ESFP
Extraverted Sensing with Feeling
ESFP people are friendly, adaptable realists. They rely on what they can
see, hear, and know firsthand. They good-naturedly accept and use the facts
around them, whatever these are. They look for a satisfying solution instead
of trying to impose any "should" or "must" of their own. They are sure
that a solution will turn up once they have grasped all of the facts.
They solve problems by being adaptable, and often
can get others to adapt, too. People generally like them well enough to
consider any compromise they suggest. They are unprejudiced, openminded,
and tolerant of most everyone-including themselves. They take things as
they are and thus may be very good at easing a tense situation and pulling
conflicting factions together.
With their focus on the current situation and realistic
acceptance of what exists, they can be gifted problem solvers. Because
they are not necessarily bound by a need to follow standard procedures
or preferred methods, they are often able to see ways of achieving a goal
by "using" the existing rules, systems, or circumstances in new ways, rather
than allowing them to be roadblocks.
They are actively curious about people, activities,
food, objects, scenery, or anything new presented to their senses. Their
expert abilities in using their senses may show in: (a) a continuous ability
to see the need of the moment and turn easily to meet it, (b) the skillful
handling of people and conflicts, (c) the ability to absorb, apply, and
remember great numbers of facts, or (d) an artistic taste and judgment.
They make their decisions by using the personal
values of feeling rather than the logical analysis of thinking. Their feeling
makes them tactful, sympathetic, interested in people, and especially good
at handling human contacts. They may be too easy in matters of discipline.
They learn far more from first-hand experience than from books, and do
better in actual situations than on written tests. Abstract ideas and theories
are not likely to be trusted by ESFPs until they have been tested in experience.
They may have to work harder than other types to achieve in school, but
can do so when they see the relevance.
ESFPs do best in careers needing realism, action,
and adaptability. Examples are health services, sales, design, transportation,
entertainment, secretarial or office work, food services, supervising work
groups, machine operation, and many kinds of troubleshooting.
ESFPs are strong in the art of living. They get
a lot of fun out of life, which makes them good company. They enjoy their
material possessions and take the time to acquire and care for them. They
find much enjoyment in good food, clothes, music, and art. They enjoy physical
exercise and sports, and usually are good at these.
How effective they are depends on how much judgment they acquire. They
may need to develop their feeling so that they can use their values to
provide standards for their behavior, and direction and purpose in their
lives. If their judgment is not developed enough to give them any
character or stick-to-it-iveness, they are in danger of adapting mainly
to their own love of a good time.