ESFP
ESFPs are popular and care a lot about people. They genuinely care if people are enjoying themselves, and they are gifted at figuring out what will be fun for everyone.
For the ESFP, the entire world is a stage, which is very comfortable for them, as long as the situation involves people and entertainment. They love to be the center of attention and perform for people. They’re constantly putting on a show to entertain others and make them happy.
ESFPs are less comfortable with intellectualizing, long-term planning, and being on the sidelines. The ESFP uses their expediency and desire to “do good” to solve immediate, people-based problems and ensure that harmony reigns within their domain. They have an incredible talent for making people feel special and for diffusing tension.
ESFPs have outstanding social skills and a great sense of optimism, so it’s a good bet that if ESFPs are dissatisfied, it’s due to lack of commitment. In both work and relationships, if this weakness goes unchecked, ESFPs could end up alone, or bouncing from relationship to relationship or job to job. For an ESFP to attain fulfillment, he or she needs to balance the need for fun, excitement, and change with the need to commit to being a part of something.
Characteristics
- Optimistic
- Life of the party
- Exciting to be around
- Enjoy being the center of attention
Areas of Growth
- Be willing to make commitments
- Take care of own needs
- Be open to sharing the spotlight
- Consider long-term consequences
Attitude
ESFPs are great at “winging it” and rarely prepare ahead of time. ESFPs expect the lucky break and are extremely optimistic and energetic.
Energizers
- Variety
- Flexibility
- Freedom to interact with people
- Having options
Stressors
- Deadlines
- Rigid routines
- Lack of free time
- Long-term planning
(Note: ESFPs report more sources of stress in their lives than any other type.)
To function at their best
ESFPs are of the moment and people-centric, so they are great in service roles and at making people feel really special. They do not like slow-paced environments or those where it is quiet and serious. They love being thrown in and sorting it out, and they do that really well.
Relationships
ESFPs embrace their love relationships in a big way—similar to the way they approach their lives in general. They love to be in love and will try to make the most of each moment. They take things on a day-by-day basis and are uncomfortable thinking too much about the future or making plans far in advance. For this reason, ESFPs are not natural long-term commitment people. They may feel tremendously committed on a day-by-day basis, but they do not naturally plan for their futures.
ESFP at work
ESFPs love working in groups, and they have the ability to match common sense with flexibility. In a work setting, ESFPs bring an urgency to get things rolling—and make sure they happen right now.
ESFPs will look to have an immediate and positive impact on the team. As such, they are a good catalyst for action and for cutting through anything woolly or ethereal. They are great at maintaining group morale, energizing the team, and spreading their natural enthusiasm and positivity among others. ESFPs will not be the notetaker or the planner; they prefer to deal with the here and now.
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