ESTJ Personality Type [Organizer, Supervisor, Administrator]

ESTJ personality type accounts for about 8-12 percent of the general population, and it is the second most common type among men (source). When compared to the four personality types, ESTJ is an equivalent of mixed Choleric-Melancholic type, which explains their serious and imposing nature. A lot of ESTJ traits are seen as conventionally masculine: They are dependable, practical, logical, assertive and firm-minded. Generally, ESTJs are seen as doers who take decisions and act quickly. Being Extroverted Judgers (EJ), ESTJs rely on logic and analysis. Some of their strongest points are their intense focus and their ability to honor commitments.

If you aren’t confident whether or not you are an ESTJ, you can take this scientifically validated test to find out.

ESTJ Meaning

ESTJ stands for

• Extroverted. Being extroverted means that the ESTJ prefers to focus externally.
• Sensing. Being a Sensor, the ESTJ pays more attention to facts and details rather than ideas, concepts and feelings. In other words, the ESTJ perceives the world “as it is”, not what it potentially could be.
• Thinking. Having a thinking style means that the ESTJ relies on objectivity and logic rather than feelings.
• Judging. Having a judging orientation means that the ESTJ personality type prefers structure and organization. In other words, this isn’t a spontaneous type.

Other Names for ESTJ

Like all other personality types, ESTJs have several descriptive names given by personality researchers:

• Implementer Supervisor (Linda Berens)
• Commandant Organizer (Alan Brownsword)
• Administrator (David Keirsey, “Please Understand Me”)
• Supervisor (David Keirsey, “Please Understand Me II”)
• Life’s Administrators or Life’s Natural Administrators (Otto Kroeger)
• Supervisor (Jonathan P. Niednagel)
• Efficient Organizer (official MBTI website)
• Choleric-Melancholic (according to four personality types model)

Other popular online names include “The Executive”, “The Guardian” and “Overseer”.

ESTJ Personality Overview

ESTJs are logical and analytical people who excel at decision-making. Early on in their lives, they develop clear beliefs about how the world works and live accordingly. Even as children, ESTJs have their own set of formulas that help them take good decisions.

ESTJs men and women are very results-oriented and dislike being idle. Since their very young age, people who belong to this personality type seek meaningful activities, and generally, begin to work very early. ESTJ is not the type to suffer from procrastination. Many things can motivate ESTJs, but their initial motivation usually consists of two things:

• their own high standards,
• desire to exceed others’ expectations.

Needless to say, this by itself is already enough to do a good job. Given their perseverance and work ethic, it doesn’t come as a surprise that ESTJ is the top earning personality type. Unlike many other types, young ESTJs are rarely confused about their future. Early on, they develop a set of personal and career goals and pursue these goals relentlessly.

ESTJs are extroverts and enjoy interacting with people. They are superb people managers and enjoy the power that is associated with being in charge. People who belong to this personality type value commitments and constantly monitor the surroundings to make sure that everyone does their job. At times, they might get carried away and become a little too aggressive and overlook the needs of other people. ESTJ is not a particularly sensitive type, and they are certainly not in touch with their own feelings and emotions, leave alone feelings and emotions of others.

ESTJs enjoy structure and like schedules and agendas so that they can plan ahead. They are especially fond of to-do lists because checking off the items gives them the feeling of accomplishment. Life of the ESTJ is a series of goals broken down into steps, and they enjoy being that way. Even elderly ESTJs will find something to occupy themselves with and will plan their days hour by hour.

Leisure time is seen as a reward for a job well done by ESTJs and even then their activities must have a purpose. For example, if they go for a walk, there should be a specific goal, such as to lose weight or to reach a certain place instead of just wandering in the streets. Typically, they use their free time to hit their personal goals, such as to improve their homes, enhance their relationships or reach fitness goals.

ESTJ Relationships

ESTJs are all about stability and security, and their love life isn’t an exception. While some types may argue that it’s difficult to share your life with someone who has such strong opinions about everything and who isn’t particularly sensitive, there are many positives as well:

• You will always know where you stand.
• You will always be able to predict your ESTJ partner’s reaction.
• You can always count on your ESTJ partner.
• They will provide you a safe and secure home.
• They enjoy working on family projects.
• They will do whatever tradition requires them to do (e.g., ESTJ men will protect and provide, ESTJ women will cook and take care of the house).

Although ESTJ men and women appear to have strong and forceful personalities, they are, in fact, very sensitive when it comes to rejection. When rejected, a typical ESTJ will try to hide the feelings of hurt and continue the day as usual, but in reality their suffering is intense. Testing your ESTJ’s commitment by going far away from them or breaking up with them isn’t a good idea either as they may decide that the relationship is really over and force themselves to move on. What ESTJs need from the relationship is security, fidelity, companionship and mutual support. Moreover, they tend to commit quickly and easily so that they can focus on their other goals, such as career and financial goals.

ESTJ Learning Style

With their persistence and ability to follow through, ESTJs make good and respectful students. As with everything else, ESTJs prefer a well-structured traditional environment with clear goals and deadlines. ESTJ students dislike any spontaneous changes to their studying schedule, however they will tolerate them if they can see why these changes were necessary.

ESTJ Careers

ESTJs want to work in a well-organized and task-oriented environment. To do their best, they need stability and predictability. Moreover, they dislike unnecessary changes and prefer traditional ways of doing things.

People who belong to this personality type are great and reliable employees. Orderly and logical ESTJs deliver the work on time and to the highest standard. Naturally, they often end up in leadership positions, which they generally enjoy. ESTJ leaders are known for their aggressive take-charge approach and for being more task-oriented rather than people-oriented. Although ESTJ managers may appear harsh, they do actually care for their subordinates and want to know their opinions. Having said that, it’s important to mention that ESTJ leaders still want to make final decisions themselves.

ESTJ leaders will

• create detailed plans for achieving results,
• provide clear instructions,
• use time and resources effectively,
• follow established policies and procedures,
• lead by example and expect their subordinates to be just as hard-working as they are.

ESTJ Job List

Random Facts About ESTJ Personality Type

• ESTJs think in black and white terms.
• They may accidentially hurt others’ feelings and be clueless about it.
• They tend to believe they are always right.
• ESTJs are very risk-averse.
• ESTJs possess exceptional organizational skills.
• ESTJ people tend to be concerned about their status, which may make them appear somewhat materialistic.
• ESTJs don’t like nonconformists.

ESTJ Famous People

Following famous people and celebrities are likely to belong to the ESTJ personality type:

• Harry S. Truman
• Joan Rivers
• Margaret Thatcher
• Henry Ford
• Martha Stewart
• John D. Rockefeller
• Frank Sinatra
• Vince Lombardi
• George Washington

ESTJ Characters

Following fictional characters display ESTJ traits:

• Archie Bunker from “All in the Family”
• Lucy Van Pelt from “Peanuts”

Banner image credit: Teksomolika via Freepik

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