ESTJ · Te-Si-Ne-Fi

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Introduction

This ego development profile is supplementary to the Type Development Guide. You are advised to read and understand the principles of ego development before using this profile, otherwise, you are likely to misinterpret and misapply the ideas.

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ESTJ Functional Stack: Te-Si-Ne-Fi

Core Values: results, pragmatism, efficiency
Strengths: action-oriented, carry out tasks effectively/efficiently
Weaknesses: impatient, inflexible once decided, insensitive
Shadow Conflicts: Ti seen as slow, unproductive, procrastinating, indecisive, overly perfectionistic, dull; Fi seen as pointless, oversensitive, sentimental, time-wasting, unproductive, weak, submissive; Fe seen as overemotional, controlling, meddlesome

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ESTJ Process of Ego Development

Level 1: Self-Protection Mindset

distorted Te: opinionated, critical, inflexible, stubbornly reject new ideas or changes, micromanage, bossy, insensitive

distorted Si: argue relentlessly, repetitive, shout down or overpower others, condescending, unwilling to listen

under intense stress or in the grip of Fi: criticize, nagging, complain, self-pitying, physical ailments, manipulative, try to shed responsibilities, bullying, belittling, suppress any sign of weakness; hypersensitive to their own inner state, fear negative emotions, prone to uncontrollable emotional outbursts

Level 2: Social Identification Mindset

Te: need to maintain ego image as being socially respectable (doing the right thing); seek out and enjoy being in leadership roles

ego defense: condescending; belittle those they see as weak, nonconformist, incompetent; desperate to never lose face or appear weak in front of others; try to fit in by creating internal norms for themselves to follow; suppress/repress parts of themselves that do not align with group preferences; very critical of and defensive against “out-groups”

Level 3: Selfhood Mindset

Te: hard working, procedural, meticulous, straightforward, logical, get things done, decisive, efficient, like structure and clear role defenitions, look for positions of responsibility; can be perfectionistic, demanding, impatient, domineering, insensitive, inflexible, persnickety, bossy, controlling, hasty in making decisions, quick to criticize and overlook opportunities to show appreciation

ego defense: try to force everyone to adhere to their standards, have trouble relinquishing control, refuse to listen to alternatives, “know-it-all” attitude, appear overconfident

see F preference as overinvolved, weak, subjective; see P preference as frustratingly indecisive and lazy

Level 4: Conscientious Mindset

Te: analytical, systematic, action-oriented, conscientious, structured, methodical, consistent, stable, driven, realistic, pragmatic, high standards, strive for efficiency and results, go the extra mile, fair, appropriately challenging, encouraging, competitive; can still be impatient, dislike ambiguity, hasty to seek closure

start to notice blind spots like: fail to consider wider or future implications of actions, uncomfortable with change, interpersonal insensitivity

ego defense: still try to rationalize away issues with logic and overlook the importance of interpersonal connectedness; overvalue results over personal contributions

start to see some value in F and N preferences as long as they do not go too far against their own preferences; interested in self-improvement; can accept “valuable” negative feedback

Level 5: Self-Insight Mindset

Te: resourceful, objective, responsible, dedicated, organized, procedural, firm yet fair leaders; can still feel impatient with people they view as “lazy”

Si: take more time to reflect before rushing into a decision, start to allow some imperfections to show to others, more selective about the challenges they take on

start to see more value in F and N preferences; start to think about how to benefit people; more mindful of inner processes; better coaches and guides

access to Ne: more willing to entertain other ways of doing things; do not always need to reach a clear and acceptable conclusion; but can start to lose their strong sense of competence when considering other viewpoints

Level 6: Authenticity Mindset

Balanced Te+Si: objective, focused, expedient, clear vision, enthusiastic, committed, realistic, can see and nurture talent in others, lead by example, delegate well, enjoy discussing other views, create cohesive teams with shared principles; recognize that others are responsible for their own self-improvement

less need to defend their ego image of being competent and decisive

can start to use F and N preferences appropriately; able to just “be” with people without always needing to “do” something or obtain some form of closure; more mindful of the present moment

access to Fi: more in touch with themselves, willing to learn from other people with different viewpoints

Level 7: Wholeness Mindset

realize that the need for efficiency, achievement, results is driven by ego

accepting of differences; value other perspectives, especially recognizing that not everyone needs or wants to continually strive for achievement

can integrate S, N, T, F preferences; freed from black and white thinking and able to see a “third” viable perspective to work from

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