ESFP personality type

By Dr. Edwin van Thiel

Updated on May 20, 2022

An ESFP at a glance

You can call the ESFP personality type The Performer or The Entertainer, a spontaneous, lively nature is what typifies them in more detail compared to their associated (explorative) types ISTP, ISFP and ESTP. An ESFP is fun and delightful to be with. They live for the moment, and know how to make the most of each moment. Good Cheer, Good Friends, Good Times could well describe their philosophy of life.

Am I the ESFP type?

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An ESFP approaches life optimistically. They see the world as it is and approach it with curiosity. They have the ability to adapt to whatever life may send their way.

An ESFP wants to make an impact in life, make a difference and do something meaningful. They have a need to carry people along with them and motivate them to be more positive, optimistic and enthusiastic. When ESFPs are around, people certainly believe that the glass is half full rather than half empty!

An ESFP is cool in a crisis. They thrive on action. They get a kick from the challenge of handling unknown situations, moment-by-moment. Their zeal, love for life and sense of playfulness means that the people around them had better be ready for a lot of spontaneous action. People see an ESFP as being warm and witty. ESFP is one out of sixteen personality types defined by Myers-Briggs in their MBTI test. You can define your type with this free Jung test right now.

ESFP workstyle and contributions to an organization

We meet different people in an organization, group, or relationship, with different characters and skills. These skills and characters are then combined for the betterment of the organization. The following shows the most commonly associated contributions and workstyles of an ESFP to an organization:

  • Is courageous, creative and likes to be where the action is.
  • Loves life and exciting challenges.
  • Is enthusiastic, vivacious and keenly attuned to his/her environment.

An ESFP on a team

Some people are sources of inspiration and motivation to others when present in a team, while some are not. A clear understanding of the variety of people involved in a team makes the team progress. Given below are the qualities of how an ESFP is likely to react when involved in a team:

  • Entertains, breaks the ice and keeps others inspired and working through his/her excitement.
  • Builds morale and an esprit de corps.
  • Enthusiastically invites everyone to participate and join together.

ESFP leadership style

All leaders have their strengths and weakness with variable degrees among individuals. Highlighted below are the leadership qualities of ESFP personality types:

  • Patterns him/herself after other successful leaders.
  • Works hard and efficiently to accomplish stated goals.
  • Delegates once the situation is under control, with all available facts and figures.

ESFP: Extravert-Sensor-Feeler-Perceiver

Jung type ESFP
  • Extraverts are outgoing, energetic and action-oriented. They are enthusiastic and expressive
  • Sensors live in the present. They rely on facts, handle practical matters well and like things to be concrete and measurable.
  • Feelers let their feelings and emotions play a leading role because of their concern for other people.
  • Perceivers prefer a lifestyle that is spontaneous, flexible and adaptable. They like an environment that is unstructured, and like to keep their options open.

Jung personality types

There are sixteen Jung personality types. Take a free Jung personality test or learn more about the Jung typology.

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