This is the 16th and last post in our 16 Months of Type series and we focus here on ESTJ. To remind you, we are using our material on managing life transitions with psychological type from Building Your Career Transition Strategy as the jumping off point for each piece and then connecting this material to the self-discovery process that frequently accompanies life-changing events (LCEs). Read on!
ESTJ, Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging When facing an LCE, ESTJs typically want an approach that is definitive, accurate and drawn from experience, as well as being practical, goal-driven, and action-oriented. If your preferences are for ESTJ, you most likely want to direct and manage your own process as much as you can and get going as soon as possible. Those who prefer ESTJ tend to be especially open to input from respected others who have “been there” and who can give examples of what has worked and what to avoid. A transition plan that is consistent with available evidence and promises tangible results is one that ESTJs tend to champion. During times of change, people who prefer ESTJ will usually work energetically with and for those who are willing to take responsibility, participate fully, and be realistic about what’s happening and what may happen. ESTJs can be tireless leaders when their work ethic and commitment are respected.
People who have preferences for ESTJ may be impatient with those who don’t speak up immediately and/or need more time to reflect before making a decision or taking action. Decisive by nature, ESTJs can, especially in times of stress, assume that those whose pace is slower are being difficult or stubborn. Thus those who prefer ESTJ may not wait to hear what these people think before getting started, or, they may discount those opinions when they are voiced, because they came in “too late.” ESTJs may need to remind themselves to pause to assess whether they have enough information to move forward and consider inviting those who have not yet shared to offer their opinions. Further, it is important for them to examine the emotional impacts of any plan with others. Seeking the guidance of those with more of a gentle, people-focused style can be a great way to support and enrich the ESTJs task-focused thinking. As expert factual analyzers, ESTJs may be missing a crucial part of picture, which given proper consideration, would foster greater collaboration and make the implementation and success of any strategy much more likely.
When facing an LCE, ESTJs typically need a battle-tested companion to mentor, guide, and support them on their transition journey. A skilled companion can offer them specific, objective, and authoritative feedback on how they are doing and what they could do to be even more effective. Such a companion can also help those who prefer ESTJ to define and prioritize short- and long-term goals, as well as challenge them to slow down and take the time to more thoroughly investigate the value of any strategy. This capable companion would serve as a debate partner and font of knowledge for the ESTJ, unafraid to confront any concern brought forth. This person could also help spell out, in concrete terms, what might happen if the feelings of the ESTJ and their transition partners are not considered. A companion with personal experience in what’s going on can help those with ESTJ preferences see that feelings of anxiety or vulnerability are normal, even in the typically strong ESTJ. An expert helper like this can help ESTJs see that one cannot get the complete picture unless emotional impacts are recognized and considered.
When such a companion is not present in the life of people who prefer ESTJ during an LCE, they may become so focused on their objectives and the tasks that need to be accomplished to reach them that they neglect to evaluate how these very things are affecting the overall well-being of all involved – themselves included. Indeed, they may be so single-minded that they over-extend themselves, experience burnout, alienate significant others or inadvertently keep others from contributing fully as they drive to get things done. ESTJs may need to be reminded to slow down and take stock of how they and others are feeling and recalibrate accordingly. It’s not a waste of time to pause to make the effort in order to maintain health and well-being during challenging times, and doing so increases camaraderie, buy-in, and the success of any strategy. Even if you can do it all, you shouldn’t — neither the end result nor your welfare will be as good!
Self-Discovery Tool Number 86
If you prefer ESTJ (or you have someone in your life with this four-letter type code), the following questions may help as you process a life-changing event.
How can you find time to check-in with yourself and discover what matters most – in terms of the bottom line as well as in people terms?
How can you explore the larger meaning of your experiences in order to expand your perspective and manage your transition more successfully?
How can you assess the impact of your actions on those you care about?
How can you build flexibility into your goals and plans to take advantage of learning opportunities as they appear?