ESTJ:Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging

(File Last Modified Thurs, Oct 24, 2002.)

• ESTJ (13% of the American Population)
• Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
• Possible Blind Spots

ESTJ (13% of the American Population)

Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging

ESTJs are great at getting things done. They like to run the show and make things happen. They are responsible, conscientious, and faithful to their commitments. They like structure and can remember and organize many details. They systematically set about achieving their goals on schedule and as efficiently as possible.

ESTJs are driven to make decisions. Often they base their decisions on their won past experience. They are logical, objective, and analytical and have great reasoning power. In fact, they are unlikely to be persuaded by anything but logic.

ESTJs are realistic, practical, and matter-of-fact. They are more interested in ``real things'' than in intangibles, such as abstract ideas and theories. They tend to not be interested in subjects for which they see no practical application. They know what's happening around them and are concerned primarily with the here and now.

Because they live by a certain set of rules, ESTJs are consistent and dependable. They tend to be traditional and interested in maintaining established institutions. They are consistent in their relationships, although their emotional and social life is not as important to them s other aspect of life. They are comfortable judging others, and can be crisp disciplinarians.

ESTJs are outgoing, sociable, direct, and friendly. They are usually easy to get to know, since ``what you see is what you get.''

Possible Blind Spots

Because ESTJs adopt a strict code of ethics for both themselves and others, they can be seen as dictatorial when they attempt to impose their standards of behavior on others. Attempting to be more flexible and open-minded will prevent an ESTJ from becoming rigid.

Being logical and impersonal analysts, ESTJs don't naturally consider the impact their decisions have on others. They can be seen as cold and uncaring, and often need to become more aware of their own feelings as well as more respectful of the thoughts and feelings of others.

Since they are naturally critical, ESTJs usually don't demonstrate their appreciation of the positive attributes or contributions of those around them. They need to try to become more aware of the talents and efforts of others, and then offer compliments and praise.

Sometimes ESTJs are so intent on their own plans that they don't stop to listen to what others have to say. They don't naturally ask ``what if,'' so they often miss possible meanings, implications, connections, and patterns. An easy way to protect against being closed-minded is to wait a few seconds before speaking, giving others a chance to offer input.

ESTJs often jump to conclusions without gathering all the necessary information or taking the time to fully understand a situation. They need to learn to consciously delay making decisions until they have considered more information, especially alternatives they may have over looked.

ESTJs who have been able to relinquish some of the control they seek and who have learned to see that there are gray areas in life (rather than seeing things only in black and white) become more adaptable and successful.