The ISTP Personality Type: Key Traits, Strengths, Weaknesses & More

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, we all fall into one of 16 personalities. And when it comes to the ISTP personality type, these curious and independent folks are always keen to get their hands on something they can dissect and improve. Whether you or someone you know is an ISTP, here's what to know about this personality type, according to experts.

Although they are perceiving types, Nardi explains they can adapt with a "chart-the-course" style to institutions, particularly as adults. They also often have good physical skills and are very perceptive of their environment.

ISTP personality types aren't ones to typically go with the grain—in fact, they'd rather not. As Nardi explains, they need to be independent and tend to follow their own paths. "They like to test, challenge, and push their own limits to find success. They act on their hunches or intuitions," he tells mbg.

Along with being independent, ISTPs are hands-on problem-solvers. Nardi notes they like to closely observe how things work and will "carefully take apart or poke at something to understand it." These folks are also talented with using tools to approach problems, he says.

If you're looking for someone to come up with a clear, logical answer (as opposed to an abstract one), find an ISTP. As Hackston explains, "It's expected from someone that prefers ISTP that they base their discussions and decisions on rational logic and real-life application rather than theoretical possibilities."

ISTPs have strong powers of observation and, according to Hackston, can be creative and efficient troubleshooters in the face of a problem. "This constant flow of ideas is often directed toward how to work things out with the least effort," he explains.

Because ISTPs tend to emphasize objectivity and accomplishing results, Hackston tells mbg they can sometimes be too critical, causing them to unintentionally hurt people's feelings. "Communicating ideas clearly without making others feel dismissed or less valued" is another trouble area for the ISTP type, he adds.

And in terms of compatibility with other MBTI types, according to Hackston and Nardi, ISTPs will likely be most compatible with the following types:

These are also not the folks to call on for brainstorming, conceptualizing, or big-picture planning, due to their preference for immediate solutions. "They may deem these as a waste of their time. ISTPs find abstract theories with no practical application uninteresting and are keen on working on concrete and clear action points," Hackston explains.

Nardi notes that for ISTPs it's important for them—especially when younger—to be able to learn at their own pace, in their own way. Personal space and time away from other people will also help them thrive, as will a regular way to stay in touch with nature, their body, etc., he adds, as they get "really unhappy without grounding."

ISTPs want to solve problems, and they can thrive by extending those abilities to other people in a practical way. "Having actual challenging practical problems to solve, not fake abstract stuff...could be very satisfying," Nardi explains. Think: helping developing communities build working water wells rather than talking about what helps people in the abstract.

Because ISTPs can have some difficulty identifying and processing their own emotions, this is something they can work on, Nardi tells mbg. This will also translate into not feeing at the mercy of others' emotions, social demands, and even societal demands.

Lastly, Hackston says for ISTPs to improve their decision-making process, they need to take their time to internally process information and try to avoid responding to situations on the spot. "Be aware of how you relay your thoughts to others. Your matter-of-fact nature can create conflict situations without you even noticing them. Start exercising how you can consider people's needs and feelings while making a decision," Hackston explains. "Not everything is about logic."

The bottom line is, each MBTI type comes with its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and when it comes to ISTPs, these people love to solve problems in real time. While they may not be the most warm and fuzzy friends in the bunch, they're always happy to help figure out how to fix a problem or improve an issue.