Have you ever wondered how common or rare your personality type is? If you happen to be an ESTJ, you might be curious to know just how many people share your personality traits.
ESTJ stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging, and it’s one of the more common Myers-Briggs personality types. But just how rare is it really?
In this article, we’ll explore the prevalence of ESTJs in the general population and what makes them stand out from the crowd. So, if you’re an ESTJ or simply curious about this personality type, keep reading to find out more!
How Rare Is ESTJ Personality Type
According to various sources, ESTJs make up approximately 8-12% of the US population. This means that while they are not the most common personality type, they are still relatively prevalent.
In fact, ESTJ is the fifth most common personality type in the population and the second most common among men. They represent 9% of the general population, 11% of men, and 6% of women.
Compared to other personality types, ESTJs are more likely to hold leadership roles and enjoy results-oriented work of a practical nature. They are known for being hard-working, driven, and practical, placing high importance on upholding their values.
However, their strong sense of duty and task-oriented nature can sometimes come off as harsh or insensitive to others. They may also become impatient or frustrated when things don’t go according to plan.
Despite these potential drawbacks, ESTJs are admired for their work ethic, perseverance, devotion, and steadfastness. They make loyal friends and companions, especially for those who embrace a similar worldview and lifestyle.
What Is The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) And How Does It Classify Personality Types?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment tool designed to identify a person’s preferences and tendencies across four dimensions: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving. Each of these dimensions has two opposing preferences, resulting in 16 possible personality types.
The MBTI is based on the theory of psychological types proposed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in 1921. Jung believed that people experience the world using four principal psychological functions and that one of these functions is dominant for a person most of the time. Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs developed their own theory of psychological type based on Jung’s work and used it to create the MBTI inventory.
The MBTI questionnaire consists of a series of questions that ask individuals to choose between two opposing preferences. For example, one question might ask whether the individual prefers to focus on details or on the big picture. Based on the individual’s responses, they are assigned a four-letter personality type that reflects their preferences across each of the four dimensions.
The MBTI emphasizes the value of naturally occurring differences and assumes that we all have specific preferences in the way we construe our experiences. According to the MBTI Manual, “the indicator is designed to implement a theory; therefore, the theory must be understood to understand the MBTI.”
While the MBTI is widely used in various settings such as education, career counseling, and personal development, it remains a theoretical model with no controlled scientific studies supporting its validity. However, many individuals find the MBTI helpful in providing insight into their own personality and understanding others around them.
The Characteristics Of An ESTJ Personality Type
ESTJs are known for their organized, goal-oriented, structured, and dependable nature. They are highly logical and results-driven, making them great at managing projects and teams. ESTJs tend to be highly structured and dependable, even in their personal lives.
One of the defining characteristics of ESTJs is their high energy level. They are extroverted individuals who prefer to spend their time with other people rather than alone. They tend to focus on the details of a situation and make decisions based on what they see right now. Commanders base their decisions on what makes sense, rather than what feels right. They listen to their head, not their heart.
ESTJs are responsible individuals who like to plan ahead. They hold themselves accountable by making lists and following set processes and rules. They have a strong sense of duty and are highly task-oriented, which can sometimes make them appear harsh or insensitive to others.
Despite this potential drawback, ESTJs are admired for their work ethic, perseverance, devotion, and steadfastness. They are loyal friends and companions who value upholding their commitments and convictions. Their practical nature and strong leadership skills make them well-suited for roles in management and other results-oriented fields.
How Common Is The ESTJ Personality Type In The General Population?
ESTJ personality type is estimated to make up approximately 8-12% of the US population, which means they are not the most common personality type but still relatively prevalent. In fact, ESTJ is the fifth most common personality type in the population and the second most common among men. They represent 9% of the general population, 11% of men, and 6% of women. Compared to other personality types, ESTJs are more likely to hold leadership roles and enjoy results-oriented work of a practical nature. They are known for being hard-working, driven, and practical, placing high importance on upholding their values. Despite their strong sense of duty and task-oriented nature, ESTJs can sometimes come off as harsh or insensitive to others.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Being An ESTJ
Being an ESTJ comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main ones:
Advantages:
– Organized and structured: ESTJs are excellent at creating and maintaining order, making them great at managing tasks, projects, and people.
