ESTJs, also known as Executives, are organized, efficient, and decisive individuals who thrive in structured environments. They are known for their reliability, sense of duty, and commitment to tradition. ESTJs are often referred to as "the Executives" because of their natural ability to take charge and lead others.
ESTJ and Myers Briggs Personality Test
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective self-report questionnaire designed to identify a person's personality type, preferences, and strengths. It is based on the work of Carl Jung, who developed a theory of psychological types that categorized individuals based on their preferences for four key dichotomies:
Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E): Individuals who are more introspective and energized by solitude are categorized as introverts, while those who are more outgoing and energized by social interaction are categorized as extraverts.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Individuals who focus on concrete details and facts are categorized as sensors, while those who prefer abstract concepts and possibilities are categorized as intuitives.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Individuals who make decisions based on logic and reason are categorized as thinkers, while those who consider emotions and personal values are categorized as feelers.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Individuals who prefer structure and closure are categorized as judgers, while those who are more flexible and adaptable are categorized as perceivers.
Read more and take a quick MBTI test to assess your personality.ESTJ Personality Type
ESTJs are responsible, realistic, and conventional. Their primary function is Extraverted Thinking while their auxiliary function is Introverted Sensing. This allows them to recognize concrete needs and remember data in detail. They are more focused on linking the past to the present. They use logic and traditional principles to guide them through life. They are quick to come up with a plan and finish it off. They place importance on closure. Because of this, they may take on leadership roles. They are self-confident and assertive. They may be perceived as critical and harsh, but this is only to ensure their plan works out (Butt “ESTJ”). ESTJs are direct and honest and take their role seriously and are known as “model citizens.” They thrive on order and continuity. Community is crucial to the ESTJ. They love spending time with family and friends. They learn best in situations where objectives are established (as well as details) so they can plan ahead. Thus, they are good with deadline.
ESTJ weaknesses include their general inability to adapt to new environments. They can be too demanding and fail to recognize other people’s opinions and feelings. This is because they have a set value system. They may also come across as too bossy (“Portrait of an ESTJ”).
Jungian functional preference ordering:
• Dominant: Extraverted Thinking
• Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing
• Tertiary: Extraverted Intuition
• Inferior: Introverted Feeling
ESTJ’s generally have the following traits:
• Natural leaders - they like to be in charge
• Value security and tradition
• Loyal
• Hard-working and dependable
• Athletic and wholesome
• Have a clear set of standards and beliefs which they live by
• No patience with incompetence or inefficiency
• Excellent organizational abilities
• Enjoy creating order and structure
• Very thorough
• Will follow projects through to completion
• Straight-forward and honest
• Driven to fulfill their duties ESTJ’s have a lot of flexibility in the types of careers that they choose. They are good at a lot of different things, because they put forth a tremendous amount of effort towards doing things the right way. They will be happiest in leadership positions, however, because they have a natural drive to be in charge. They are best suited for jobs which require creating order and structure.
ESTJ Relationships
ESTJ’s are very enthusiastic people who are driven to fulfill their obligations and duties, especially those towards their families. Their priorities generally put God first, family second, and friends third. They put forth a tremendous amount of effort to meet their obligations and duties, according to their priorities. They are dedicated and committed to their relationships, which they consider to be lifelong and unalterable. They like to be in charge, and may be very controlling of their mates and children. They have high esteem for traditions and institutions, and expect that their mates and children will support these as well. They have little patience and need for dealing with people who see things very differently from the ESTJ.
ESTJ Strengths
• Generally enthusiastic, upbeat and friendly
• Stable and dependable, they can be counted on to promote security for their families
• Put forth a lot of effort to fulfill their duties and obligations
• Responsible about taking care of day-to-day practical concerns around the house
• Usually good (albeit conservative) with money • Not personally threatened by conflict or criticism
• Interested in resolving conflict, rather than ignoring it
• Take their commitments very seriously, and seek lifelong relationships
• Able to move on after a relationship breaks up
• Able to administer discipline when necessary
ESTJ Weaknesses
• Tendency to believe that they are always right
• Tendency to need to always be in charge
• Impatient with inefficiency and sloppiness
• Not naturally in tune with what others are feeling
• Not naturally good at expressing their feelings and emotions
• May inadvertently hurt others with insensitive language
• Tendency to be materialistic and status-conscious
• Generally uncomfortable with change, and moving into new territories
Potential Problem Areas
An ESTJ may show some or all of the following weaknesses in varying degrees:
• May be unaware or uncaring of how they come across to others.
• May deliberately bully people into behaving a certain way (with the justification that they're enforcing a principle.)
• May quickly dismiss input from others without really considering it.
• May have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings to others.
• Maybe have difficulty understanding the importance of considering people's feelings, and trying to meet their emotional needs.
• May hold grudges, and have difficulty forgiving people.
• May have an intense and quick temper.
• May be highly controlling towards others.
• May be unable to place value on individual life.
• May be unable to see the long-term impact of their behavior.
Careers
• Accountant
• Engineer
• Scientist
• Editor
• Manager
• Law Enforcement
• Banker
• Marketer
• Teacher
• Business Analyst
• Marketing
If you are an ESTJ, you are a reliable, responsible, and decisive individual with the potential to make a positive impact on the world. Use your strengths to build strong organizations and lead others to success.