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Your Personality Max Report

ISFJ, Defender, Protector, Introverted

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Your Results Snapshot

You have a unique set of traits that make you who you are. The study of personality identifies and organizes your characteristics and behaviors in such a way as to help you better understand yourself. Your Personality Max report is intended to equip you to lead a more effective and fulfilling life.

Your Personality Type is ISFJ (Defender)

Introverted (I) + Sensing (S) + Feeling (F) + Judging (J)
Strength of Your Preferences

Your Temperament is SJ (Protector)

Sensing (S) + Judging (J)
Temperaments in Population

"Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower." — Charles M. Schwab

Your Personality Type

Your Personality Type in the Population
Personality Types in Population Legend

Your personality type is ISFJ. This is based on your four Preferences: Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F) and Judging (J).

Many of today's theories of psychological typology are based on the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, who wrote Psychological Types in 1921. He was the founder of analytical psychology, which studies the motivations underlying human behavior.

Your personality type is a detailed classification of the innate characteristics that make you who you are. Each of the four temperaments can be divided into four types, making a total of 16 distinct personality types. As with Temperament, your type is determined by the strength of your preferences.

No personality type is better than another. Each person has a unique set of equally valuable characteristics. Understanding your type can be useful in many ways, including relationships and school or career.

ISFJ - The "Defender"

ISFJ Population

ISFJs are kind, loyal and considerate. They desire to serve and protect others sacrificially. They serve behind the scenes without seeking recognition. Defenders like routine and have excellent follow-through skills. They possess rich inner lives, are private and quietly friendly.

"Cherish your human connections—your relationships with friends and family." — Barbara Bush

ISFJs direct their energy inward. They are energized by spending time alone. They are private and deliberate. ISFJs usually have a small circle of close friends. As Sensors, Defenders process information through their senses. They are concrete, realistic, practical and live in the moment. Defenders give attention to details.

ISFJs by Gender Pie Chart

ISFJs are Feelers and make decisions with their heart. They are gentle and empathetic. They are warm and caring. ISFJs strongly dislike conflict. Defenders are organized and plan ahead. Their lives are scheduled and structured. Defenders are responsible when it comes to finishing tasks. They get satisfaction from closure.

ISFJs define love in terms of caring and support. They are utterly committed and dedicated in their relationships. They are often trustworthy and can be counted upon through thick and thin. They cherish deep connections and seek lifelong friendships. They sometimes have a hard time standing up for themselves. Defenders have a great sense of humor and love to laugh.

ISFJs are dependable and trustworthy. They feel a great sense of responsibility for the job assigned to them. They work well when they know what is expected of them. They often enjoy working alone and do best without distractions. Defenders have a hard time stopping until the job is done. They are committed to treating others with respect.

Defenders are concrete learners. They are drawn to subjects that are practical. They learn best with caring and organized teachers. They need clear and detailed directions. Teachers appreciate their willingness to work hard and turn in assignments on time. ISFJs often pursue training for service-oriented careers.

ISFJs are agreeable and kind. They are deeply caring and conscientious. They are excellent helpmates and need appreciation from those closest to them. Their greatest contribution is their ability to identify the needs of others and meeting them selflessly.

Characteristic of an ISFJ

  • Selfless
  • Observant
  • Service-oriented
  • Kind
  • Sensitive
  • Traditional
  • Loyal
  • Concrete
  • Private
  • Quiet
  • Realistic
  • Disciplined
  • Loyal
  • Empathetic
  • Warm
  • Organized
  • Consistent
  • Gentle
  • Considerate
  • Practical
  • Affirming
  • Responsible
  • Deliberate
  • Humorous

Typical Strengths

  • Good at listening
  • Eager to serve
  • Good at handling money
  • Warm and affirming
  • Great organizational skills

Possible Weaknesses

  • Can neglect their own needs
  • Dislikes change
  • Takes criticism personally
  • Has trouble with conflict
  • ISFJs make up 7% of all 16 personality types. ISFJs are the second most prevalent personality type among Introverts. Of the SJ types, ISFJs are the least common.
  • 1 in every 25 males is an ISFJ (4% of all males). 1 in every 10 females is an ISFJ (10% of all females). Among Introverts, there are more female ISFJs than any other type-gender combination.
  • Although male ISFJs are not extremely uncommon, there are significantly more female ISFJs, who outnumber males by more than 2 to 1. One reason there are more female ISFJs is that females tend to be Feelers (F) while males are more often Thinkers (T).

