Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsKey ESFP CharacteristicsCognitive FunctionsPersonal RelationshipsCareer PathsTips for Interacting With ESFPsNext in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator GuideINTJ: The Architect (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Key ESFP Characteristics
Cognitive Functions
Personal Relationships
Career Paths
Tips for Interacting With ESFPs
Next in Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Guide
Close
They love being the center of attention and are often described as “class clowns.” ESFP is the opposite of theINTJ personality type.
According to psychologist David Keirsey, the developer of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, approximately 4% to 10% of all people have an ESFP personality type.
ESFP CompatibilityESFPs tend to get along well with INTJ, INFJ, ISTJ, and ISFJ types, which may be a case of opposites attracting. The “judging” nature in these types often complements the practical side of ESFPs.
ESFP Compatibility
ESFPs tend to get along well with INTJ, INFJ, ISTJ, and ISFJ types, which may be a case of opposites attracting. The “judging” nature in these types often complements the practical side of ESFPs.
StrengthsOptimistic and gregariousEnjoys people and socializingFocused on the present, spontaneousPracticalWeaknessesDislikes abstract theoriesBecomes bored easilyDoes not plan aheadImpulsive
StrengthsOptimistic and gregariousEnjoys people and socializingFocused on the present, spontaneousPractical
Optimistic and gregarious
Enjoys people and socializing
Focused on the present, spontaneous
Practical
WeaknessesDislikes abstract theoriesBecomes bored easilyDoes not plan aheadImpulsive
Dislikes abstract theories
Becomes bored easily
Does not plan ahead
Impulsive
These functions are focused outwardly (extraverted) and in other cases, they are focused inwardly (introverted). Extraverted functions are focused on interacting and acting within the world around you, while introverted functions are centered on internal reflection and analysis.
Dominant: Extraverted Sensing
Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling
Tertiary: Extraverted Thinking
Inferior: Introverted Intuition
ESFPs You Might KnowBill Clinton, U.S. PresidentPablo Picasso, artistMark Cuban, entrepreneurWill Smith, actorFred and George Weasley, fictional characters fromHarry Potter
ESFPs You Might Know
Bill Clinton, U.S. PresidentPablo Picasso, artistMark Cuban, entrepreneurWill Smith, actorFred and George Weasley, fictional characters fromHarry Potter
Asextraverts, ESFPs enjoy spending time with other people and have excellent interpersonal skills.
ESFPs are good at understanding how other people are feeling and can respond to other people’s emotions in productive ways. For this reason, ESFPs can make good leaders and have a knack for mobilizing, motivating, and persuading group members.
They are generally focused on the present and will often be the first person to try the newest ride at an amusement park or try out a new adventure sport.
With their strong dislike for routine, ESFPs do best in careers that involve a lot of variety. Jobs that involve a great deal of socializing are also a great fit, allowing individuals with this personality type to put their considerable people skills to good use. Careers that involve a great deal of structure and solitary work can be difficult for ESFPs, and they often become bored in such situations.
Popular ESFP CareersArtistActorCounselorSocial workerAthletic coachChild care providerMusicianPsychologistHuman resources specialistFashion designer
Popular ESFP Careers
ArtistActorCounselorSocial workerAthletic coachChild care providerMusicianPsychologistHuman resources specialistFashion designer
Friendships
ESFPs grow weary with the same old routines and are always ready for a new adventure. To keep up with this personality type, you need to always be ready for new experiences - from exploring new places to meeting new people. Keeping things interesting is important, but ESFPs love to have a reliable co-conspirator who is as ready for fun as they are.
Parenting
Relationships
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Murie J.Knowing me, knowing you: Personality and peer appraisal.Br J Gen Pract. 2010;60(574):382-384. doi:10.3399/bjgp10X502001Fishman I, Ng R, Bellugi U.Do extraverts process social stimuli differently from introverts?Cogn Neurosci. 2011;2(2):67-73. doi:10.1080/17588928.2010.527434
Murie J.Knowing me, knowing you: Personality and peer appraisal.Br J Gen Pract. 2010;60(574):382-384. doi:10.3399/bjgp10X502001
Fishman I, Ng R, Bellugi U.Do extraverts process social stimuli differently from introverts?Cogn Neurosci. 2011;2(2):67-73. doi:10.1080/17588928.2010.527434
Keirsey D.Please understand me II: Temperament, character, intelligence. Prometheus Nemesis; 1998.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
