ESFJ, from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), stands for Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. ESFJs are sociable, detail-oriented, and caring individuals, known for their strong sense of duty, practicality, and focus on harmony and cooperation in their environments.
ESFJ Meaning
ESFJs gain energy from social encounters (Extraversion), lean towards practical details and present realities over abstract concepts (Sensing), consider personal feelings and values when making decisions (Feeling), and appreciate a structured, organized approach to life rather than spontaneity (Judging).
They wear their hearts on their sleeves and tend to see the best in others. They enjoy helping those around them and providing the care that people need, but want to be appreciated and noticed for their contributions.
They are careful observers of others and excel in situations involving interpersonal contact.
People with this personality type tend to be warmhearted, conscientious, and harmonious. ESFJs are sometimes referred to as “the Caregiver,” “the Consul,” or “the Provider.”INTPis the opposite personality type of ESFJ.
ESFJ is the second most common type in the population. Around 9% to 13% of the general population has an ESFJ personality type.
Famous ESFJs include Martha Stewart, Sam Walton, Barbara Walters, Ariana Grande, William Howard Taft, and Sally Field.
StrengthsWeaknessesLoyalNeedyOutgoing and personableApproval-seekingOrganizedSensitive to criticismConscientiousReluctant to changeStrong practical skillsControllingMoralJudgmental
ESFJ Characteristics
ESFJs are known to be outgoing, extroverted individuals
People with an ESFJ personality type are true altruists
While ESFJs are exceedingly generous and thoughtful individuals
ESFJs have strong practical and organizational skills
Cognitive Functions
The MBTI suggests that the four different cognitive functions (thinking, feeling, intuition, and sensing) form a hierarchy where each function is either directed outwardly (extroverted) or inwardly (introverted). The order of these functions determines one’s personality.
The dominant function is the primary aspect of personality, while the auxiliary and tertiary functions play supportive roles.
Dominant: Extroverted FeelingESFJs have their own system of values and beliefs that drive their judgments and decisions.They approach experiences based upon how they feel about them in the moment and are more interested in personal concerns than objective information.Auxiliary: Introverted SensingESFJs are more focused on the present moment than on any future commitments.They prefer concrete, factual information rather than abstract or theoretical details.They are careful observers of others and are highly attuned to their surrounding environments.Tertiary: Extroverted IntuitionThis aspect of the ESFJ personality is less prominent but still helps people with this personality type to notice patterns and find creative solutions to problems.It enables ESFJs to explore a wide range of possibilities when looking at a novel situation and make connections to gain insights into people and experiences.Inferior: Introverted ThinkingWhile this aspect of the ESFJ personality tends to be weaker, it helps ENFJs to analyze complex information, specifically concepts that are abstract or theoretical.ESFJs are planners and like to feel in control of their environment, but making sense of concepts that are not factual or concrete is often a point of weakness for ESFJs.
Dominant: Extroverted Feeling
Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing
Tertiary: Extroverted Intuition
Inferior: Introverted Thinking
ESFJ Hobbies, Interests, and Careers
Because ESFJs are such conscientious helpers, they tend to thrive in careers that involve taking a caregiver role.
They are highly tuned into the needs of others and enjoy work that allows them to help and care for people in practical ways.
Social service and healthcare careers are two areas in which ESFJs typically excel as they appreciate knowing they have done something valuable for another person.
Popular ESFJs careers might include childcare providers, nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, physicians, or religious workers.
Additionally, ESFJs tend to succeed in administrative or managerial roles because of their strong practical and organizational skills.
ESFJs are comfortable with authority, and they want to be given the power to organize both the people and processes in the workplace. They pay close attention to order and detail and seek to create structure for others.
In their free time, ESFJs enjoy volunteering in community, charity, or religious organizations; celebrating holidays and family traditions; cooking; entertaining; and participating in social sports.
ESFJ Work Environments
ESFJs prefer workplaces that have a high degree of structure and organization and that are dependent on distinct hierarchies and roles.
They work best in environments with clear expectations and little ambiguity. They also thrive on social order and harmony and feel most comfortable in environments that are free of conflict or criticism.
Whether in a managerial role or subordinate position, ESFJs expect that authority figures are well respected and appreciated.
They enjoy working with others as long as their co-workers are just as motivated, cooperative, and action-oriented as they are. They can provide the ESFJ with positive, supportive feedback.
