People with the Myers-Briggs ESFJ (Extroversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment) personality type were probably popular in school. As adults, these individuals are still popular—at work and in personal life—and they enjoy social events with childhood and college friends, family members, and coworkers. Ever the diplomat, these individuals strive to make all their loved ones happy and content. According to the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, the ESFJ personality type is a social butterfly, and these individuals were typically athletes, cheerleaders, and leaders in school. They are probably still considered to be “everyone’s best friend.”
People with an ESFJ personality type are excellent hosts and hostesses; everyone always has a good time in their presence. Although these individuals do not vie for attention, they often steal the spotlight because of their dynamic and attractive personality. ESFJs are truly interested in what is happening with their friends and loved ones, making an effort to stay-up-to-date with what is happening in their lives. However, some less sincere qualities may exist within the ESFJ; they can become concerned with appearances and fashion, especially when they feel as if someone else is more popular them then. They also enjoy gossip; however, they use their social skills for good rather than to cause harm. Their altruistic nature guides their consciences, and their morals, values, and actions are based on established rules. This attribute may make ESFJs judgmental when observing the behaviors and actions of other people, as a variety of cultural norms and experiences may differ from that of the ESFJ individual.
Professional Qualities
Making up 12 percent of the population, ESFJs can be good employees. ESFJs value order and the hierarchical chain. They are consistent and respect company-set rules and guidelines. They work best in harmonious environments, and they tend to use their social intelligence and kind-heartedness to make sure that everyone knows what to do and is able to get their tasks completed in a timely manner. ESFJs are easy-going, resourceful, and hard-working people, who respect authority. A weakness of people with an ESFJ personality may be that they thrive in a structured workplace and may have difficulty with too much autonomy. Moreover, they like having responsibilities, and managers and co-workers tend to respect their dedication to their jobs. These individuals make good team players and have no problem working with others to complete a task. ESFJs typically have many friends at work, and they are always willing to help a co-worker in need of assistance. Their strengths consist of networking and identifying resources to help everyone accomplish their tasks.
ESFJs work best in organized and structured environments. They like clear instructions and predictable tasks, so they do best as business administrators and teachers. They also do well as event organizers and party hosts. Moreover, they are bound to excel as sales representatives, nurses, and social workers.
ESFJs tend to have good romantic relationships. They are the happiest when they feel a part of something else and when others validate them. Romantic relationships are special to them. ESFJs are loving, devoted, and supportive toward their partners. They typically offer partners a stable and secure environment, which is comforting. People with an ESFJ personality type are faithful. They thrive on unconditional love and support from their partners, and they prefer long-term relationships, like marriage.
ESFJs are social and friendly, having a large circle of friends rather than one or two close friends. They also enjoy spending a great amount of time with other people. They are dedicated and warm people, who stand by their friends. They offer their friends unconditional love and support. To an ESFJ, the worst insult is to fake friendship, because ESFJs can be trusting. Lying or deceiving an ESFJ is the ultimate offense.
As parents, ESFJs are warm and caring toward their children. They are dedicated and affectionate parents, who really want to make a positive impact on their children’s lives. Although they are sensitive and understanding, they are also firm. They typically establish rules and standards, but without being overbearing and pushy. They are compassionate and value every moment with their children. Children of ESFJ parents tend to grow up happy and safe.
- R. Y. Langham, PhD, Author Melissa Lavery, MS, Editor
