief systems. They typically have strong convictions that they may tend to keep internally. These principles often regulate their judgements and behaviors. ISFPs may take not only these inner values, but also their direct environment as important factors when decision making. In order for individuals with the ISFP Personality Type to feel comfortable with change, they generally will want distinct and perceptible instructions or introductions to their new policies, procedures or environment. This way, an ISFP can allow themselves time to acquaint with their new situation or surroundings. When allowed this time for acquaintance, they can adjust their thinking to include their personal code of ethics or behavior. Barger and Kirby suggest, “The changes need to fit for them, and they need time and space to feel confident in the new situations. Then they will loyally support the change and other people.” (Introduction to Type and Change, p.33, 2004, CPP Inc.)

ISFP Personality Types

Learn about ISFP Personality Types and how they handle change.

Individuals who assess with the MBTI® ISFP Personality Type are known for being devoted individuals who take notice of other’s personal value systems just as habitually as they would their own. During a time of change, an ISFP may be the type of person to assist others with difficulties they may be experiencing during a transition and typically have stated to have little difficulty with navigating through any situation which is presented to them. However, individuals with the ISFP Personality Type have also stated to prefer to have a certain amount of time allotted for alone time to reflect and gather their thoughts and feelings prior to a new decision being unveiled. ISFPs also generally will need others to understand their attachment for the “way things used to be” or even to inanimate items they will want to hold on to through a transition, such as a desk or stapler. They commonly will feel that if they are supporting others around them, then they deserve others to support them in return. ISFPs are known for being compassionate peacemakers who keep a keen focus on strengthening their team by maintaining their composure. (Barger and Kirby, P.33, 2004, CPP Inc.) During a time of change, this personality type may also be the type of individual who will seek information about every aspect of the adaptation in order for them to feel reassured. This may also be due to their innate behavioral heightened focus of organization. Having an organized mind frame typically does not come naturally to an ISFP, but these individuals frequently will have the ambition to make setting priorities their strategy for dealing with the changes occurring.

ISFP Personality Types

Learn about ISFP Personality Types and how they handle change.

If an ISFP Personality Type is feeling forced to advance the changes before they feel completely prepared to do so, they may have a tendency to disengage from the new project altogether and may even feel overwhelmed or out of place. If they are not given time to process any losses they may have experienced during a change, both environmental or personal, they may carry forward any animosity felt and “feel caught between the old and the new”. (Barger and Kirby, P.33, 2004, CPP Inc.) Additionally, if an ISFP feels the changes being implemented do not coincide with their moral standards or if they feel they are not receiving acknowledgement for their personal beliefs, they may have a tendency to lose focus in their work tasks, which may be viewed by others as procrastination. However, individuals with this personality type are known for being skilled when allowed to function without constraint. They generally work best when not being forced to take part in group projects and typically are not known for being competitive. ISFPs generally are mindful, with an intention to allow for change as long as it succumbs to their strategies. They generally dislike conflict and will do whatever they can to ensure they are allowed to preserve their relationships and environments which they have built for themselves. They are known for wanting predetermined systems in place with clear expectations presented to them. Change can be disfavored if they are forced to lose their built skills, effectiveness, or proficiency, but will be welcomed if they are allowed to build on what they have already established. Overall, ISFP Personality Types will want any changes to support their fundamental values and give meaning to their previously set ideals.

 

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

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

ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

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