ESFJ Personal Relationships
ESFJs enjoy spending time with people and tend to build strong relationships with others.
They are friendly, empathetic individuals who will often put the needs of others ahead of their own.
ESFJs tend to surround themselves with a large circle of friends, and they typically can get along with just about anybody.
They are willing to expend significant time and effort to maintain relationships and ensure their friends are happy.
In relationships, ESFJs make loving and devoted partners. They take their relationships very seriously, typically avoiding casual flings and non-committed dating.
They want to follow the traditional standards and established dating rules of a relationship (ie. the man should call first; no kissing until the third date) and want to provide practical support to their partners based on whatever those traditional ideals might look like.
ESFJs dislike conflict and criticism and want to resolve any disagreements quickly and calmly. They prefer stable, harmonious relationships with mutual appreciation and unwavering support.
They are happiest when they feel trusted and valued and admire those who notice their efforts to provide for others.
Tips for Interacting With ESFJs
Relationships
Additionally, ESFJs are conflict-averse, so they tend to avoid relationships where they might face a great deal of criticism.
Friendships
As the friend or partner of an ESFJ, it is important you express your appreciation and gratitude for their selflessness and giving nature. ESFJs want to feel valued and acknowledged and get along best with those who are understand of that.
ESFJs take their relationships seriously and tend to maintain lasting friendships. ESFJs are focused on developing long term commitments, both with friends and partners.
Parenting
As parents, ESFJs are most interested in providing a safe home and loving environment for their families.
They instill high moral values and work ethics in their children and can become critical of children who do not behave as expected. They are able to establish rules and authority without being too overbearing or harsh.
They are extremely devoted to their children and enjoy feeling dependent on, often becoming overprotective as their children grow.
FAQ
What kind of person is ESFJ?An ESFJ person, based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, has preferences for Extroverted (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). ESFJs are warm, sociable, and caring individuals who value harmony and stability in their relationships. They are naturally attuned to the needs and emotions of others, often going out of their way to help and support those around them.ESFJs are well-organized, responsible, and practical, with a strong sense of duty. They excel in roles that involve teamwork, communication, and caregiving. However, they may struggle with change or criticism, as they are highly invested in maintaining harmony and meeting others’ expectations.
What kind of person is ESFJ?
An ESFJ person, based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, has preferences for Extroverted (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). ESFJs are warm, sociable, and caring individuals who value harmony and stability in their relationships. They are naturally attuned to the needs and emotions of others, often going out of their way to help and support those around them.ESFJs are well-organized, responsible, and practical, with a strong sense of duty. They excel in roles that involve teamwork, communication, and caregiving. However, they may struggle with change or criticism, as they are highly invested in maintaining harmony and meeting others’ expectations.
Is ESFJ a rare personality?ESFJ is not a rare personality type; in fact, it is one of the more common ones. ESFJs make up about 9-13% of the general population. As extroverted, sensing, feeling, and judging individuals, they are known for their warm, caring nature and strong sense of responsibility. ESFJs often excel in roles that involve teamwork, communication, and caregiving, making them valuable members of various social and professional groups.
Is ESFJ a rare personality?
ESFJ is not a rare personality type; in fact, it is one of the more common ones. ESFJs make up about 9-13% of the general population. As extroverted, sensing, feeling, and judging individuals, they are known for their warm, caring nature and strong sense of responsibility. ESFJs often excel in roles that involve teamwork, communication, and caregiving, making them valuable members of various social and professional groups.
What annoys ESFJ the most?
References
King, S. P., & Mason, B. A. (2020). Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences: Measurement and Assessment, 315-319.
Myers, I. B. (1962). The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: Manual (1962).
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. (2019, May 28). New World Encyclopedia, . Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator&oldid=1020015.
Myers, Isabel B.; Myers, Peter B. (1995) [1980]. Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type. Mountain View, CA: Davies-Black Publishing. ISBN 978-0-89106-074-1.
Pittenger, D. J. (2005).Cautionary Comments Regarding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 57(3), 210-221.
The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®. The Myers & Briggs Foundation: MBTI Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Julia Simkus
BA (Hons) Psychology, Princeton University
Julia Simkus is a graduate of Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness in September 2023. Julia’s research has been published in peer reviewed journals.
