ESTJs perceive the world "as it is" (Sensing) and translate
those perceptions objectively (Thinking); as Extraverted-Judgers, they
have a driving need to impose their judgments on the world around them
with structure, schedule, and order. They are life's administrators.
Instinctly in charge
It is as natural and inborn for ESTJs to manage (although not
necessarily to lead) as it is for fish to swim. Grounded, organized,
exacting, socially deft, gregarious, academically capable, and always
appropriate, ESTJs are seen by others as dependable, practical, and able
to get the job done -- whatever the job may be. It is easy for ESTJs to
end up in the top positions of any organization. Their inherent
administrative skills make the family, the work force, the neighborhood,
the church, or any other group appropriate arenas for them to administer
and manage. ESTJs' need for control prompts them always to say yes when
asked to assume positions of responsibility.
Party time
Often given to a raucous sense of humor, the ESTJ is a partygoer and party-doer
who is always ready with a quick joke, a ready exchange, or an unsolicited opinion on
almost anything. Whether or not one likes an ESTJ, one usually knows where the ESTJ stands on virtually any subject. Among ESTJs there are some sharp differences
between genders, because of all the sixteen types this is the
most conventionally masculine. Each of its four components -- Extraversion,
Sensing, Thinking, and Judging -- falls on the tougher, more objective side of the line
between the preference alternatives.
Male ESTJs
As a result, ESTJs males tend to be very "macho", and their humor often the
most sexist and racist of all sixteen types. ESTJ outgoingness, assertiveness, practicality, firm-mindedness, and decisiveness tend to make them good protectors and providers -- roles more generally associated with the male of the species.
ESTJ females
The ESTJ female, though satisfied with her own femininity, may be torn between
inner promptings that say, "Be tough, assertive, firm-minded, and decisive", and the traditional feminine model, which says, "Be soft, passive, gentle-hearted, and adaptive."
The ensuing struggle is more dramatic for the ESTJ female than
for any other type. While all Thinking-type females swim upstream in our society,
in no type is that more apparent and prevalent than in the ESTJ.
Relationships
In relating, as in all else, ESTJs are comfortable taking charge.
Decisive and opinionated, they are easy to get along with as long as
they are listened to and allowed to control. Generally, ESTJs and ISTJs
would prefer to surround themselves with yes-people, though they would deny it.
Parenting
ESTJ parents have sharply defined roles, and each family member (mate and children)
is expected to respond accordingly to the ESTJ's definitions. A "father" is the
provider and final judge, for example, a "mother" keeps home and does wifely duties,
and "children" obey and respond to the authority of their parents. (ESTJs may allow a "father" or "mother" to be a "friend" as well, but only at scheduled, defined intervals.)
When family members respond to ESTJ expectations, things tend to go smoothly for all concerned. The problems come when a mate or child of another type has more resistance
to the ESTJ's control (ENTJs or ISTPs, for example), or is more driven to
self-determination (particularly NPs).
Important things
Home, family, parenting, and children are among the central and motivating commitments
of the ESTJ's life. When all else fails, appeals to an ESTJ's parental duty and responsibility will bring the parent around to considering, if not going along with, whatever program is being offered. Our hunch: More encyclopedias, home-learning kits,
how-to-raise-better-kids books, and other "family programs" have been sold to ESTJs by appealing to "parental responsibility" than to any other type.
Living style
The ESTJs' living style, like most other things, is controlled and organized. Family is
one more thing to manage. Hard work, tight schedules, and solid merit-based awards are hallmarks of the ESTJ life. Fun, relaxation, and free time
are scheduled and doled out (to self and others) according to how well one has adhered
to standard operating procedures and other regulations. Good work brings good rewards;
hard work is its own relaxation. Certain male activities -- such as golf, beer-drinking,
and poker -- are scheduled for relaxation, as are certain female activities -- gardening, tennis, or shopping, for example.
Growing up
As children, ESTJs are usually socially active, take-charge types. Such behavior
is much more welcome in boys than girls, but ESTJ girls display it just as readily as
boys. As a result, ESTJ girls grow accustomed to hearing "Little girls don't behave that way.". (Ironically, this is most likely heared from an ESTJ male parent.) Such statements
may have considerable impact on their future feminine development. In general, ESTJ children play hard, give orders to all (parents included), and want two main things: that their parents be parents and act according; and that structure, schedule, and definition be imposed upon them by someone. They may protest such imposition, but in
the long run an ESTJ appreciates -- indeed, relies on -- the security that such
authority brings. ESTJ children are both responsible and testing -- responsible
to parents and friends who take command, but sure to keep testing that authority in
order to assure themselves that it can be relied upon. This may best be illustrated at bedtime, as the ESTJ child resists and protests going to bed, yet appreciates immensely
a parent who enforces bedtime rituals.
Learning
Things are no different in the classroom. A teacher's job is to teach, be organized,
be a good role model, dress appropriately, be decisive, and follow a lesson plan. ESTJ
students will respond and prove to be rather scholarly students, albeit somewhat
mouthy and argumentative. Courses that are the most structured, with practical, tangible results, will appeal most to ESTJ students. Their
academic prowess continues up the academic ladder, although they tend to have less
patience with the more abstract theories at the college level. They are frustrated by
iNtuitive-Perceiving professors (who dominate at the college level), whose lectures don't follow stated outlines and whose material isn't limited to the factual and concrete.
Family events
Family events and rituals are the symbols of an ESTJs' cultural heritage, whatever
that culture may be, and therefore must be honored with the strictest adherence and
most loyal obedience. ESTJ children and adults alike look forward to the birthdays,
holy days, and annual family reunions. Though ESTJs may protest, sometimes vehemently, about attending such events, it would never occur to them not to be present. They
might even be surprised to hear that another type was "hurt" by their protesting.
Career
Two slogans that describe ESTJs' philosophy in the workplace are "Don't fix what
ain't broken." and "Anything worth doing is worth doing well.". Both statements
drive ESTJs. Fiercely loyal and extremely compulsive, they move up the
administrative ladder in any organization. They spend money well and are naturals
at marketing and at selling their own effectiveness. They are superb at
developing sound management policies and committed to their own models as the
best ways of doing something. They are quick to venture into many areas, take
charge of those areas, more often than not prove successful, and develop a following
of subordinates who come to trust the ESTJ's take-charge nature.
Work
ESTJs are very conscious of the chain of command. For
them, work is a series of goals, to be reached by following rules and regulations
issued by the upper ranks of an organization's hierarchy. The system, and its
regulations, are good, self-protecting, and self-perpetuating. By following them and
working hard, ESTJs believe the system will, in turn, serve them. ESTJs give loyalty to the office and to the organization as a whole, though not necessarily to
specific individuals therein.
Later in life
Hard work carries ESTJs to the end of life. Rewards, degrees, gold watches,
and certificates are given in due season. Retirement is one more thing to be scheduled
and planned. Except for an occasional respite, ESTJs' later years are still scheduled
and regimented, though sometimes less so than before.
Famous ESTJs
Famous likely ESTJs include Harry S Truman ("Give 'em hell" Harry knew where the buck stopped and never shirked responsibility); Peanut's Lucy van Pelt (who has an
answer to most any problem brought to her psychiatric booth -- and never fails to
collect her fee immediately); Archie Bunker (who abrasively protests all his wife
Edith's sensible suggestions, but ultimately gives in and plays his responsible
parental role); and Joan Rivers (whose quick, macho wit and steamroller style are
often caustic and abrasive). Also Brigham Young.
