Over the past few weeks, I’ve posted organizing profiles for 12 personality types, covering the SJ, NT and NF types. Today we begin our look at the SP types, starting with ISTP.

ISTP stands for Introverted – Sensing – Thinking – Perceiving. These terms are explained in How does the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® work?

ISTP Organizing Strengths

Although they don’t usually consider themselves to be well organized, ISTPs have a number of organizing strengths, including finishing what they start, being able to find things when needed, and decision-making abilities.

Here’s an example, described by an ISTP:

“I manage a lot of projects and things at the same moment and I still have a lot of time left. When there is a problem or when I need to do things I work very hard to get them done. And then I feel satisfied and I am open to start new challenging things. Whatever it is. A new project or finding out what kind of smart phone to buy, or planning my next trip.

My existing project will end [shortly] and I am already excited about a new project. Without a holiday stop between them.”

They typically organize things which are related to their hobbies and other personal interests, but are less interested in organizing other items.

ISTP Organizing Challenges

ISTPs often experience problems with procrastination, hoarding and clutter. One ISTP described her situation as follows:

“I’ve analyzed my piles and my inability to maintain a normal orderly home. What I’m come up with is that first of all within that “P”…I have a problem with that to start with. However, as an ISTP, I get bored VERY easily and I’m constantly doing different projects to keep that boredom from consuming me up. Besides that, I fit the ISTP profile in that I’m very active. So, I’m not laying on the couch eating bonbons and watching soaps and not cleaning house. I simply never am able to get it all done EVER because of all my activities and projects.

I’m working towards a solution to this. It’s a work in progress right now and I’m not sure how many months it will take me to arrive. I’m going to discipline myself to live like a normal person on the first floor of my home. (ha ha) In the basement, however, I’m going to let my ISTP NATURE go for it unleashed. (I probably will use the first floor for passage to the basement lol) …Let’s hope that the fire marshal never does an inspection. 🙂 “

ISTPs often forget about birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

Many stop working when someone wishes to talk to them, a tendency which can interfere with productivity.

ISTP Time Management Systems

ISTPs aren’t generally interested in time management tools, but someone who took part in my study stated that she used a thin two-year month at-a glance calendar, writing appointments with a time and an initial e.g. 5-T, which is all the reminder she needed. She put labels of frequently called names, addresses, and numbers in the back of her calendar, and kept a paper clip at the front to attach temporary notes.

Learn More

For more insight into the ISTP organizing style, read about Fun Structures on Pixies Did It.

For a broader view of the ISTP personality type, check out the following resources:

• Portrait of an ISTP: The Mechanic
• ISTP Personality (“The Virtuoso”)
• The ISTP
• ISTP in a Nutshell

Keep in mind that we are all unique, and even people sharing the same type preferences will not be the same in every way. Personality type is only one factor to consider when developing organizing solutions for your clients.

Are you an ISTP?

Help others understand your personality type and organizing style by answering one or more of the following questions in the Comments:

1. What are your organizing strengths?
2. What are your organizing challenges or weaknesses?
3. What organizing strategies work well for you?
4. What are your time management strengths?
5. What are your time management challenges or weaknesses?
6. What time management strategies work well for you?
7. What type of calendar(s) do you use?

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