Managing Up to Explorer Personalities (ISTP | ISFP | ESTP | ESFP)

How to tell if your boss is an Explorer – plus a cheat sheet for managing up to them

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My dad is an Explorer personality type. I am not. Sometimes we clash, and those differences became quite apparent when I worked for him cleaning cottages. I had a detailed checklist I created to follow for each clean. When he showed up, he’d ignore the checklist in favor of just diving in and tackling what needed to be done. 

There are merits to both approaches. But I was young, and having my system disrupted like that was frustrating. I didn’t have an understanding of personality to fall back on to help me make sense of our differences. Now I do.

That’s the power of understanding personality theory and applying it to the workplace. It builds bridges across different working styles and makes for a more compassionate, understanding, and effective relationship with your dad boss and entire team.

Today, we’ll dive into the distinctive traits of Explorer bosses and look at how to manage up toward each Explorer personality type – ISTPs (Virtuosos), ISFPs (Adventurers), ESTPs (Entrepreneurs), and ESFPs (Entertainers). By the end, you’ll better understand the consistent patterns behind Explorers’ seemingly unpredictable approach.

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But first – how do you know if your boss is an Explorer? Here are some signs to watch out for. 👇

7 Signs You Have an Explorer Boss:

• Tends to make decisions based on immediate circumstances rather than long-term plans

• Frequently changes direction or priorities based on what’s working in the moment

• Shows remarkable adaptability when facing unexpected challenges

• Prefers hands-on involvement over theoretical discussions

• Often expresses restlessness with overly structured processes

• Demonstrates exceptional crisis management skills

• Values practical experience over formal credentials

Still not sure about your boss’s personality type? You can use our free type-guesser tool to help you guesstimate it. 

Read on to learn how to manage up when your boss is an Explorer personality type. 👇

How to Manage Up When Your Boss is an Explorer

Managing up to an Explorer boss requires understanding their fundamental need for freedom, flexibility, and tangible results. These bosses operate best in the present moment, making quick decisions based on what’s actually happening rather than what might happen. They possess an uncanny ability to improvise and adapt, often finding creative solutions that others miss.

Your Explorer boss likely struggles with rigid structures and excessive planning. They prefer to keep their options open and may become frustrated when locked into long-term commitments. This isn’t because they’re disorganized – rather, they’ve learned through experience that maintaining flexibility often leads to better outcomes.

To effectively manage up to an Explorer boss, here’s what to do: