ISTP and Dependability

 
People with ISTP preferences carefully observe what is going on around them. Then, when the need arises, they quickly get to the core of a problem and solve it with the greatest efficiency and least effort. They are interested in how and why things work but find abstract theories uninteresting unless they can quickly apply them. They often function as troubleshooters.

ISTP’s resist regimentation and rules, thrive on variety and novelty, and enjoy the challenge of solving a new, concrete and extensive problem.

ISTP’s are tolerant and flexible quiet observers until a problem appears, then act quickly to find workable solutions. They analyze what makes things work and readily get through large amounts of data to isolate the core of any practical problem. They are interested in cause and effect, organise facts using logical principles and value efficiency.

Human Values

What are Human Values? Human Values are those universal cncepts, drivers of action which are found in all cultures, all societies, all times and in all places where human beings live out their lives. The five human values, which can be found in all cultures, all societies and in all religions, are Truth, Right Action, Love, Peace and Non-Violence. These values are eternal; they are eternal essences, which elevate human life to its highest expression, its highest capacity.

Our values are our principles, our guides. Values are our codes of internal conduct, the principles upon which we run our lives and make our decisions. Our first values are given to us by our parents, and these are added to by those values modelled for us by our peers, our teachers, the wider community. Our moral values are often sourced from our faith or belief. It is from these that we select the principles which guide our choices and our behaviours.

Right Action and Dependability

When we say dependable is a sub-value or expression of right action, we are intimating that right action can be identified by many of its elements or sub-values such as good character, discipline, morality, responsibility, determination and self-reliance, to name a few. People who practice right action give up individual benefit in favour of the group, the village, the community, the country or the whole of mankind. Ideas, principles, laws, customs, codes, habits, actions—all are judged on the twin points of intention and consequence. In this manner humanity practices right action.

When we say someone is dependable, we acknowledge they are diligent, reliable, trustworthy, consistent, steadfast and responsible. Dependable people are loyal, faithful, sound, solid, sturdy and constant in their duties. Dependable people are committed, punctual and diligent. The mindmap below illustrates the range and scope of what being dependable is, as well as what it is not, what the limits of being dependable are, and the opposite of dependable.
 

 

ISTP Preferences

ISTP’s use their Thinking primarily internally to see the essential structure underlying the facts. Their minds seem to work almost like computers, organising data, reasoning impersonally and objectively. They make rational decisions based on a great deal of data. ISTP’s are likely to be

• Detached and objective critics
• Analytical and logical problem solvers

ISTP’s are realists, focussing on what is and what can be done with it, rather than on theoretical possibilities. They are often creative at dealing with immediate problems and good at hands-on-tasks. ISTP’s are likely to be

• Practical and realistic
• Factual and pragmatic

ISTP’s are expedient and believe in economy of effort—doing only what is needed with the least possible discussion and fuss. Their focus is on getting the desired results.
 

 

We are all human, we all have strengths and weaknesses, and like the writing example, we do well in some parts of our lives, and in other parts of our lives, we do not have such well-developed skills. This is not any judgement, it is simply explaining that we are all different; we see the world in different ways, we live our lives according to our values, and that everyone has preferences in gathering data, evaluating and making decisions, and living out our their lives.