Your Cognitive Functions

You engage the world through four cognitive functions. Each function is directed outward toward people and surroundings (Extraverted) or inward toward your thoughts (Introverted). Your primary function is Introverted Sensing and secondary is Extraverted Feeling.

Introverted Sensing (Primary Function)

You use this function most often. Through Sensing (S), you process data with your five senses. The Introverted Sensing function allows you to remember data in detail and to compare it with current information. It is the ability to link present experiences to past experiences in search for a connection.

Extraverted Feeling (Secondary Function)

Your use of this function is somewhat high. When Feeling (F), you make decisions based on feelings. The Extraverted Feeling function allows you to tune your behavior to the needs of others. Is it the ability to relate and the desire to connect with others with warmth and consideration as well as draw others out and responds to expressed or unexpressed needs.

Introverted Thinking (Tertiary Function)

You use this function but to a lesser degree. While Thinking (T), you make decisions based on logic and reason. The Introverted Thinking function enables you to categorize and analyze information that you receive. It is the ability to identify inconsistencies and know how things work as well the ability to solve problems.

Extraverted Intuition (Least Function)

You use this function least of the four. With Intuition (N), you process new information through impressions, possibilities and meanings. Extraverted Intuition is what allows you to see different paths or ways. When you receive information, you are able to see that there is more than one way to look at things.

Famous People of Your Type

Here is a sampling of famous people and fictional characters that are likely to be ISFJs like you.

  • Louisa May Alcott
    Novelist
  • Alfred, Lord Tennyson
    Poet
  • William Howard Taft
    American President
  • Robert E. Lee
    Army Officer
  • Queen Mary I
    Queen of England
  • Barbara Bush
    American First Lady
  • Nancy Reagan
    American First Lady
  • Bess Truman
    American First Lady
  • Robin Roberts
    Newscaster
  • Kristi Yamaguchi
    Figure Skater
  • Mother Theresa
    Missionary Nun
  • Johnny Carson
    TV Show Host, Comedian
  • Jimmy Stewart
    Actor
  • Michael Caine
    Actor
  • J. P. Morgan
    Financier, Banker
  • Ed Bradley
    Journalist
  • Navigator Lambert
    Alien
  • Tonya
    Doctor Zhivago
  • Bianca
    Taming of the Shrew
  • David Copperfield
    Charles Dickens Character
  • Hero
    Much Ado About Nothing
  • Melanie Hamilton
    Gone With The Wind
  • Ophelia
    Hamlet
  • Joel Barish
    Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
  • Samwise Gamgee
    The Lord of the Rings
  • Dr. John H. Watson
    Sherlock Holmes
  • Winnie the Pooh
    Disney Character

Career Matches for Your Type

ISFJs may find satisfaction with the following careers which tend to match well with their Defender personality. This list is not exhaustive and these are not guaranteed to be perfect matches for you but this may be a helpful starting point if you are planning to pursue a new career.

  • Administrator
  • Career Counselor
  • Child Care
  • Police Officer
  • Church Worker
  • Clerical Supervisor
  • Counselor
  • Medical Doctor
  • Social Worker
  • Actor/Actress
  • Counselor
  • Human Resources
  • Medical Technologist
  • Office Manager
  • Shopkeeper
  • Researcher
  • Scientist
  • Senior Manager
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Librarian
  • Nurse
  • Auditor
  • Bookkeeper
  • Business Analyst
  • Health Service
  • Homemaker
  • Writer
  • Military
  • Accountant
  • Administrative Assistant

Your Temperament

Your Temperament in the Population Your temperament is SJ since you lean toward the Sensing (S) and Judging (J) preferences. We identify your temperament by the strength of your Preferences. Many psychologists, philosophers and other thinkers have for centuries proposed that there are four temperaments that can describe a person.

Temperament is a more broad classification than Personality Type. Each of the four temperaments is like an umbrella over four related personality types (for a total of 16 personality types).

SJ - The "Protector"

Protectors (SJs) are dependable, altruistic and honest. They are driven by a strict work ethic and place a high premium on helping others and serving the community. Protectors are gifted leaders because of their natural ability to organize, plan and strategize. They thrive in situations where they know what is expected of them since they appreciate rules and structure.

