ISTP as a Leader

24.3.2023

https://www.16personalities.com/articles/unlikely-leaders-virtuosos-istps-in-charge

https://www.truity.com/personality-type/ISTP/careers

possibility to see ISTP as a leader: Unlikely

Leadership isn’t tied to just a select few personality types. Anybody can lead, if they understand their strengths and focus on them.

The ISTP on a Team

ISTPs are practical, task-oriented team members who are usually more focused on the problem at hand than the people involved. They tend to look for ways to contribute with immediate action, and are talented, straightforward troubleshooters. ISTPs rarely demand attention from the team, preferring instead to observe and jump in where they see an opportunity to get something done.

ISTPs bring an efficient energy to a team and usually take it upon themselves to take practical action where they see the need. Their rational analysis often cuts straight to the heart of a matter and helps others see how to move forward. However, they don’t tend to have much patience for abstract discussion, and may neglect the niceties of working with others. In fact, many ISTPs prefer to just do what needs to be done, rather than having to spend time informing or including others.

The ISTP as a Leader

In leadership positions, ISTPs tend to be flexible and hands-off, and expect their reports to be independent as well. They are practical and concrete in their approach, and will prefer to lead teams on projects where tangible results are seen quickly. Good in a crisis, ISTPs are energized by situations that must be acted on immediately, and will jump right in to get the job done.

ISTPs have a strong action orientation, and their understanding of tasks is often more kinetic than verbal. They often find it much easier to simply do something themselves than to explain it to someone else, which can create a challenge for ISTP leaders attempting to delegate. ISTPs often find it more natural to lead by example rather than explanation, and typically do best heading up teams of experienced, self-sufficient workers.

Leadership Styles and ISTP Personality Types

An early social psychologist, Kurt Lewin, broke leadership types into three fluid categories: the authoritarian style, the democratic style, and the laissez-faire style. Every leader prefers a particular approach but may find it necessary to borrow from the other types, as uncommon circumstances demand a different approach. When we talk about a person in charge having a style, we mean mostly, not exclusively.

With an authoritarian preference, the leader keeps control and issues marching orders. The expectation is that those who follow this leader will be compliant. ISTPs’ leadership style is not warm and fuzzy, and these personality types might not share the rationale for their decisions as much as another leader might. Their detachment could give ISTPs’ methods an authoritarian aura as they deliver instructions and goals without taking the time to consult others.

Beyond appearance, ISTPs may find exerting a little clout easier than engaging in the back-and-forth that a more democratic style might entail. A slightly authoritarian style could work for them, but being autocratic is not likely their primary style. It demands that they control others more than they would like to be controlled themselves. This obvious inconsistency in their approach to life might impinge on a sense of fairness and make them uncomfortable.

Contrary to the authoritarian style, a democratic leader seeks opinions from all involved and bases their decisions on the majority’s opinion. Everyone gets in on the decision-making. That doesn’t mean that the democratic leader necessarily feels obligated to accept the group’s idea, but the leader does consider any input.

As our research shows us, ISTP personalities are much more comfortable flying solo when deciding matters. If they have a choice, they are unlikely to arrange a gathering designed primarily to form a consensus. During the few meetings that these leaders call voluntarily, the agenda may lean toward announcing decisions rather than reaching an accord. So we can scratch this concept off as a primary force behind ISTPs’ style.

ISTPs are more likely to take a hands-off approach. The laissez-faire leadership style is one where total freedom is given to those who follow. There’s a reasonable degree of trust involved in this approach, with the leader relaxing into the idea that their team will do the right thing. ISTPs might gravitate toward this style because of their love of independence.

In most cases, ISTPs will adopt the laissez-faire approach as their primary mode of leadership. They may employ a small amount of the authoritarian style when it helps them keep their comfort zones intact. After a fashion, ISTPs lead the same way they live.

What Works for ISTP Leaders

Solution-Oriented

ISTPs are always thinking. They are experimenters who try different things – according to their interests and at their own pace. Nonetheless, these personalities do like to solve problems. Should a company be drowning in challenges and setbacks, a ISTP individual might be the person to call on for leadership.

As mentioned above, they usually have no interest in solving the typical organizational problems that leaders often tackle. But, in truth, people reluctantly do what is needed from them on the job all the time. Having little or no attraction to solving more intangible problems does not necessarily mean that ISTPs have no talent at overcoming such obstacles. Problem-solving, no matter what kind, involves basic steps that are relatively universal across all challenges.

ISTPs don’t have as much of a hunger for knowledge when compared to other Thinking personality types, but they can usually fill any gaps when they need information. They can be very resourceful in the right situation.

Objective

The thing about living independently is how little one ends up getting entangled in the affairs and concerns of other people. This distance can allow ISTP personalities to make decisions that are right for the endeavor, without other team members’ individual or personal issues playing a role.

While a downside to such remoteness exists, which we’ll discuss below, deciding matters based on objective considerations can be incredibly efficient. If, for example, the problem in an organization involves conflicts caused by methodological or values-based differences, who better to cut through such office politics with unbiased practicality than ISTP leaders? Since they remain detached, muddying the waters with favoritism or social pressure is less likely. They have what is needed to make tough decisions that other personality types may have no stomach for.

Flexible

As we’ve already discussed, flexibility can be a mixed bag for ISTPs. These personalities sometimes have a stubborn streak that can derail any flexibility that they might typically display. However, our research shows that, in many situations, ISTPs are comfortable with and unbothered by change. Having a leader who exhibits a quiet calm during a storm of instability can be an asset.

ISTPs prefer working with a smaller group, and that may also appeal to their sense of flexibility. A group with fewer people can go in another direction more quickly than a larger crew. What they lack in numbers, they make up for with agility.

Areas That May Need Attention

Interpersonal Considerations

When it comes to developing a portrait of the ISTP leader, the elephant in the room is their almost reclusive lifestyle. To lead, one must have people who willingly follow. An absentee laissez-faire manager may appear as though they don’t care about the people who work with them.

When grumbling exists among the ranks, accessibility to the leader can make a substantial difference in resolving issues and can lead to more satisfactory outcomes. People aren’t going to invest in any project if they don’t believe that their efforts are appreciated. A ISTP will rarely spend time at the watercooler sharing stories from their personal lives.

Regular, informal feedback can go a long way toward making employees feel noticed and valued. The words “great job” can make a dramatic difference.

Team-Building

As team leaders, ISTPs need to resist the impulse to go it alone. ISTP personalities may not value the idea of a team. If they need to, they can learn team-building techniques, but their heart will never be in it. It’s hard to promote what you don’t respect.

That said, if they observe a need for a coordinated and cohesive group, ISTPs might approach it like they do any other problem. While not heartfelt and perhaps void of “team spirit,” a mechanical facsimile of a team with an efficient division of labor is possible.

Minding Protocols

Our research consistently suggests that ISTPs treat rules more casually than most personality types. This loose regard for the rules may just be another expression of independence. They may not necessarily think that they’re above the prevailing standards – more likely, they believe that the rules don’t work for them, pragmatically. Bending the rules is simply a practical matter for ISTPs.

For a leader, this is easier to get away with if they are at the top of the food chain. When they have superiors they must answer to, it might not be easy to overlook set standards. If they’re not careful, ignoring established standards can put both them and their team in tricky situations. While ISTPs may consider rules as something made to be broken, often they are in place for a good reason, and ignoring that good reason may have consequences.