ESFP

What is a ESFP?

Outgoing, warm and spontaneous, the Performer connects with people instantly and brings energy wherever they go. They live in the present, notice what people feel and make serious things feel human.

In Jung’s language the mind’s four main functions run in this order for a ESFP: Se · Fi · Te · Ni (dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, inferior). The first leads and the last is the least comfortable and shows up under stress.

At work and in everyday life

Wants people, variety and fun. Lifts a team’s mood and is at ease in front of an audience.

Negotiating and disagreeing

Builds trust through warmth and reads emotions well. May avoid the awkward demand or settle to end the tension.

Under stress

Becomes anxious about the future, withdraws from people or overindulges. May fixate on worst cases.

Growing

• Schedule the dull task first thing
• Prepare the hard conversation in writing
• Think of the long-term consequence before saying yes

How to deal with a ESFP

If they are your boss

Give recognition, variety and a lively environment; be clear about essentials such as deadlines.

If they are your client or customer

Warm and trusting, and may share too much. Keep the matter focused and explain the process.

If they are your colleague

Great for morale. Help them with the paperwork.

If you disagree with them

Likeable, and likely to charm the room. Anchor everything in the facts.

Your mirror type, with every letter opposite, is the INTJ: The Strategist.

If you work in law: the The Jury Whisperer

Often drawn to jury trials, personal injury, family and community work, entertainment and sport, client care and training.

At the negotiating table. Builds trust through warmth and reads emotions well. May avoid the awkward demand or settle to end the tension.

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.