ESTJ Organizing Profile

Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay

A former professional organizer, I now eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, watching movies, and cooking.

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ESTJ Organizing Style

Today we will look at the fourth of the naturally organized “SJ” types, ESTJ.

ESTJ stands for Extraverted – Sensing – Thinking – Judging. If these terms are new to you, you’ll find it helpful to read How does the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® work? before continuing with this post.

ESTJ Organizing Strengths

Similar to others who have SJ type preferences, organizing comes naturally to ESTJs.

In terms of time management, they tend to have clear goals and priorities and use a calendar system effectively. They also like to use “to do” lists. As a result, they rarely forget about meetings, special occasions, or tasks to be completed. In addition, they’re not easily distracted.

Their bookshelves and storage areas are organized in a way that other people can easily access needed information when they’re not around. They rarely struggle with finding places to put things, getting rid of things, finding what they need, or constantly rearranging things.

One ESTJ summarized her organizing style as follows:

“The best way to manage our time is to be well organized in what we do. Get rid of unnecessary stuff and concentrate on important things. I manage to place/store whatever I’m working with the minute I’m finished using it.”

ESTJ Organizing Challenges

The ESTJ preference for a set schedule can lead to frustration when something interferes with their plans.

Many ESTJs also report the following challenges:

  • Procrastination, when they don’t want to do something
  • Holding on to items that may be useful “some day”
  • Keep items with sentimental value

ESTJ Time Management Systems

ESTJs like to-do lists and use a calendar or planner to keep track of what they’ve done and what still needs to be addressed. ESTJs typically plan thoroughly, scheduling preparation time for meetings as well as for the meeting itself.

Learn More

For more insight into the ESTJ organizing style, read about Classic Structure on Pixies Did It.

For a broader view of the ESTJ personality type, check out the following resources:

Keep in mind that we are all unique, and even people sharing the same type preferences will not be the same in every way. Personality type is only one factor to consider when developing organizing solutions for your clients.

Are you an ESTJ?

Help others understand your personality type and organizing style by answering one or more of the following questions in the Comments:

  1. What are your organizing strengths?
  2. What are your organizing challenges or weaknesses?
  3. What organizing strategies work well for you?
  4. What are your time management strengths?
  5. What are your time management challenges or weaknesses?
  6. What time management strategies work well for you?
  7. What type of calendar(s) do you use?

Photo © sebastiangauert / depositphotos

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8 Comments

  1. Avatar Sabrina Quairoli on August 24, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    I have a really good internal clock. I know how long it takes to do different tasks. I think this is because I was left alone often when I was a kid and I needed to take care of myself. There were adults down the street but I rarely visited or needed them. I got into the habit of knowing what needed to be done and how long it would take. To this day, I will use a timer while cooking but will go to the kitchen 30 seconds before the timer goes off. It’s pretty funny.

    • Avatar Janet Barclay on August 25, 2016 at 6:30 am

      That’s quite the internal clock! Are you ESTJ?

  2. Avatar Seana Turner on August 24, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    There are parts of me in this one. I love planning. Looking ahead and anticipating possible developments – and strategies to deal with them – is one thing I notice I do more than most people around me. Very interesting!

    • Avatar Janet Barclay on August 25, 2016 at 6:42 am

      One of the things I love about type is the way it helps us to identify those things that distinguish us from others. Before taking the course I had to read I’m Not Crazy, I’m Just Not You by Roger R. Pearman and Sarah C. Albritton, and it was an amazing eye-opener.

  3. Avatar Autumn Leopold on August 26, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    What a great tool! Love this series Janet!

    • Avatar Janet Barclay on August 27, 2016 at 6:58 am

      Glad you’re enjoying it – wish I’d thought of doing it sooner!

  4. Avatar Elena on September 16, 2016 at 7:23 am

    I am an ENTJ according to all tests, including Truity, official MBTI and some free versions available online. As for organizing challenges, I focus on doing only important crucial things and try my best to outsource everything else. The problem is I am never completely satisfied with the results of others’ work, but I usually let it pass. This approach still makes sense for me because now I accomplish much more. Thank you for the link (Zemanta).

    • Avatar Janet Barclay on September 16, 2016 at 9:12 am

      Thanks so much for your insight, and for letting me know you found this through Zemanta. I often wonder if anyone does!

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