How to Use Your ESTJ Personality to Further Your Career
ESTJ personalities are known for their practicality, organization and strong leadership skills. If you have this personality type, you may find yourself thriving in careers that require structure and efficiency, like in business, management, law enforcement or military roles.
But even if you're not in these fields, there are still ways to use your ESTJ traits to further your career and achieve success. Here are 7 things that ESTJs can do to excel in their professional lives.
1. Create and stick to a plan
As an ESTJ, you are naturally organized and methodical. Use this trait to your advantage by creating a detailed plan for your career goals and then sticking to it. For example, if you want to be promoted in your current job, make a plan that outlines the specific steps you need to take to get there, with a timeline and measurable goals along the way. This will not only help you stay on track, but also showcase your efficiency and goal-oriented mindset to your superiors.
2. Take charge and lead
ESTJs are known for their natural leadership abilities. Use this strength in situations where a leader is needed, whether it's at work or in volunteer activities outside of work. This doesn't necessarily mean climbing the ladder into a leadership role. It could be as simple as taking charge of a project or being the go-to person for advice and guidance. Not only will you show off your leadership skills, but also build trust and respect from your colleagues.
3. Focus on the details
ESTJs have a keen eye for details and are naturally skilled at catching mistakes or inconsistencies. Use this to your advantage by being the go-to person for proofreading or reviewing important documents. Your attention to detail will not only contribute to the success of a project, but also demonstrate your meticulousness and reliability.
4. Be direct and assertive
One of the defining characteristics of ESTJs is their direct communication style. While some may see this as blunt or intimidating, it can actually be a valuable asset in the workplace. Use your directness and assertiveness to confidently share your ideas, provide constructive criticism, or address problems within a team. This will showcase your confidence and ability to take charge, while also helping improve efficiency and productivity.
5. Set high standards for yourself and others
As an ESTJ, you have high standards for yourself and those around you. Use this trait to motivate yourself and others to strive for excellence in the workplace. Set high expectations for your own work and hold yourself accountable to them. At the same time, encourage your colleagues to do the same, whether it's through setting team goals or providing support and guidance to help them reach their own personal aspirations.
6. Lean into your organization skills
ESTJs are known for their love of structure and organization. Take advantage of this strength by utilizing various tools and systems to stay on top of your work and keep yourself organized. This could include building a team-wide planner, creating detailed to-do lists, or setting up a filing system for important documents. Not only will this help you manage your workload effectively, but it will also showcase your organization skills to others.
7. Be a team player
While ESTJs may prefer being in charge and making decisions, it's important to remember the value of teamwork in the workplace. Make an effort to collaborate with your colleagues and listen to their ideas and perspectives. This will not only show that you are a team player, but also help build stronger relationships and improve overall team dynamics.
Summing up
Overall, as an ESTJ, you have a unique set of traits that can greatly benefit your career. If you're not sure exactly what those strengths are or how you can apply them to the workplace, then you might consider taking a career aptitude test as a good first step. This test can provide valuable insights into how your personality plays out in the workplace and how it aligns with potential career paths.
Knowing your work-related strengths and motivations is invaluable for anyone starting out on a career path, but even if you're already established in your career, it can still provide useful information for further growth and development. So go out there and use your ESTJ personality to its full potential – the possibilities are endless!
