ESTJ: The Director (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)

Personality Psychology

ESTJ: The Director (Extraverted, Sensing,
Thinking, Judging)

ESTJ is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(MBTI). ESTJs are often described as logical, take-charge kinds of people. They are
assertive and are very concerned with making sure that things run smoothly and
according to the rules. They are committed to tradition, standards, and laws. They have
strong beliefs and possess sensible judgment, and expect that other people uphold these
same principles as well.

An estimated 11% of Indonesia. The population has an ESTJ personality. David Keirsey,
the creator of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, suggests that the ESTJ personality
type is the "Guardian Supervisor," one of four "Guardian" archetypes (Supervisor,
Inspector, Provider, Protector).

Key ESTJ Characteristics

Individuals with this personality type tend to place a high value on tradition, rules, and
security. Maintaining the status quo is important to ESTJs, and they often become
involved in civic duties, government branches, and community organizations.

Because of their orthodox approach to life, they can sometimes be seen as rigid, stubborn,
and unyielding. Their take-charge attitude makes it easy for ESTJs to
assume leadership positions.

Their self-confidence and strong convictions help them excel at putting plans into action,
but they can at times appear critical and overly aggressive, particularly when other
people fail to live up to their high standards.

People often describe ESTJs as predictable, stable, committed, and practical. They tend to
be frank when it comes to sharing their opinions, which can sometimes be seen as harsh
or overly critical.

Strengths Weaknesses
Practical and realistic Insensitive
Inflexible
Dependable Not good at expressing feelings
Self-confident Argumentative
Hard-working
Bossy
Traditional
Strong leadership skills

Cognitive Functions

The MBTI suggests that each personality type is made up of several cognitive functions
(sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition) that are either directed toward the outside
world (extraverted) or inward (introverted). The dominant function is the one that plays
a primary role in personality, although the auxiliary function plays an important
supporting role. The tertiary and inferior functions are less prominent, but can still have
an influence on how people behave and interact with the world.

Dominant: Extraverted Thinking

ESTJs rely on objective information and logic to make decisions rather than personal
feelings. They are skilled at making objective, impersonal, and impartial decisions. Rather
than focusing on their subjective feelings when they are making judgments, they consider
facts and logic to make rational choices.

People with ESTJ personality
types tend to be very practical.
They enjoy learning about
things that they can see an
immediate, real-world use for
but tend to lose interest in
things that are abstract or
theoretical. ESTJs enjoy
concrete facts as opposed to
abstract information.

They are good at making fast
and decisive choices, but they
may often rush to judgment
before considering all the
information about a situation.
One positive side, this trait
makes them good leaders, but
it can sometimes lead them to
be viewed as harsh or abrasive.

Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing

They are good at remembering things with a great deal of detail. Their memories of past
events can be quite vivid, and they often utilize their recollections of past experiences to
make connections with present events.

Because their sensing function is focused inwardly, they tend to be less concerned with
novelty and more focused on familiarity. They enjoy having habits and routines that they
can depend upon. While this gives them stability and predictability, it can also make them
stubborn and unyielding at times.

Tertiary: Extraverted Intuition

This aspect of personality seeks out novel ideas and possibilities. It compels people with
this personality type to explore their creativity.

As they process new ideas and information, they may explore the possible meanings to
spot new connections or patterns. This allows them to look at incoming information and
recognize that there may be more than one interpretation or possible outcome.

Inferior: Introverted Feeling

When this function is used, it may lead ESTJs to make decisions based more on feelings
than on logic. These are often internal valuations that lead to "gut feelings" about some
situations. While this function is not used as often, in some cases a person might allow
their subjective feelings to override their objective interpretation of a situation.

ESTJs tend to give much thought to their own emotions, so this function often operates
on a largely unconscious basis.

Personal Relationships

As extroverts, ESTJs are very outgoing and enjoy spending time in the company of others.
They can be very boisterous and funny in social situations and often enjoy being at the
centre of attention.

Family is also of the utmost importance to ESTJs. They put a great deal of effort into
fulfilling their family obligations. Social events are also important and they are good at
remembering important events such as birthdays and anniversaries. They look forward
to attending weddings, family reunions, holiday parties, class reunions, and other
occasions.

One potential area of weakness for ESTJs is their tendency to be rigid when it comes to
rules and routines. They take their own opinion quite seriously and are often less inclined
to listen to what others have to say on a subject.

Career Paths

Because they appreciate order and organization, they frequently do well in supervisory
roles. When in such positions, they are committed to making sure that members of the
group follow rules and traditions and laws established by higher authorities.

In school and work situations, ESTJs are very hard-working and dependable. They strive
to follow directions to the letter and show a great deal of respect and deference for
authority figures. They are thorough and punctual about completing their work, and
rarely question or complain about the work they have to do.

Tips for Interacting with ESTJs

Friendships

People with this personality type are sociable and enjoy getting their friends involved in
activities that they enjoy. ESTJs often value dependability over almost everything else. If
you are a stable friend who sticks to your commitments, you will likely be able to forge
strong friendships with an ESTJ.

Parenting

ESTJs children tend to be very responsible and goal-directed, but be cautious to avoid
placing too many expectations on your child's shoulders. They enjoy structure and
routine. While they are good at being self-directed, they still need guidance and rules to
give them the security they crave.

Relationships

ESTJs are dependable and take their commitments seriously. Once they have dedicated
themselves to a relationship, they will stay true to it for life. They tend to avoid emotions
and feelings, which can be difficult for their partners at times. While they may not express
how they feel through words, remember that they will often convey their emotions
through actions.

Popular ESTJ Careers

Police officer
Military
Judge
Politician
Teacher
School administrator
Business manager
Accountant
Banker