They are protective of the people they love, dutiful and very loyal. They value tradition and morality. Protectors often excel in school and perform with high standards. They do not appreciate when others break rules or challenge their authority. They dislike change and unpredictable situations.

SJ Population by Gender
"I thought I heard someone laughing just now. If anyone present wishes to make me the subject of his wit, I am very much at his service — with my sword — whenever he has leisure." — Reepicheep

Famous Protectors

  • Warren Buffet
    Investor, Businessman
  • Harry Truman
    American President
  • Queen Elizabeth II
    Queen of England
  • Lyndon B. Johnson
    American President
  • John D. Rockefeller
    Industrialist
  • Sam Walton
    Founder of Walmart
  • Rev. Billy Graham
    Evangelist, Writer
  • Alfred Tennyson
    Poet
  • George W. Bush
    American President
  • William McKinley
    American President
  • Don Knotts
    Comedian
  • Sally Field
    Actress
  • Jack Benny
    Comedian, Actor
  • Terry Bradshaw
    Football Player
  • Mary Tyler Moore
    actress, comedian
  • George Washington
    American President
  • Herbert Hoover
    American President
  • Evander Holyfield
    Boxer
  • Barbara Bush
    American First Lady
  • Robert E. Lee
    U.S. Army Officer
  • Jimmy Stewart
    Actor
  • Cliff Clavin
    Cheers
  • Rachel Lynde
    Anne of Green Gables
  • Joe Friday
    Dragnet
  • Princess Leia
    Star Wars
  • Dr. Watson
    Sherlock Holmes
  • Lucy van Pelt
    Peanuts Comic
  • Donald Duck
    Disney Character

Protector Career Matches

SJ's are commonly skilled at and often find satisfaction with the following careers.

  • Police
  • Military
  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Administrator
  • Manager
  • Supervisor
  • Judge
  • Teacher
  • Librarian
  • Researcher
  • Scientist
  • SJs (Protectors) make up about 41% of the general population.
  • There are slightly more female SJs than there are male.
  • More SJs have been American Presidents than any other temperament.

Your Preferences

Your preferences are Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F) and Judging (J). These determine your Personality Type and Temperament.

There are four pairs of opposite preferences. Everyone has a greater tendency toward one preference than the other in each pair. For example, in the Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) dichotomy, you personally have a stronger tendency toward Feeling (F). Each preference has a single letter (such as "F") that identifies it.

Extraversion vs. Introversion in You

Extravert/Introvert Population Pie Chart Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I) are opposite preferences. Your natural tendency toward one is stronger than the other. Extraversion and Introversion describe how a person directs their energy either outwardly toward people and activities or inwardly toward thoughts and ideas. Of the two, your dominant preference is Introversion. Although everybody exhibits characteristics of each preference to some degree, you can be referred to as an Introvert.

  • You are 48% more Introverted than the average
  • You are part of the minority of people who are primarily Introverted
  • Males on average are slightly more Introverted than females

Your Extraversion (E)

Strength of Your Extraversion (E) Extraversion is characterized by a preference to focus on the world outside the self. Extraverts are energized by social gatherings, parties and group activities. Extraverts are usually enthusiastic, gregarious and animated. Their communication style is verbal and assertive. Extraverts often need to talk. They enjoy the limelight.

  • Sociable
  • Energized by interaction
  • Assertive
  • Gregarious
  • Talkative
  • Enthusiastic
  • Expressive
  • Volunteers personal info
  • Many friends
  • Easy to approach
  • Enjoys groups

Your Introversion (I)

Strength of Your Introversion (I) Introversion is characterized by a preference to focus on the inside world. Introverts are energized by spending time alone or with a small group. They find large group gatherings draining because they seek depth instead of breadth of relationships. Introverts process information internally. They are often great listeners.

  • Energized by time alone
  • Private
  • Keeps to self
  • Quiet
  • Deliberate
  • Internally aware
  • Fewer friends
  • Prefers smaller groups
  • Peaceful
  • Independent
  • Thinks before speaking
  • Enjoys solitude

Sensing vs. Intuition in You

Sensor/Intuitive Population Pie Chart You use Sensing (S) and Intuition (N) to receive and process new information either by using your five senses or in more abstract ways. Both preferences in this pair are used by everybody to some degree. With that said, you can be classified as Sensor since your dominant preference is Sensing.

