Workplace Habits

Wherever they may be on the career ladder, Defenders share the goal of putting good service and dedication above all else. People with this personality type can always be relied on for their kindness and ability to listen carefully to concerns – and to find ways to resolve them. Win-win situations are Defenders’ bread and butter, and no other personality type can quite match the satisfaction that they take in finding practical, clear resolutions to day-to-day challenges.

Defender Subordinates

As employees, Defenders exemplify the strength of humble dedication. Relied on and respected for their patience and commitment, people with this personality type really only need one reward for their work: the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve helped someone. And if that person expresses a bit of gratitude, so much the better.

Defender (ISFJ) workplace habits

At times, Defenders’ radical humility can hold them back. They tend to be unwilling to play up their achievements, often for fear of creating unnecessary friction. Unfortunately, this can make it all too easy for their bosses to overlook them when opportunities for promotion come along.

Defenders’ humility is a strength – but people with this personality type may struggle to get new opportunities unless they learn to take at least some credit for all the work that they do.

Defenders’ loyalty and dependability often makes them invaluable to their bosses. In general, people with this personality type can be trusted to carry out their tasks precisely and without complaint. But Defenders’ aversion to rocking the boat may make it difficult for them to correct or disagree with their bosses or coworkers, even when it’s necessary to do so in order to avoid wasted time and energy. Fortunately, with time, many Defenders learn to express their opinions (and corrections) in a gentle, nonjudgmental way.

Defender Colleagues

For Defenders, an ideal work environment is founded on working together with colleagues rather than competing against them, with everyone collaborating toward the shared goal of getting the job done. Close-knit and supportive teams are what Defender personalities enjoy most, allowing them to express their altruistic spirit among people who rely on their dedication and warmth.

Defenders build relationships with their colleagues naturally – a skill that they use to keep things running smoothly, not to ingratiate themselves with others.

These strengths can become drawbacks, however, as Defenders’ aversion to conflict and their desire to help can be abused by less scrupulous colleagues. Instead of only asking for help when they need it, some colleagues may heap extra work on Defenders’ desks, knowing that Defender colleagues have a hard time saying no. Unless they learn to set boundaries, Defenders can feel overburdened and stressed – and not a little taken advantage of.

Defender Managers

Defenders don’t always raise their hands for leadership opportunities, but their interpersonal skills and work ethic can lend themselves quite well to managing others. As managers, Defenders tend to be warm and approachable, always willing to answer questions and always ready to step up and help. Having no real desire to exercise power over others, Defender personalities prefer to work alongside their subordinates, keeping things running smoothly and minimizing conflict.

Defenders bring a team spirit to their work, and they aim to impart this spirit to the people they manage.

Defender managers care about efficiency and effectiveness, but never at the expense of maintaining a positive relationship with their subordinates. Change can be a challenge for bosses with this personality type – including the none-too-pleasant change of firing someone who isn’t working out. At times, Defender managers may sink a bit too much of their energy into an underperforming employee – but they’d much rather make this mistake than the mistake of giving up on someone who just needed another chance.