The Artist – Understanding the ESFP Personality Type
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
One of the 16 is known as ESFP. Nicknamed “The Artist,” it makes up around 8.5% of the U.S. population, with more women fitting into the category than men. It’s the third-most common feminine personality type but the seventh for men. Either way, it’s marked by the love of spotlights, entertainment, and excitement. (“Give my regards to Broadway!”)
Yet the vivacious ESFP personality is much more than a drama show. As a closer study reveals, it can add many positives to the fabric of society.
An ESFP’s Daily Life
ESFPs are first and foremost externally centered individuals who rely more heavily on their ability to see, hear, touch, taste, and smell than their internal musings. In fact, they get intense enjoyment out of interacting with their physical senses, engaging with the world in a consistent hands-on manner when they have it their way.
ESFPs generally find immense enjoyment in beautiful things and have a superb sense of space and function. If they’re wealthy, they probably own tastefully decorated homes with exquisite possessions. And even if they’re not, an ESFP will very likely have a deep appreciation for excellent dining and great wine, among other things.
This vivacious, upbeat, and entertaining personality type adores people and novel encounters. They enjoy drama and excitement in their lives and live for the moment, drinking it in whenever possible.
The whole world is a stage for an ESFP. Quite literally, at times. They enjoy performing for audiences and otherwise being the center of attention. Moreover, they’re good at engaging with their fellow creatures. So most people are more than happy to let them have the attention most of the time.
ESFPs are always entertaining, making others happy by putting on a show for them. And they take great pleasure in getting others to interact with their own senses. In fact, nothing would make them happier than to live life as the entertaining host in an endless celebration.
This does mean they’re not necessarily enthusiastic about rules, regulations, and expected schedules. But it’s easy to love and admire ESFPs nonetheless. Their tendency to accept everyone around them is one of their greatest talents.
They’re positive and energetic, and truly enjoy practically everyone. The way they see it, everyone is someone to engage with.
Deeper still, an ESFP will commonly view everyone (or at least almost everyone) as a friend. And they’re consistently kind and giving to those who fall into that very broad category.
ESFP Strengths
ESFPs are typically very empathetic and concerned about the welfare of others, so they’re naturally kind and giving people. They have a keen sense of social awareness and can identify these problems faster than other personality types – offering a helpful solution in a friendly manner when they identify an issue.
Because of these tendencies, they often have exceptional interpersonal skills and may often find themselves playing the role of mediator.
Despite their dislike of routine and organization, ESFPs can also be quite practical people who adapt well to any situation. This can make them fantastic team members capable of creating the most enjoyable environment possible for doing the task at hand.
They might like drama, but ESFPs are surprisingly good at making work life happen without causing muss or fuss.
They’re also very good with young children and animals, capable of forging special bonds with both. And it’s never surprising when an ESFP is a nature enthusiast considering how much they enjoy engaging with their senses.
Challenges Faced by ESFPs
As for the negative side of being an ESFP, people in this category do have a tendency to become overindulgent. They’re also prone to placing more value on instant feelings and fulfillment than on their duties and commitments if they’re not careful.
If ESFPs don’t develop their thinking sides by taking into account rational thought processing… they’re very likely to ignore potential consequences to their actions. In short, they’re not theorizers or long-term planners.
An ESFP under extreme stress, however, can fall into the traps of pessimism and envisioning additional misery. Negative possibilities in general are unsettling to them, as they’re optimists living in a world of possibilities.
When faced with average problems, you might find them responding with general, simplistic explanations. These oversimplified explanations might not fully capture the essence of the issue and can, in fact, make the situation even worse later on.
On the plus-side, this approach does help the ESFP overcome temporary negativity that would slow other personality types down.
One final negative to know is that the generally good-natured ESFP can hold a grudge if truly crossed. Once someone is on their bad side, they’re likely to stay there a very long time, if not forever.
Coaching and Development for ESFPs
The ESFP is a person with an enormous love of and for life, who knows how to have fun in even the dullest circumstances. When you have an ESFP in the room, you’ll likely have a lively environment.
They really do possess a unique ability to enjoy the world around them to its fullest. However, they must be cautious of the risks involved with living fully in the present. And their managers will need to be aware of this tendency as well.
Remember that theory makes ESFPs uneasy. If they haven’t fully embraced their intuitive side, they may shy away from complicated situations. The same goes for unclear instructions or anything requiring too much hypothesizing.
This is why an ESFP might struggle in classroom settings. They excel instead when they’re permitted to learn through social interaction or otherwise getting involved in the required task.
Hands-on experience is simply much more effective for them than studying a book. So if you want to see an ESFP succeed, give them every opportunity to interact with their environment directly.
ESFPs in the Workplace
With all these pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses making up their personality, ESFPs thrive in very particular professions. Think of positions that allow them to put their exceptional people skills to consistent use, along with their aptitude for organizing ideas into structured frameworks.
Their fast-paced nature and love of new experiences make them good candidates for jobs requiring a lot of diversity and people skills. This means potential ESFP career prospects include:
- Performing, acting, and artistry
- Sales
- Social work and counseling
- Childcare
- Fashion design
- Interior designing and advising
- Photography.