ESTJ functions (A 3 point guide)

The blog is about ESTJ functions. It will answer the question ‘ what are the cognitive functions of an ESTJ?’ The blog will further highlight different aspects of an ESTJ personality.

What are the cognitive functions of an ESTJ?

  • Dominant extraverted thinking
  • Auxiliary introverted sensing
  • Inferior introverted feeling
  • Extroverted intuition

The MBTI proposes that each personality type is made up of four functions (Sensing, Thinking, Feeling, and Intuition) that can either be extraverted or introverted. 

The dominant function plays a primary role, the auxiliary function plays the supporting role while the tertiary and inferior function is less though still influencing the behaviors and interaction of an individual.

Dominant: Extraverted Thinking 

This is the primary role of the ESTJ personality type. It is about how ESTJs interact with the people and situations around them.

ESTJs are known for getting tasks and assignments completed and this function makes it possible for them to remain active.

ESTJs base their decision-making on logical reasoning rather than personal feelings. They usually consider both facts and logic in making rational decisions. They also try to make the best decision possible while considering the circumstances present.

They are so practical and enjoy learning from things that have an impact on their lives. They prefer concrete facts or information rather than abstract or theoretical information as they tend to get bored so easily.

ESTJs are natural-born leaders and competent problem solvers who make sure that tasks have been accomplished

They do not like spending time trying to figure solutions but would rather spend time checking and reviewing and protecting their solutions. This is because they are confident in their skill of tackling problems.

They are quick at making decisions though sometimes these decisions could be irrational and judged by other people as harsh or abrasive.

ESTJs are self-driven to the extent that they could get their first job as early as 14 -16 years old and they strive to maintain their reputation in the career field they may choose

They are both goal and result-oriented. They aim at reaching their goals with or without the support of other people

With the help of this Function, ESTJs can survive the hierarchy system either where they are the leaders or subordinates and mark boundaries to ensure the smooth running of the organization

They are opinionated and do not shy away from expressing their opinions.

Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing 

Their decisions are at times based on their past experiences or memories. They use these past events as precedents for present happenings

The sensing function is more concerned about familiarity than the novelty

They are sometimes stubborn and cannot easily be convinced if they feel they are not comfortable with the idea or solution

ESTJs love to see good memories and experiences keep recurring in their lives and that’s why they tend to be ritualistic in their behavior

Persons with this Function tend to have their lives all planned out and know what to expect this is because routine is among their best working tools for completing tasks and keeping up with deadlines

They are good planners because they are very organized once equipped with the necessary resources and information

Their life is all about stability and predictability which limits them from evolving. ESTJs continuously enjoy living through the same routines and habits and strategies with ease

They also learn straightforward, practical systems, rules. ESTJs are good at noticing issues in the system or a person and quickly think of a solution or improvement.

Extroverted intuition

This function of the ESTJ craves new ideas, projects, and experiences. This function enables them to collect more ideas from past experiences to create a better concept

With this Function, an ESTJ may feel suffocated  with ideas as they tend to be so many that it becomes difficult to choose which one to go with and times may fail to express the outcome of the ideas even if the vision could be so vivid in their mind

Inferior: introverted feeling

When an ESTJ applies this function, he may make decisions based on emotions or feelings and intuition rather than logic.

This function is used to measure up situations to see how things match with their beliefs and values 

It also helps them learn to be sensitive to the feelings and emotions of those surrounding them.

With this function, they may be viewed as being very sensitive and soft-hearted and usually treat others how they would want to be treated

They may accidentally hurt other people while trying to help, but once they figure that they hurt someone, they try to find ways to resolve the misunderstanding.

As much as they are viewed as leaders and strong, ESTJs have their weaknesses where they are vulnerable and sensitive

Their moral decisions are based on previous experiences without considering other peoples’ influence

ESTJs rarely use this function.

Which famous people are ENTJ?

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt as the U.S President
  • Richard Nixon, as the U.S President.
  • Harrison Ford, Actor
  • Steve Martin, Actor
  • Whoopi Goldberg, Actress
  • Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister
  • David Letterman, Comedian

What is the meaning of ESTJ?

