ESFP:Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving

(File Last Modified Thurs, Oct 24, 2002.)

• ESFP (13% of the American Population)
• Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
• Possible Blind Spots

ESFP (13% of the American Population)

Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving

ESFPs enjoy people and have a real zest for living. They are playful and vivacious, and make things more fun for others by their pure and unabashed enjoyment.

Adaptable and easygoing, ESFPs are warm, friendly, and generous. They are extremely sociable and are often ``on stage'' with others. They enthusiastically and cooperatively join in activities and games and are usually juggling several activities at once.

ESFP are realistic observers and see and accept things as they are. They tend to trust what they can hear, smell, taste, touch and see instead of theoretical explanations. Because they like concrete facts and have good memories for details, they learn best from hands-on experience. Their common sense gives them practical abilities with people and things. They prefer to gather information and see what solutions naturally arise.

Tolerant and accepting of themselves and others, ESFPs don't tend to try to impose their will on other people. Tactful and sympathetic, ESFPs are generally and genuinely liked by many people. They are usually able to get people to adopt their suggestions, so they are good at helping conflicting factions get back together. They seek out the company of others and are good conversationalists. They enjoy helping other people but prefer to assist in real and tangible ways.

Spontaneous and charming, ESFPs are persuasive. They love surprises and finding ways of bringing delight and unexpected pleasure to others.

Possible Blind Spots

Because ESFPs place such a strong priority on experiencing and enjoying life, they sometimes allow their other responsibilities to suffer. Their constant socializing can interfere and get them into trouble and because they are so easily tempted, they have difficulty disciplining themselves. ESFPs' tendency to become distracted from finishing the tasks they start can make them lazy. By working to prioritize their activities, and finding a balance between work and play, they will gain a broader perspective and longer-range vision for their lives. Using successful and accepted methods of organization and time management helps them overcome this natural predisposition.

Their active life keeps them so busy, they fail to plan ahead. This can leave them unprepared for life's changes that would be easier to cope with if clues of their approach had been noticed. ESFPs need to try to anticipate what might be coming down the road and develop an alternative plan in case thins become unpleasant.

ESFPs also tend to make decisions without considering the logical consequences of their actions. Their own personal feelings are trusted and used to the exclusion of more objective data. Friends are so highly valued by ESFPs that they tend to look only at their positive sides. ESFPs need to take a step back to consider the cause and effect of actions and work toward becoming more tough-minded. Saying no will not be nearly as difficult if they do.