How to Earn Respect from Sentinel Personalities

Part 4 of 5 in our Earning Respect Challenge: Find out the best way to gain Sentinels’ respect – and a surefire way to lose it fast

Image from 16personalities.com

Do you lead a Sentinel (ISTJ | ISFJ | ESTJ | ESFJ)? 

Sentinels include all personality types who share the Observant and Judging personality traits. They’re cooperative and highly practical, embracing and creating order, security, and stability wherever they go. They’re hardworking, meticulous, and traditional, but they can also be inflexible and reluctant to accept different points of view. 

Welcome to Day 4 of our five-day Earning Respect Challenge. Today is dedicated to Sentinels – specifically what you can do to earn their respect, and a surefire way to lose it. 

I once saw a meme that said “My love language is when people’s words match their actions,” and I’ve never felt more seen.

It’s probably a good time to mention that I’m a Sentinel personality type (an ISFJ, to be precise). My combination of personality traits means that I’m naturally attuned to what people say – and I don’t forget it. Nothing frustrates me more than someone making a promise and failing to follow through.

For me, words are to be used with care and treated as binding contracts, and I expect the same level of careful consideration from those around me – including from my leaders at work.

Let’s explore how this expectation can shape your ability to earn the respect of the Sentinels on your team, shall we?

Today, we’ll explore: 

• The best way for you to gain Sentinels’ respect

• The biggest mistake that could (very quickly) cost you their regard

• A thought-provoking question to help you refine your leadership approach for these reliable and practical individuals

The Best Way to Earn Sentinels’ Respect

There is one clear-cut action that can help you quickly earn (and keep) the respect of your Sentinel team members. Do you know what it is? 

I’ll give you a hint. It’s also a key ingredient in building self-respect. 

*pauses while you consider the answer* 

Okay, okay, I’ll spill the beans. Sentinels respect leaders who consistently follow through on their commitments. They deeply value dependability and order, so for them, consistency is the cornerstone of trustworthy leadership. 

These personality types appreciate leaders who demonstrate reliability through actions, not just words. When you make a promise or set an expectation, Sentinels take it seriously. They count on you to deliver, and when you do repeatedly, you reinforce their belief in a stable work environment. Even in fast-changing settings, creating consistency in how you handle change helps Sentinels feel supported and secure.

Consider this scenario: you’ve promised to implement a new filing system by the end of the quarter. As the deadline approaches, unexpected challenges arise. Instead of pushing it off, you put in extra hours to ensure that the system is in place as promised. This action speaks volumes to your Sentinel team members. It shows that you respect their need for structure, value their time, and understand the importance of maintaining order and meeting deadlines.

Tip: Keep a detailed log of all the commitments that you make to your team, no matter how small. Regularly review this log to ensure that you’re following through on each promise. This not only helps you stay on top of your commitments but also provides a clear record of your reliability – something that Sentinels are sure to notice and appreciate.

The Biggest Turnoff That Will Lose Sentinels’ Respect