  • You are 5% more Sensing than the average
  • You are part of the majority of people who are primarily Sensing
  • Females on average are slightly more Sensing than males

Your Sensing (S)

Strength of Your Sensing (S) Sensors focus on the present. They are "here and now" people. They are factual and process information through the five senses. They see things as they are because they are concrete and literal thinkers. They trust what is certain. Sensors value realism and common sense. They like ideas with practical applications.

  • Concrete
  • Realistic
  • Lives in the present
  • Aware of surroundings
  • Notices details
  • Practical
  • Goes by senses
  • Factual
  • Trusts certainty
  • Values common sense

Your Intuition (N)

Strength of Your Intuition (N) Intuitive people live in the future. They are immersed in the world of possibilities. They process information through patterns and impressions. Intuitive people value inspiration and imagination. They gather knowledge by reading between the lines. Their abstract nature attracts them toward deep ideas, concepts and metaphors. They can see the "big picture" and are analytical.

  • Future-focused
  • Sees possibilities
  • Inventive
  • Imaginative
  • Deep
  • Abstract
  • Idealistic
  • Complex
  • Theoretical
  • Philosophical

Thinking vs. Feeling in You

Thinker/Feeler Population Pie Chart The Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) preference pair refers to how you make decisions, either by objective logic or subjective feeling. Your dominant preference is Feeling so you can be classified as a Feeler. Each of the two preferences are employed by everybody at different times and to different degrees.

  • You are 31% more Feeling than the average
  • Feelers like you make up about half of the population
  • The majority of females are Feelers while the majority of males are Thinkers

Your Thinking (T)

Strength of Your Thinking (T) Thinking people are objective. They make decisions based on facts. They are ruled by their head instead of their heart (but are not without emotion). Thinking people judge situations and others based on logic. They value truth over tact and can easily identify flaws. They are critical thinkers and oriented toward problem solving.

  • Logical
  • Objective
  • Decides with head
  • Seeks truth
  • Rational
  • Impersonal
  • Critical thinking
  • Thick-skinned
  • Firm with people
  • Driven by thought

Your Feeling (F)

Strength of Your Feeling (F) Feeling people are subjective. They make decisions based on principles and values. They are ruled by their heart instead of their head. Feeling people judge situations and others based on feelings and extenuating circumstances. They seek to please others and want to be appreciated. They value harmony and empathy.

  • Decides with heart
  • Dislikes conflict
  • Passionate
  • Driven by emotion
  • Gentle
  • Easily hurt
  • Empathetic
  • Caring
  • Warm
  • Subjective

Judging vs. Perceiving in You

Judger/Perceiver Population Pie Chart Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) are how you interact with the world outside yourself, either in a structured or flexible manner. All people use both of these preferences to different degrees but one is more dominant. Since your dominant preference is Judging, you can be referred to as a Judger.

  • You are 68% more Judging than the average
  • You are part of the slight majority of people who are primarily Judging
  • Females on average are slightly more Judging than males

Your Judging (J)

Strength of Your Judging (J) Judging people think sequentially. They value order and organization. Their lives are scheduled and structured. Judging people seek closure and enjoy completing tasks. They take deadlines seriously. They work then they play. The Judging preference does not mean judgmental. Judging refers to how a person deals with day-to-day activities.

  • Decisive
  • Controlled
  • Completes projects
  • Organized
  • Structured
  • Scheduled
  • Quick at tasks
  • Responsible
  • Seeks closure
  • Makes plans

Your Perceiving (P)

Strength of Your Perceiving (P) Perceivers are adaptable and flexible. They are random thinkers who prefer to keep their options open. Perceivers thrive with the unexpected and are open to change. They are spontaneous and often juggle several projects at once. They enjoy starting a task better than finishing it. Perceivers play as they work.

  • Adaptable
  • Relaxed
  • Random
  • Carefree
  • Spontaneous
  • Changes tracks midway
  • Keeps options open
  • Procrastinates
  • Dislikes routine
  • Flexible

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Further Learning

"Personality is that which is most intimate to me—that by which I must act out my life. It is that by which I belong to man, that by which I am able to reach after God; and He has given to me this pearl of great price. It is an immortal treasure; it is mine, it is His, and no man shall pluck it out of His hand." — Hugh Reginald Haweis