The ISFJ as an Entrepreneur

Vision and Insight

ISFJs use introverted sensing as their dominant function. This gives them a strong connection to the past, to the ideas and ways of doing things that have lasted through time. Unfortunately, this connection to the past can hinder their ability to consider or develop new ideas and innovations. This can also be a barrier to their business vision, and make them less likely to actually go into business for themselves. ISFJs usually don’t like the idea of starting their own business because it can’t offer them the stability and the history that they’re looking for from their career choices. This doesn’t mean that they won’t go into business on their own of course, but it can restrict their willingness to take this kind of risk.

Emotional Strengths and Weaknesses

ISFJs are passionate people who are usually dedicated to making the world better in some way. This is because of their extraverted feeling auxiliary, which automatically senses the needs of others and looks for ways to meet those needs. This often makes ISFJs incredibly altruistic and caring people. And when their entrepreneurial efforts line up with these goals, they’ll bring this enthusiasm to every aspect of their work as well. This passion and drive can take them far, pushing them to complete every task to the best of their abilities. And their enthusiasm usually doesn’t fade either. When an ISFJ is working in alignment with their deepest goals, their motivation and drive are endless and incredibly admirable. But if they find themselves building a business that doesn’t align with their values, they’ll often struggle to keep this same level of focus.

One problem that ISFJs may encounter in their entrepreneurship journey comes from their emotional sensitivity. This type takes failures or setbacks very hard, and may see them as a personal attack, or a sign that they’re on the wrong path. This can result in the ISFJ quitting their efforts very abruptly and going back to a more traditional path. It will also cause them a lot of turmoil and emotional pain until they sort everything out and get back into action once more.

Workplace Strengths

ISFJs have a good amount of emotional intelligence and this will usually make their working relationships very happy and healthy. This is one of the greatest strengths that ISFJs bring to their own business, and it will stand them in good stead. ISFJs will be the sort of partner or boss who is warm and supportive and always fair. Their emotional intelligence is a very practical kind as well, and ISFJs will always be willing to go the extra mile for their working relationships and to take concrete steps to overcome difficulties and problems.

One problem they will have personally is with their sensitivity to criticism. ISFJs will take all negative comments that are directed at them or at their business personally, and this will cause them a lot of pain and confusion. They need to be a little wary when it comes to this aspect of their business, and make sure they have the emotional and mental support to withstand the kind of scrutiny and judgement that often comes with entrepreneurship.

Social Skills and Networking

ISFJs are usually very good networkers. People of this type are warm and personable and they truly enjoy talking to others and connecting with them. As an added bonus, their extraverted feeling auxiliary also makes them very aware of the emotions of others, and able to respond accordingly to make people feel happier, more secure, or whatever else they’re looking for from the interaction. The ability to affect others in this way can be very beneficial, both at networking events and when ISFJs are looking for support and help to set up their business. Learning to use these skills positively and deliberately can markedly benefit their business and help them find the success they’re looking for.

In the Planning Stages

ISFJs are naturally meticulous and disciplined. They aren’t the type to rush in, half do something and then take off in pursuit of something better, and they’ll apply this reliability to the planning stage of their business as well. ISFJs are likely to organize the setup of their business down to the last detail. They’ll know exactly what they have to do and won’t usually mind the tedium or the boredom of getting the right paperwork completed or dealing with bureaucracy. ISFJs have a deep understanding of the importance of these kinds of structures and conventions, and won’t mind doing what they have to do to make sure their business has the best start possible.

Building the Business

ISFJs enjoy routine and schedules and they’ll have no problems setting these up in their business or following these guidelines themselves. In fact, this type is likely to feel much more secure and happy once they’ve set up the expectations and boundaries for their business, and this will probably be one of the first things they do. ISFJs will usually be extremely fair in the way they set up their business as well. They wouldn’t even consider assigning tasks or responsibilities to others that they don’t or wouldn’t do for themselves no matter how boring or mundane those tasks might be. ISFJs have an innate understanding of how important these kinds of responsibilities are to the health of the business and the individual, and will be quite happy to take them. This kind of fairness will make their business partners or their employees very happy, and make their work environment very pleasant as well.

Final Thoughts

ISFJs truly understand the value of hard work. In their own business, and in fact in every part of their lives, people of this type aren’t afraid to work hard and to dedicate themselves to the work, and this is a great bonus in whatever career path they find themselves.

References

1. Baruah, Gurleen. “Understanding Introverted Sensing Types: ISTJ and ISFJ“. Mar 28, 2017. (Retrieved May 2018).
2. skaught. “Extraverted Feeling (Fe)“. Jan 19, 2013. (Retrieved May 2018).
3. “ISFJ – The Nurturer“.
4. “The ISFJ Career Path“.
5. “The ISFJ in the Workplace“.