ESTJ Cognitive Functions: Analyzing How the Executives Think

Learn how ESTJ cognitive functions shape this personality, making Executives organized, objective individuals who can be overly judgmental

By Daniel Kim

Published on 21 January 2026

ESTJ cognitive functions shape this personality type by defining how they perceive the world and make decisions. Each function has its strengths and weaknesses that are expressed differently depending on its position in the stack.

The ESTJ personality type, known as the Executive, has the following cognitive functions: extraverted thinking (Te), introverted sensing (Si), extraverted intuition (Ne), and introverted feeling (Fi).

In this article, we will explore what these functions mean, how they determine Executives’ behavior, and what can be done to develop them further.

So, let’s get started!

What Are Cognitive Functions, and How Do They Work?

Cognitive functions are mental processes that determine how each 16personalities type processes information and makes decisions. All types have their own stack, arranged from the most to the least developed function.

Here is what a cognitive function stack looks like:

ESTJ Cognitive Function Stack

• Dominant function, which has the greatest influence on personality and guides each type’s behavior. It is the essence of identity, determining one’s goals, values, needs, and desires.
• Auxiliary function, which has a supportive, advisory role. It always has the opposite orientation (i/e) compared to the dominant function, as well as the opposite purpose. In other words, if the dominant function is judging, the auxiliary function is perceiving, and vice versa.
• Tertiary function, which can provide a sense of comfort and relief in times of stress. However, since it isn’t as developed as the other two, it can be unpredictable, inconsistent, and deceptive.
• Inferior function, which is almost completely subconscious and often suppressed. This function is each personality’s greatest weakness, and its influence can be very damaging.

Understanding 4 Primary ESTJ Cognitive Functions

The ESTJ cognitive function stack includes extraverted thinking (Te), introverted sensing (Si), extraverted intuition (Ne), and introverted feeling (Fi).

Below, we will explore the cognitive functions of the ESTJ personality type in more detail:

#1. Extraverted Thinking (Te): The Efficient Leader

Extraverted thinking (Te) is ESTJs’ dominant cognitive function, so it significantly influences their behaviors, traits, and thought processes. In fact, Executives’ identity is deeply tied to their dominant Te—this function shows what they value about themselves and how others perceive them.

As a judging function, Te plays a crucial role in the ESTJ decision-making process. It focuses on objective data, categorizing and rationally analyzing it to reach the most impartial and logical conclusion. Essentially, Executives guide themselves by external factors and pay little attention to their personal opinions when making decisions.

Being the first function in ESTJs’ cognitive function stack, Te makes judgments quickly, even when it doesn’t have all the information. This makes Executives efficient and confident leaders who excel at making decisions in stressful situations that don’t allow time for excessive pondering and questioning.

On the flip side, quick decision-making doesn’t always lead to good outcomes. As a result, ESTJs can appear rash, impatient, and judgmental, especially because they tend to confidently push their ideas even when they don’t have a strong basis.

#2. Introverted Sensing (Si): The Traditionalist

Introverted sensing (Si) is ESTJs’ auxiliary function, so it complements and supports the dominant one, balancing its influence. As a perceiving function, Si determines how ESTJs process information and double-checks whether the judgments made by Te are correct.

In other words, mature Executives with developed Si are careful, methodical, and detail-oriented. Even after making a quick judgment with their Te, they go back and take a more thorough look to ensure they aren’t missing any critical information.

Furthermore, ESTJs’ behavior patterns are influenced by Si almost as much as Te. Since Si uses past experiences to process their surroundings, Executives are often traditional individuals who dislike sudden changes and ideas that don’t fit with their worldviews.

These attitudes are particularly prominent among immature ESTJs, who may overindulge in their Si and become rigid, nitpicky, and controlling. They may also be overreliant on rules, to the point that they struggle to function without them and judge anyone who doesn’t abide by them.

