ISTJ
Portrait of the Inspector (iStJ)
Copyrighted © 1996 Prometheus Nemesis Book Company.

The Inspector Guardians are not only concrete in speech
and cooperative in getting things done, they are also directive and attentive in
their social interactions. Though not always open about directing others, still
they are not the least bit reluctant in this regard.
About ten percent of the general population, Inspectors are
characterized by decisiveness in practical affairs, are the guardians of
time-honored institutions, and, if only one adjective could be selected,
"dependable" would best describe this type. Whether at home or at
work, iStJs are extraordinarily reliable and dependable, particularly when it
comes to inspecting the people and things in their field of vision. Inspectors
can be counted on to scrutinize the products and accounts of the institutions
they serve-the company's books, the farmer's crops, the manufacturer's goods-but
also to examine the attitudes and actions of those around them. Inspectors are
earnest and thorough in their inspecting; all must go under their magnifying
glass, so that no deviation from the official standard is left undetected. It is
their duty to spot and to report any and all discrepancies, though they prefer
to work behind the scenes and not confront the deviators. Indeed, iStJs are
rather quiet and serious types, making their inspections without flourish or
fanfare, and, therefore, the dedication they bring to their work can go
unnoticed and unappreciated.
Inspectors have a distaste for and distrust of fanciness in
speech, dress, or place. Their words tend to be simple and "down
home," not showy or high-flown; their clothes are often practical and
conservative rather than of the latest style or extravagant; and their home and
work environments are usually neat, orderly, and functional, rather than
up-to-date or luxurious. In their choice of personal property (cars,
furnishings, jewelry, and so on) price and durability are of primary concern,
comfort or appearance given small consideration. "Classics," antiques,
and heirlooms are especially prized, having achieved a certain time-honored
status -- iStJs prefer the old-fashioned to the newfangled every time. Even on
vacation, "no nonsense" seems the term for this type, who tend not to
be attracted by exotic foods, beverages, or locales.
President Harry S. Truman is an example of an Inspector
Guardian.
A full description of the Inspector and Guardians is in Please
Understand Me or Please Understand Me II