The other day, we looked at the organizing strengths and challenges typically faced by individuals with the ISTJ personality type.

Where ISTJ stands for Introverted – Sensing – Thinking – Judging, ISFJ stands for Introverted – Sensing – Feeling – Judging. Sharing three of the same preferences, you might assume that they are very similar, but although in many ways they are, it’s important to note that your personality type is more than just the combination of your four preferences.

The way your four preferences interact has a huge effect on your overall personality, and is beyond the scope of this series. If you’re interested in learning all about it, I encourage you to consider MBTI® training.

ISFJ Organizing Strengths

They are generally adept at finding places to put things, getting rid of things, and finding what they need. They don’t tend to keep piles of unread magazines and newspapers around, or to waste time continually rearranging things.

They usually have well-organized bookshelves and storage space. One survey participant shared the following:

I organize my books by how I use them, e.g. (sections):

• textbooks and binders for current semester by class
• texts for previous semesters
• books I read/refer to often
• books I don’t use often
• Bibles and Bible reference
• Spanish books
• Other reference books

They have clear goals and priorities, and finish what they start. With the help of an effective calendar system, they remember tasks and events.

ISFJ Organizing Challenges

Similar to ISTJs, ISFJs can become frustrated when something interferes with their plans, and frequently consider themselves disorganized, citing the following problems:

• Forgetting to complete tasks that aren’t on their “to do” list
• Procrastinating when they don’t want to do something
• Hoarding items that may be useful “some day” and those with sentimental value
• Clutter resulting from not knowing where to put things, leading to a reluctance to have visitors
• Forgetting about social activities, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

It’s possible that ISFJs don’t actually forget about social events more often than ISTJs, but are more likely to see it as a problem, as they’re more people-oriented.

ISFJs are easily distracted by disarray and often have difficulty working when things are out of order.

ISFJ Time Management Systems

ISFJs show a preference for a paper-based system – again, please keep in mind that it was the early 2000s.

One survey participant stated that although she loved technology and was given a Palm Pilot®, she had no desire to give up her paper planner. Her preferred format included:

• a monthly calendar that allowed her to see her commitments at a glance
• two pages for each day, with spaces for a to-do list, daily schedule, phone messages and important thoughts

Others were less concerned with scheduling, but made daily to-do lists.

Learn More

For more insight into the ISFJ organizing style, read about Classic Freedom on Pixies Did It.

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

• Portrait of an ISFJ: The Nurturer
• ISFJ Personality (“The Defender”)
• The ISFJ
• ISFJ 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 ISFJ?

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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