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16 Types

ESTJ Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths and weaknesses of the ESTJ personality type

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ESTJs will rarely fall on the extreme end of a trait spectrum; the particular combination of traits they express will largely depend on the context. Nevertheless, there are some generalizable patterns in which ESTJs behave that one could call their strengths and weaknesses.

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Your strengths and weaknesses may become more apparent when you interact with other personality types, as the differences are contrasted.


ESTJ Strengths

Natural strengths of an ESTJ
strength

Reliable

ESTJs perform duties diligently - both interpersonal and professional - and have a principled work ethic. They tend to see time as a scarce resource and are respectful of other people's time; they are almost never late and are the last people one would expect to slack off.

strength

Frugal

To an ESTJ, finances aren't simply a means to an end. They are acutely aware of the amount of work and self-sacrifice that hides in the background of a person's success. They respect other people's finances and ask the same of others.

strength

Straightforward

Because they see time as a scarce resource, ESTJs tend to value straightforwardness. They understand the transactional nature of most conversations and the fact that consensus isn't an implicit goal in most of them. They are very practical and economic in their use of words.

strength

Iron-willed

ESTJs are characterized by a strong conviction in their beliefs and an unbreakable drive to get things done. This goes beyond simple self-confidence or optimism; while they do believe in themselves, they also make it a principled obligation to explore every possibility before abandoning a goal or an ambition of theirs.


ESTJ weaknesses

Natural areas where ESTJs could develop themselves
weakness

Rigid and Stubborn

ESTJs have many articles of faith; immovable stances that guide their actions and give them a sense of security and predictability. However, this also makes them less equipped to deal with the inevitable randomness of life.

weakness

Parsimonious

Some may call them frugal, others - parsimonious. ESTJs can sometimes look down on people for reveling in simple pleasures or spending more than the bare minimum required for sustenance. Long-term financial planning is useful, but it may come at the cost of experiencing life in all its enticing glory.

weakness

Judgmental

In their efforts to compartmentalize the world and make sense of it, ESTJs may end up placing people into boxes of their own making - not always reflective of objective reality. They may come across as harsh and uncharitable in their interpretation of other people's behavior.

weakness

Feelings-averse

“Facts don't care about your feelings” is a phrase many ESTJs can get behind. In their relentless pursuit of objective truth, they may forget how to listen instead of talk, and feel instead of think. They may sometimes see their own emotions as a sign of irrationality and weakness.

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An ESTJ can adapt to their weaknesses and become more in touch with their feelings, to express them healthily and to not judge people as harshly and readily. Their straightforwardness can be a great asset to other types to cut to what is essential in the immediate moment without distraction for details that can be worked out later.

 


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Ellie Simmonds, MSc

University of Bath, Psychology

Ellie Simmonds, MSc in Psychology from University of Bath. Ellie is an associate lecturer on psychometric assessments and has extensive knowledge of the 16-type model.