ESFJ-A

What is a ESFJ?

Warm, sociable and conscientious, the Host brings people together and makes sure everyone is looked after. They value tradition, cooperation and doing their duty by others, and they notice who is left out.

In Jung’s language the mind’s four main functions run in this order for a ESFJ: Fe · Si · Ne · Ti (dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, inferior). The first leads and the last is the least comfortable and shows up under stress.

The Anchored version: ESFJ-A

The Anchored version of this type takes pressure in its stride. It recovers quickly from mistakes, worries little about what others think and trusts its ability to cope. The gift is calm and confidence; the risk is overlooking warnings that a more anxious colleague would have raised.

Compare with the ESFJ-T version.

At work and in everyday life

Happiest in a friendly team with clear roles and shared goals. Often runs the social life and the client care.

Negotiating and disagreeing

Builds rapport and seeks a fair deal everyone can accept. May concede to protect the relationship.

Under stress

Anxious about conflict and others’ opinions; may become unusually critical of what is unfamiliar.

Growing

• Accept that a disagreement is not a rejection
• Ask for what you need, plainly
• Try the new way once before judging it

How to deal with a ESFJ

If they are your boss

Appreciate their contribution; be warm as well as clear; give notice of change.

If they are your client or customer

Engaged, polite and talkative. Be patient and set clear boundaries on time.

If they are your colleague

The glue of the team. Thank them, and do not assume they are fine.

If you disagree with them

Pleasant and persistent. Their courtesy can hide a firm position.

Your mirror type, with every letter opposite, is the INTP: The Theorist.

If you work in law: the The Host of the Firm

Often drawn to client-facing roles, family and community law, employment, healthcare and education law, HR and anything where relationships come first.

At the negotiating table. Builds rapport and seeks a fair deal everyone can accept. May concede to protect the relationship.

These are tendencies, not rules: every type works in every area of law, and the best lawyers are often the ones who stretch beyond their type. Nothing here is career advice for any individual or a reason to choose or reject anyone.