MBTI Personality Types

ESFP

Extroverted - Sensing - Feeling - Perceiving

What Is the ESFP Personality?
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ESFPs can be found in organizations getting things done by focusing on people and teamwork. They have an excellent ability to relate to other people and have a finely tuned sense of other people’s moods, states of mind, and well being. ESFPs move quickly to take care of those needs in a practical, concrete and usually fun way.

Terry Bradshaw, b. 1948, an ESFP type, won his original fame as a Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who won four Super Bowls.  He displays optimism, fun and humor as an entertainer and actor, relentlessly kidding himself and those around him.

ESFPs most often exude a love for life that is infectious to others. They have an interest in people and usually enjoy a wide circle of friends. 

They will be found with others, having fun. They love food and social events and participation in activities.  They enjoy doing new things and are always up for a new experience. They love their possessions and enjoy acquiring clothes and the good things of life. 

ESFPs bring many character traits that are useful to a team. They are optimistic and bring others along with their positive view of life.  They are easy going and adaptable and deal well with a changing environment.  They ensure that the team has fun--often organizing outings or practical jokes.  They are excellent at mobilizing people in the challenging moments that face organizations.  ESFPs are strong communicators. They are tactful, empathetic and are sympathetic to the circumstances of others. They can be quite persuasive and help others see the need for change.

Elvis Presley, (1935-1977), is an American icon known world-wide.   Yet peel back the legend, and Presley is an ESFP type who began a band and always maintained his group of friends around him.  He had the ability to connect with people in a way that made them think of him as the "ultimate cool."


They are excellent information gatherers and good sources of information.  They excel at communicating the message of the organization with a positive spin.   ESFPs often find themselves in the role of peacemakers and are good at "damage control." 

ESFPs seldom plan ahead and trust their ability to find solutions in close proximity to the time problems arise. They do not enjoy theory or long-worded documents. They dislike rules and regulations, many of which they believe get in the way of people and doing. In some situations these characteristics serve them well, but obviously the ESFP will need to ally themselves with planful and theoretical types to do long-range planning and strategies. On teams, they usually excel and make a difference.

ESFPs and the Rest of Their Lives

ESFPs can make excellent friends, spouses, and life partners. They love things domestic and have a special affinity for children. For the ESFP, life is an unfolding experience with people and events. Children will have creative birthday parties, trips to theme parks and adventures. If paired with a more theoretical or moody type, the two will have to be very understanding of each other’s different approach to life and make creative adaptations. Nonetheless, the ESFP will provide a framework for fun, family, and community.