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{<b><p16>ISFJ:  Committed to Getting the Job Done<n><p12> }
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{Motherhood, America, and A Hot Lunch for Orphans. Each are interchangeable with "ISFJ." Bound by fierce commitment, intense responsibility, and deep loyalty, the ISFJ is the embodiment of service above self in most aspects of their lives. Unless you've experienced this type, it's hard to believe that someone can be so dedicated and dutiful in so many aspects of his or her life. It is amazing how nobly they work behind the scenes, allowing many great things to happen and glory to be afforded to others. This is a direct result of the ISFJ's stringent personal sacrifice and their dependability. 

Cautious, reserved, quiet, and inwardly oriented (Introversion), ISFJs are content to work quietly by themselves. Their perceptions of the world are realistic, grounded, and present-oriented (Sensing) and they use those facts and realities to make decisions that are interpersonally driven (Feeling). They prefer to live their daily lives in a structured, ordered, accountable manner (Judging). 

ISFJs can become so wrapped up in serving others that they are soon taken for granted. It is such a noble pattern that many other types perceive them in disbelief, assuming there must be a catch somewhere. Or, at least, that the ISFJ is keeping score and some day or another will cash in his or her chips. But that's not the case. The ISFJ's mission and desire is to serve, and one of their great treats is to see someone they have helped succeed as a result of their benevolence. 

The ISFJ female fits most of society's norms, including the martyristic suffering-servant image. While other types become protective of the ISFJ female or angry that she allows herself to be taken advantage of, very little actually happens in the workplace to change this situation. When gender issues surface at work -- charges of inequitable salaries, for example, or inadequate maternity leave -- they will most likely be raised by an iNtuitive-Feeler -- male or female -- or a Thinking female, much to the shock and amazement of the ISFJ female. She may even send signals that such provocative behavior by others is most inappropriate. As such, the ISFJ female unwittingly serves as a pawn for the status quo. Though she may agree with points being voiced, she still believes that change should take place through the chain of command, not in opposition to it. 

Such a commitment to duty and obedience can also be a problem for male ISFJs, especially if they have climbed the corporate ladder. They have probably done so by playing a more traditional male role during working hours, offering strength and tough-mindedness when needed. The ISFJ male must decide early on whether to give in to the Feeling-Judging side of his personality and exhibit a more nurturing demeanor, or play to more publicly accepted male expectations. Should he acquiesce to society's demands to be more Tarzan than Jane, given the ISFJ's natural caution about self-expression, the resulting turmoil can lead to ulcers, weight gain, or other stress-related problems. 

Who would not want an ISFJ in the workplace? The qualities of being organized, pleasant, and a dependable team player is a manager's dream. One only needs to be around an ISFJ for a short while to realize how pleasant and quietly gracious they are. Like other Feeling types, ISFJs do not cope well with conflict, and so when office strife arises, they prefer to take a blind eye or bury it deep within themselves in the hope that it will soon disappear. 

Other types, especially Extraverted-iNtuitives, can become impatient with ISFJs in two areas. One is the somewhat slow, deliberate, methodical -- some call it boring -- way they approach specific tasks. Those types more prone to a seat-of-the-pants flamboyancy find the ISFJ's quiet, self-effacing dependability irritating at best. Equally troublesome to others is the way that ISFJs let people take advantage of them - their cheerful readiness to be helpful to anyone at any time. Others view this as the ISFJ's low self-esteem, but in fact it is the ISFJ's high sense of duty that keeps them so committed. Interestingly, those who have a low tolerance for such blind loyalty don't necessarily stop taking advantage of the ISFJ's generosity; they only become impatient that the ISFJ allows it to happen. 

ISFJs can have high expectations of themselves and others regarding rules, regulations, appropriate behavior, and a series of other <I>"shoulds"<N> and <I>"oughts."<N> Breaking them or being disrespectful is a no-no, and if one reaps the ISFJ's scorn, then forgiveness can be very slow in coming. ISFJs are one of the backbones of the organization as well as a key part of its institutional memory. While other types may brainstorm the great ideas -- from new products and programs to the next office party -- little or any of it will happen without the deliberate, detailed efforts of the ISFJ. 