#3. Extraverted Intuition (Ne): The Hidden Innovator

ESTJs’ tertiary function, extraverted intuition (Ne), somewhat softens their personalities and contributes to their creative, adventurous side. However, Ne is fairly underdeveloped in most Executives, so it rarely gets to shine unless they specifically focus on boosting its influence.

On the other hand, its unconscious influence on this personality type can be strong and damaging, especially when left unchecked. Tertiary functions are regularly used as a defense mechanism in times of stress, but, unfortunately, relying on them can be deceptively comfortable and prevent growth.

So, when ESTJs are stressed, they resort to their Ne to help them assuage their anxiety. Ne distracts them from the problem at hand by offering dozens of other things to focus on and gives them a false sense of control. Solving unrelated problems feels good, so Executives feel like they don’t have to focus on the main issue.

With time, such behavior becomes so comfortable to ESTJs that they enter the so-called Te-Ne loop. They repeatedly use Ne to come up with issues to handle and Te to resolve them, while Si remains underutilized. Yet, Si is precisely what they need to break out of this loop—its meticulous nature can help them figure out and address the actual cause of their anxiety.

#4. Introverted Feeling (Fi): The Private Moral Compass

Introverted feeling (Fi), ESTJs’ inferior function, is the most underdeveloped function in their cognitive stack. However, its influence on these personalities can be significant, especially during exhaustion, burnout, and overuse of the dominant function.

In these situations, Fi manifests by making ESTJs behave uncharacteristically—for instance, they become passive, self-indulgent, or self-victimizing, feeling like the entire world is against them. This can surprise their loved ones, who are used to Executives’ proactivity and confidence.

However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a typical expression of Fi in ESTJs. Most Executives suppress Fi’s influence, trying to distance themselves from the subjectivity and individuality that characterize it. As a result, they rely on their dominant Te too much, which can cause them to lose control and succumb to the Fi grip.

ESTJs can engage with Fi in healthy ways, too, although this requires plenty of self-reflection and self-awareness. If they succeed, though, they become well-rounded individuals who can simultaneously be objective and use their inner moral compass to guide them in decision-making.

How ESTJ Cognitive Functions Affect Their Relationships

ESTJ cognitive functions affect Executives’ relationships by influencing how they interact with others and defining their values, preferences, and expectations.

So, let’s explore how each cognitive function manifests in ESTJs’ relationships:

ESTJ Cognitive Function in Relationships

• Dominant Te. ESTJs are highly rational individuals who base their decisions on objective data. As a result, they don’t do well in feelings-based discussions and struggle to accept arguments that seem illogical or overly personal. However, they can give excellent practical advice and show affection through acts of service.
• Auxiliary Si. One of the main ESTJ personality traits is their structured approach to life and relationships. They crave stability and choose reliable partners with whom they can build a family and fulfill traditional societal expectations. They also strive to be such partners—Executives are generally loyal, committed, and dependable.
• Tertiary Ne. This function reveals ESTJs’ strengths and weaknesses in relationships, as it manifests inconsistently and unpredictably. Essentially, Executives have a hidden, playful, creative side that may come out when they are relaxed and comfortable. At the same time, they are prone to catastrophizing when their Ne gets out of hand.
• Inferior Fi. ESTJs’ partners and friends may find it challenging to get Executives to open up and show their authentic, vulnerable selves. Generally, ESTJs project a cold, stern image that may be intimidating even to those who know them well.

How ESTJ Cognitive Functions Affect Their Working Style

ESTJ cognitive functions affect their working style by shaping their behavior in professional settings and influencing their relationships with coworkers and employers.

