Leading ESTJs: Change Leadership Series
See how to harness ESTJs’ strengths and navigate their blind spots to make your next transition smoother for the whole team.
How to spot ESTJs (Executives):
ESTJs (Executives) share the Extraverted, Observant, Thinking, and Judging personality traits.
They approach change with a blend of skepticism and determination. They may initially question the need for change and express concerns about risks or disruptions. But once they grasp the rationale and see a clear plan, they shift into high gear, working hard to ensure a successful transition.
Are the ESTJs on your team secretly annoyed with you? 🤔 If you’ve been overlooking the finer details of projects or tasks, they just might be. Check it out:
ESTJs are detail-oriented perfectionists. They value precision and expect the same from others, including their leaders. When faced with carelessness or oversights, they can become frustrated, which can lead to tension in team settings. During periods of change, ESTJs may struggle with the inherent ambiguity and lack of established processes.
Here are three leadership strategies you can apply when guiding ESTJs through change:
Provide clear, detailed instructions: ESTJs thrive on structure and explicit expectations. Give them comprehensive guidelines during transitions.
Acknowledge their attention to detail: Recognize and appreciate ESTJs’ meticulousness. This validation will help them feel valued and understood.
Gradually introduce change: Break down big changes into smaller, more manageable steps, allowing ESTJs to maintain their need for order while adapting to new situations.
Now let’s take this one step further. ESTJs are efficiency-driven personalities – a quality that can be very helpful when you need to implement changes quickly, though it might also cause them to ruffle a few feathers along the way. Let’s see how you can harness their strengths and navigate their blind spots to make your next transition smoother for everyone involved.
Next, we’ll cover:
The special strength that ESTJs bring to navigating workplace change
The greatest hurdle that ESTJs encounter during periods of uncertainty
A key leadership strategy for supporting ESTJs through transitions
ESTJ Change Superpower: Driving Efficiency
ESTJs are change powerhouses. They focus relentlessly on outcomes. Need to hit ambitious targets during a transition? ESTJs will make it happen. They cut through confusion and keep the team focused on goals. Their drive can energize the entire team to embrace and execute change swiftly.
ESTJ Change Challenge: Impatience
ESTJs move fast. They may get frustrated with team members who move at a slower pace and need more time to adapt. This impatience can create tension within the team. It might also lead more cautious team members to feel pressured into overlooking important details or concerns they might otherwise raise.
A Tip for Guiding ESTJs through Change
Set clear milestones and celebrate quick wins. ESTJs thrive on tangible progress. Break the change process into achievable short-term goals. Recognize and reward their efficiency. But also encourage them to mentor colleagues who work at a slower pace. This approach keeps them motivated while fostering team cohesion.
Want More ESTJ Insights?
We shared some quick-hitting tips with you today. If you’d like to keep reading about professional development for ESTJs, head on over to the 16Personalities blog.
>>> Executive (ESTJ) Self-Promotion: Connecting with an Audience