ESTJ is among the 16 personality types as identified by the Myers- Briggs Type Indicator. They are sometimes referred to as ‘supervisors.’ 

Therefore, an ESTJ is a person with an ESTJ personality type, which is one of the 16 personality types known as the Myers- Briggs assessment. Just like the other 16 personality types, the acronym for ESTJ is (E)- extraversion, (S)- sensing, (T)- thinking, (J)- judgment.

David Keirsey who is the creator of the Keirsey Temperature Sorter, recommends that the ESTJ personality type is the “Guardian supervisor,” one of the four “Guardians” archetypes (Supervisor, Inspector, Provider, Protector) often use their logic to lead and make decisions. 

They love to see things work smoothly and in an organized manner. They also hold so much importance to tradition, standards, and law.

It is estimated that 8% to 12% of the U.S population have an ESTJ personality type.

How do you tell a person is an ESTJ?

  • ESTJs hold so much importance on tradition, rules, and standards. They are excellent at organizing people, projects, and ideas and are commonly involved in civic duties in government branches and community organizations.
  • They often like to seek leadership or management positions to oversee and control decision making while enforcing major polices
  • Their self-confidence and strong convictions make people instantly trust them to deliver and usually hold a reputation due to their time management skills and completing tasks before their deadlines
  • They are very hardworking and flexible at effectively completing their projects
  • They also tend to be overworked because of the different tasks that they take. It’s just their nature that they are always working.
  • Their work environment is highly structured with a clear set of expectations and goals, to the extent that sometimes they are rigid, stubborn, and inflexible
  • They are at times viewed as predictable, stable, practical, and committed to the same kind of living. They struggle to adapt to new environments and even new people too
  • They like to mark boundaries around people and tend to be harsh or overly critical though they are very frank and honest with their opinions.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of an ESTJ?

Strengths 

  • They are extroverts who enjoy being the center of attention. Their charisma and energy attract many people around them that love and admire them.
  • ESTJs are straight forward and honest with other people and thus people easily know their boundaries with them
  • ESTJs exhibit strong leadership skills
  • They are thought of as being highly responsible, trustworthy, likable, and reliable.
  • They are hardworking and result-oriented, always pushing themselves to attain their planned-out targets.

 Weaknesses

  • They are not okay with judgment and criticism from others. ESTJs blindly trust their judgments and values although they are sometimes wrong.
  • ESTJs find it difficult in adapting to different people, therefore are not flexible and tend to be stubborn while taking decisions.
  • They can sometimes tend to be judgmental to those that do not follow their values hence finding a company in those with whom they share the same values and interests.
  • They may find it hard to express their feelings or emotions as well as showing empathy for others.
  • They tend to be bossy.

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Conclusion.

The blog is about ESTJ functions, however several other questions relating to the topic of the blog have been answered. Under the questions answered are, ‘how to tell a person is an ESTJ?’ in addition to that famous people with the ESTJ have been listed while the strengths and weaknesses of ESTJ have been discussed 

Frequently asked questions: What are the dominant functions of ESTJ?

Why are ENTJs able to get along with most people?

They do get along with people but mostly with those with whom they share the same interests and targets. While on the other hand, they may be viewed otherwise because they tend to mark their boundaries with people as leaders.

Why do ENTJs like in INFJs?

ENTJs have a combination of both seriousness and warmth while INFJs can understand and tolerate sometimes the bossy ENTJ and be okay with conflict 

Are ENTJ people rare?

Yes, ENTJ people are rare as it’s one of the least common of all personality types. ENTJ is the rarest type among women while 3% of the general population are men

Why are ENTJs people so smart?

ENTJs are smart in a way that they tend to use intellectual thoughts more than they use their emotions or feelings. 

References

ESTJ Personality: characteristics, Myths & cognitive functions; https://www.verywellmind.com

TeSi (ESTJ); https://www.typeinmind.com

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