Once ISFJs befriend someone or become committed to a project, their patience is considerable. They will persevere to complete the task, notwithstanding overtime; setbacks in materials, dates, or personnel; and personally performing at any level necessary, from sweeping the floors to hosting a reception. Like other Js, they may moan about all the work, but unlike Extraverts, they will keep it mostly to themselves. As good Fs, they are always willing to pitch in and make a sacrifice for the good of the organization. While this feeds into their perception as martyrs, for the ISFJ it is a self-fulfilling process. 

Another strength of the ISFJ is their tolerance for detail and routine. They are motivated by established ways of accomplishing something and will work best when one expects them to do things "by the book." Likewise, when the ISFJ is in charge, he or she will expect subordinates to work within established rituals. If you follow the rules, says the ISFJ, you'll get it done and you'll reap rewards. If you break the rules, you'll be punished for the resulting failures. For the ISFJ, this is a system that works. 

The quiet support and affirmation generally associated with ISFJs is a powerful asset in the workplace. It is a gift to be able to affirm others -- at work or wherever -- ahead of oneself. To give credit where credit is due is expected and reasonable; but it is purely ISFJ to let others get credit for work you have largely done. If everyone benefits from what has been accomplished, and the workplace is better for it, that is reward enough, thinks the ISFJ. The ISFJ is the ultimate team player. Moreover, for the ISFJ, any activity can be part of a team endeavor. So, an ISFJ nurse is part of a "healing team" whose goal is everyone's good health. ISFJ teachers are part of a "community-family team" whose goal is to raise children. ISFJ clergy are part of a "spiritual team" whose goal is to offer moral guidance. ISFJ clerical-support staff are part of a "management team" whose goal is to deliver a good product. 

Their sense of duty and obligation also can become a liability for ISFJs. They can become so hooked on commitment that they almost become doormats for the rest of the organization. There are times when the ISFJ ought to be more assertive of their own personal needs, especially when others take advantage of them. If not careful, ISFJs can wear an invisible sign that says, "Here I am, take advantage of me." They would do themselves and others a service if they would work at being more vocal and direct about their own needs. However difficult, this is absolutely necessary. 

Another weakness of ISFJs can be their inability to see the forest for the trees. They can get so caught up in the immediate service or need that they lose track of just about everything. Having attended to the crisis of the moment -- whether an accounting problem or a person in need -- they suddenly find themselves tired, drained, and quite irritable because there still are seven hours to go in the workday and they have spent all their energy. When the ISFJ gets overextended, they exhibit wide mood swings, becoming very disjointed and spacey, going quickly from fits of boisterousness to intense introspection.  

Though it takes a great deal to strike the ire of an ISFJ, when that finally happens it will come in the form of a stubborn, unforgiving, unbending way. Often, this is followed with a flurry of anger that can include a laundry list of pent-up issues -- about work, people, or anything else in range, regardless of whether it's related to this event or individual. Once that happens, there is little chance for recovery and the response is totally disproportionate to the event at hand. Had the ISFJ tried to share some of these concerns all along, they would not have festered, allowing the ISFJ to deal directly with the problem at hand. 

Notwithstanding these potential weaknesses, our institutions and organizations would simply not work so effectively were it not for ISFJs. They serve as role models and inspiration for so much of what society deems good and noble. That, coupled with their tenacity, is why life happens so beneficially for so many of us. Some ISFJ somewhere is working behind the scenes, putting things together, which we can then have, use, and enjoy.

<b>Workplace Contribution:<n>
Offers quiet support, a sense of order and attention to detail from behind the scenes

<b>Pathway to Professional Growth:<n>
Must learn to be open to new possibilities and changing situations - your flexibility can often be the support someone most needs

<b>Leadership Qualities:<n>
Produces results through one-on-one relationships and detail control and tends to perform tasks themselves rather than delegate

<b>Team Spirit:<n>
Teams are worthwhile work units, vital and important structures that are yet another arena in which to provide quiet, unassuming support to the organization and its people}