– Goal-oriented: They are highly focused on achieving their objectives and are willing to put in the work required to accomplish them.
– Dependable: ESTJs are reliable and responsible, making them excellent team players and leaders.
– Strong-willed: They have a strong sense of conviction and are not easily swayed by others’ opinions or emotions.
– Direct and honest: ESTJs value honesty and straightforwardness, making them excellent communicators who get straight to the point.
Disadvantages:
– Judgmental: ESTJs can be rigid in their thinking, making it difficult for them to accept new ideas or perspectives that don’t align with their beliefs.
– Unemotional: They may struggle to understand or empathize with others’ emotions, which can make them appear insensitive or uncaring.
– Workaholic: Their strong work ethic can sometimes lead to burnout or neglect of other areas of their life.
– Stubborn: ESTJs may have a hard time admitting when they’re wrong or changing their minds, even in the face of new information.
– Traditional to a fault: They may cling too tightly to traditional values and ways of doing things, which can limit their ability to adapt to new situations.
Famous People Who Are ESTJs
Many famous people throughout history are believed to have had ESTJ personality types. These individuals are known for their strong leadership skills, organizational abilities, and practical approach to problem-solving. Here are some examples of famous people who are believed to have been ESTJs:
1. Douglas MacArthur – One of the most famous military Army Generals of all time, MacArthur was raised in a military family and grew to respect authority. His ability to take command and lead under severe pressure earned him the position of the Army’s youngest major general.
2. Colin Powell – A retired four-star general in the United States Army, Powell served as the 65th United States Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.
3. Judge Judy Sheindlin – An American lawyer, judge, and television personality who presided over the courtroom show “Judge Judy” for 25 seasons.
4. George Washington – The first president of the United States, Washington was known for his leadership skills, military strategy, and commitment to upholding American values.
5. Sandra Day O’Connor – The first woman to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court of the United States, O’Connor was known for her sharp legal mind and commitment to justice.
6. Vince Lombardi – An American football coach, Lombardi is considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. He led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships in seven years.
7. Henry Ford – An American industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company, Ford is credited with revolutionizing the automobile industry with his innovative production methods.
8. Hillary Clinton – A former United States Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for president in 2016, Clinton is known for her political acumen and dedication to public service.
9. Harry S. Truman – The 33rd president of the United States, Truman is remembered for his leadership during World War II and his decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan.
10. Ernest Hemingway – An American novelist and journalist, Hemingway is known for his spare prose style and his depictions of war and adventure.
These famous individuals demonstrate the traits commonly associated with ESTJ personality types: confidence, decisiveness, and a commitment to upholding traditional values. While not everyone with an ESTJ personality type will become a famous leader or innovator, these examples show that people with this personality type can achieve great things when they put their minds to it.
How To Work Effectively With An ESTJ Colleague Or Friend
Working with an ESTJ colleague or friend can be a rewarding experience if you understand their personality traits and communication style. Here are some tips for working effectively with an ESTJ:
1. Be direct and clear in your communication: ESTJs value clear and concise communication. When communicating with them, avoid beating around the bush or using vague language. Instead, be direct and to the point.
2. Respect their opinions: ESTJs have strong opinions and beliefs. While it’s okay to express your own opinions, make sure to do so respectfully. Avoid tiptoeing around a problem or dragging a conversation out unnecessarily.
3. Be reliable and dependable: ESTJs value reliability and dependability in others. If you make a commitment, make sure to follow through on it. This will earn their respect and trust.
4. Focus on results: ESTJs are results-oriented and goal-driven. When working on a project with them, focus on achieving the desired outcome rather than getting bogged down in details.
5. Avoid being overly emotional: ESTJs are not comfortable with situations requiring especially good people skills, such as being particularly delicate or patient. Avoid being overly emotional or taking things personally when working with them.
6. Provide constructive feedback: ESTJs value feedback that is constructive and helps them improve their work. When providing feedback, focus on specific areas for improvement rather than criticizing their overall performance.
By following these tips, you can build a productive and positive working relationship with an ESTJ colleague or friend. Remember that while their personality traits may differ from yours, understanding and respecting those differences can lead to a successful collaboration.