Here is how each of the ESTJ cognitive functions manifests at work:

ESTJ Cognitive Functions at Work

• Dominant Te. Organized, confident, and results-oriented, ESTJs make excellent employees and even better managers. They are also one of the most decisive types among the sixteen personalities, so they thrive in high-stress situations where they must make a choice on the spot.
• Auxiliary Si. ESTJs’ highly methodical approach brings excellent results at work, especially in traditional, corporate environments. They enjoy routines, schedules, and to-do lists, and they never miss a single detail, no matter how unimportant it may appear. However, they can be a little inflexible and resistant to change, even when it is positive.
• Tertiary Ne. Executives may not be well-suited for creative jobs, but they do have some innovative potential. At times, they can come up with unique solutions or novel approaches, and they exhibit some degree of flexibility when they are comfortable and mature.
• Inferior Fi. Though they have a moral compass that steers them away from unethical paths, ESTJs can disregard its warnings and take the “end justifies the means” approach. This typically happens to immature Executives, though—healthy ones know when to listen to and rely on their Fi.

How ESTJs Can Develop and Strengthen Their Cognitive Functions

ESTJs can develop and strengthen their cognitive functions by taking specific actions that encourage their growth. Each function can be improved differently—for example, introverted feeling requires self-reflection, while extraverted intuition benefits from brainstorming and exposure to novel perspectives.

Let’s explore how each of the ESTJ cognitive functions can be developed in more detail.

#1. Improve Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Introverted feeling is ESTJs’ inferior function, and as such, it is tough to strengthen. After all, its influence is largely unconscious and only surfaces at times of extreme stress. However, Executives who manage to develop their Fi become far more personable and balanced individuals.

That said, here are a few tips to help you better utilize your Fi:

Fi Improvement Tips

• Practice journaling. Regular journaling may give you a deeper insight into your feelings and help you connect with and understand them. It is an excellent tool for less emotionally aware personalities to learn how to express themselves and work through underlying issues in a healthy way.
• Express yourself through hobbies. As an ESTJ, you probably don’t seek out many opportunities for self-expression, thinking that it wouldn’t benefit you. That is not the case, though; self-expression helps you recognize yourself as an individual whose value isn’t only reflected in accomplishments. So, try out hobbies like writing or painting—anything that allows you to explore your authentic self.

#2. Strengthen Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

When underdeveloped, extraverted intuition serves as an unhealthy defense mechanism that traps ESTJs in destructive behavioral patterns. Therefore, they must focus on developing Ne and learning to cope with stress better.

So, here is how you can strengthen your Ne:

Ne improvement Tips

• Brainstorm. Though it may seem unproductive to spend time coming up with unrealistic ideas, it’s an excellent way to boost your Ne. Give yourself a prompt—for instance, what you would do if you had a million dollars—and write down all possibilities you can think of. Don’t limit yourself to only practical options; have fun and see where your mind can take you.
• Expand your interests. If there are topics you never read about because they don’t interest you, now is the time to start. Ne craves novelty and different perspectives, so learning something new can contribute to its development.

#3. Boost Introverted Sensing (Si)

Although introverted sensing is fairly developed in ESTJs, it can always use extra attention. After all, Si balances dominant Te and ensures that Executives don’t overuse their Ne to the point of entering a Te-Ne loop.

Keeping that in mind, here is how you can improve your Si:

Si Improvement Tips

• Do memory exercises. Si helps its users recall details and events from the past, relying on these experiences to help them process the present. To increase its influence, you should reminisce, try memory boosters, and memorize your tasks instead of writing them down.
• Revisit old interests. Looking into your past and engaging with hobbies you used to have can effectively boost your Si. As you fall back into the old routines, you will feel connected to your former self and your past traditions and behaviors.

Take Our Expertly Designed Test

If you want to understand your mental processes better, take our personality test to determine which of the sixteen types you are. This will help you recognize your own strengths and the damaging behavioral patterns that negatively affect your life.

Daniel KimContent Strategist & Writer

Daniel Kim is a content strategist and writer specializing in psychology, self-improvement, and educational content. For the past 8 years, he has been creating guides, quizzes, and articles that turn complex psychological concepts into actionable insights. Daniel enjoys guiding users through their personality test results and helping them apply these insights in daily life. When not working, he reads behavioral science books and experiments with new storytelling techniques.

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