Pearl Nash
Maybe someone has told you that you have a ‘guardian’ personality…
…Or you’ve completed a personality test that’s told you you’re the Guardian.
This ISFJ personality type is introverted, sensing, feeling and judging.
But what does this actually mean?
Let’s look at some of the signs that suggest you have a Guardian personality.
1) You are loyal
One of the biggest signs that someone is a protector is that they are fiercely loyal.
Now, being fiercely loyal to a Protector personality means having the backs of people nearest and dearest to you.
It means not sh*t talking about people and not allowing others to do the same.
Simply put, people who are Protector types are likely to defend those they care about when someone starts saying unfavorable things.
I’ve seen the Protector type in action with my brother.
You see, when he was at school he would stand up to bullies who picked on his friends.
What’s more, he’d always stand up to my dad when he’s started saying negative things about my mom who divorced him.
You see, he feels the need to be loyal to those that he cares about… Even if that means putting himself on the line!
In the workplace, a Protector is someone who is likely to be loyal to their superiors.
They’re not the type of person that will talk back and hate the fact they’re in a structure where someone is more senior than them!
Instead, they’ll have respect and be devoted to their superiors.
In its profile about the Guardian Protector, Keirsey explains:
“Protectors derive a great deal of satisfaction from caring for others, and they offer their comfort gently and helpfully. Though they present a quiet reserve, these individuals are friendly and fondhearted in nature. They enjoy assisting the downtrodden and can handle disability and neediness in others better than most. Protectors are devoted and loyal to their superiors. They influence those around them by setting an example of humility, service, and dedication.”
Simply put, they have bags of dedication and loyalty!
2) You are dependable
It makes sense that someone who is celebrated for being loyal is also dependable.
Simply put, people who are Guardian Protector types are the sort that do the things they say they’re going to do.
In other words, when you set a Protector a task to do, you can genuinely rest assured that they’re going to get it done when they say they are going to.
Ask a Protector for a piece of work by the end of the day? You’ll get it.
Tell a Protector a secret and ask them to not share it with anyone else? Sure.
You see, they are dependable through and through…
…And because these folks don’t let anyone down, they build up trust amongst their friends, family and coworkers.
It often means that these types are very successful in the workplace as people know they can count on them.
Think about it: if a boss knows that a person is going to do something on time consistently and stick to their word, they’re going to climb the ranks pretty quickly!
3) You are thorough
Protector types don’t just place an emphasis on getting their work in on time…
…They like to do a thorough job too!
You see, attention to detail is a core trait of Protectors.
They sweat the small stuff and care about ensuring that something is completed to a high standard.
It doesn’t matter if it’s painting a wall, writing a poem or wrapping a gift, everything the Protector does with attention and care.
“They base their self-image on being seen as dependable, beneficent, and respectable—and to that end, they are extremely careful in their work. With their extraordinary sense of safety and responsibility, and with their unusual talent for executing routines in a precise manner, they do well in roles that allow for their logistical brilliance to shine. Protectors possess a sincerity and seriousness of purpose that causes them to be focused on completion.”
In my experience, you can really tell when someone is a Protector in the workplace.
You see, I used to work with a woman who climbed the ranks of the company in record time as not only would she complete everything that she said she would, but it was to such a high standard!
I’m not going to lie, it was impressive to watch.
Truth is, Protectors are often high achievers because of the way they’re made up.
They like to do things that they say they will – and to do them really well!
4) You are observant
Along with being thorough, Protector types are also observant.
They are very aware of their surroundings and the details in situations.
In other words, they’re very perceptive to their environments and surroundings.
…They pay attention!
They’re not the type of people to be daydreaming off and thinking about what to cook for dinner as someone else talks.
Instead they’re active listeners who are in the moment.
What’s more, Protector types can be considered mindful for their ability to be present in the moment.
You see, the little things that other personalities might miss are top of mind for Protector types.
Simply put, Protector types would be able to tell you what colors and smells were in the room while other personality types are less likely to have taken note!
For Protector types, it’s as though they have a heightened sense of awareness!
5) You are respectful
It’s a sign you have a Guardian personality if you’re someone who’s very respectful.
You see, respect goes hand-in-hand with being loyal.
It can obviously mean different things to different people (and in different cultural settings), but respect at its core means to have regard for other people’s feelings, wishes or rights.
For instance, a Protector would be respectful to various traditions that might be imposed by family members, friends and people in the workplace.
Let’s say they work for an institution:
A Protector is unlikely to challenge the cultural and institutional values and traditions, like other personality types.
Instead, they will hold a deep respect and admiration and not challenge things as they don’t believe it is their place to do so.
This also goes for traditions within their family structures.
Simply put, a Protector is unlikely to break away from the way things are, and to start suggesting that the structure is different.
This is just not the way they are!
Keirsey explains:
“They carry with them a sense of pride and respect for history; a sense of continuity with past events and relationships. They are keenly aware of status given by birth, titles, offices, and credentials. They believe in the safety of a traditional social hierarchy, and do everything they can to uphold custom and convention. Protectors expect others to respect traditions and to do the “right thing” at the “right time”—and always for the “right reason.”
In other words, they feel as though it is their place to continue what is expected of them and to uphold customs.
For the Protector, respecting others is more important to them than challenging the status quo!
6) You’re frugal
Protectors are known for their frugal nature.
You see, Protectors are the kinds of people who won’t overspend recklessly and live beyond their means.
In other words, you won’t find frugal people buying something lavish on a credit card and blowing all of their cash.
They’re the sort of people that like to live within their means.
This means they have a budget and they stick to it!
What’s more, they like to ensure that they have enough money in the bank in case they need it for an emergency.
Simply put, Protectors like to prepare for possible eventualities.
They like to have money put aside for unexpected bills or even parking tickets!
You see, they are careful when it comes to money management and they think ahead.
If you’re not like a Protector type personality, it might seem strange that you would put money aside for the chance that things might go wrong in the future…
…But this is just how they are!
7) You are caring
It might come as no surprise that people with the Guardian personality are considered caring.
Simply put, the clue is in the name!
It’s true that Protectors are very caring:
They like to look after and be there for the people around them.
This might mean looking after parents and grandparents, or listening to friends’ problems.
People who are Protectors are like this in all areas of their lives.
You see, they simply care very deeply about others…
…And there isn’t an ‘on’ or ‘off’ button for who they care for!
If someone needs their care and support, they’re there to offer it!
Simply put, if you’re someone who feels compelled to help others it’s a sign that you have a Guardian personality!
