ESFP: The Entertainer

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The ESFP, or the “Entertainer (sometimes called the “Performer) is, as the name suggests, sociable, energetic and fun-loving. They crave stimulation and excitement and are often very loud and outgoing.

If you have tests as an ESFP, then we hope this article will give you a better insight into an ESFP. Let’s dive in!

ESFP Meaning

The ESFP, or the Entertainer, is one of the of the “16 personality types” that we see in several different models based on the work of Carl Jung. These models include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Keirsey Temperament Sorter, among others.

ESFP stands for Extroversion, Sensing, Feeling and Perceiving. This indicates that the ESFP is a person who is energized by spending time with others, who focuses on facts and details, who makes decisions based on emotions and values, and who prefers to be spontaneous and flexible.

ESFP Traits

The ESFP takes great pleasure in the things around them and thoroughly enjoys living in the moment. Often, they get caught up in the excitement of the moment and want others to feel that way too. They are playful with an open sense of humour and others tend to find them encouraging and warming.

With the ESFPs natural love of people and strong interpersonal skills, they may frequently find themselves in the role of peacemaker, whether they desire it or not. Others seek ESTPs for this role because they appear empathetic and genuinely concerned for the well-being of others. Entertainers tend to be generous with their time and love chatting to others, and other types see this clearly.

ESFPs can’t handle being bored; they live for excitement and drama, which can sometimes be a detriment. With their strong powers of observation, they tend to sense when something is wrong much sooner than other people.

They get their nickname “The Entertainer” because they love people and experiences. Others views them as fun and natural performers, and since the ESTP loves to be the centre of attention, they relish the role.

Strengths and Weaknesses of ESFPs

Entertainers are normally a happy, spontaneous, and optimistic person. However, their spontaneous side can get them in trouble because they often value fun over rationality. Another potential problem for ESFPs is their preference for immediate gratification and  tendency to overindulge themselves in several areas because they do not always consider the long-term consequences of their actions. One of their greatest strengths, however, is that they can accept most people exactly as they are. In general, people feel happy and entertained when they are around ESFPs.

Although the ESFP is a practical person, they have a low tolerance for routine and structure. They have an amazing ability to improvise and go with the flow of almost any situation. When it comes to learning new material, the ESTP has the amazing strength to be able to retain information by interacting with others and by hands-on experience.

ESFP Cognitive Functions (Functional Stack)

Each of the 16 personality types has four cognitive functions, as introduced by Carl Jung. These functions are the two scales of Sensing-Intuition (used to process information) and Thinking-Feeling (used to make decisions), each of which can be expressed both in an extraverted manner (e.g., displayed outwardly/externally) or an introverted manner (e.g., displayed inwardly or internally). The ESFP  has a ‘Se, Fi, Te, Ni” cognitive stack. However, they are called the ‘SeFi” due to their top two functions. This cognitive stacks means that:

  • Dominant: Se (extroverted Sensing) is the primary way that the ESFP interacts with the world around them. It encourages them to use their senses to understand the world around them and living in the moment. This is why ESFPs tend to prefer to deal with things that are real and solid.
  • Auxiliary: Fi (introverted Feeling) allows ESFPs to make decisions using their own moral code and what their gut is telling them. Due to their Fi function, ESFPs tend to be very considerate of how others feel.
  • Tertiary: Te (extroverted Thinking) gives ESFPs a logic-focused way to solve problems. This function encourages ESFPs to find better solutions to problems and improve the efficiency of processes.
  • Inferior: Ni (introverted iNtuition) is the weakest cognitive function for an ESFP. Ni allows ESFPs to pull information from all areas of their brain to look for patterns, or make predictions on what will happen in the future.

ESFP and Work/Career

Best careers for ESFPs
Being an excellent team player is one of an ESFPs strongest assets to any job. A fast-paced career that allows them to interact with others continually and offers a variety of duties would fit the ESFPs personality type best. Such careers include in as an actor/actress, event planner or flight attendant. Similarly, sociable careers where they can see tangible results for helping others are likely to enthuse ESFPs.

Check out our comprehensive page on ESFP careers to see more job titles specific to ESFPs.

Famous ESFPs

Many famous people are likely to fit the Entertainer type, because their job involves them having to perform and entertain others. Some examples of famous ESFPs include:

  • Ronald Reagan
  • Benito Mussolini
  • Justin Bieber
  • Bill Clinton
  • Katy Perry
  • Dolly Parton
  • Ringo Starr
  • Hugh Hefner
  • Will Smith
  • Serena Williams

ESFP Hobbies

  • Meeting new people and socializing
  • Relishing life to its fullest
  • Trying out new hobbies
  • Living in the present and making the most of each moment
  • Cracking jokes and helping others lighten up

ESFP Quotes

“If you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making others’ lives better.”
– Will Smith

“I was always the kid in school who tried to get attention…I’d do little unexpected performances.”
– Leonardo DiCaprio

“You have to grab moments when they happen. I like to improvise.”
– Denzel Washington

“I love [when] everything I do is fresh and in the moment.”
– Evan Rachel Wood

“Be bold and speak clearly. Let this suffice.”
– Michelangelo

ESFP-A Versus ESFP-T

Those who score as an ESFP will sit somewhere on the identity scale, ranging from assertive (A) to turbulent (T). The ESFP-A tend to be far more comfortable with themselves than the ESFP-T. They tend to be in touch with their emotions and forgiving of others.

The ESFP-T tends to be far less comfortable with themselves. However, this low self-esteem drives ESFP-Ts towards a higher level of excellence and performance. It also encourages them to remain alert to problems, so that they can be solved when the arise.

ESFP vs. Similar Personality Types

ISFP

The ISFP entertains their internal feelings alone, through a medium, such as art, dance, or song. ESFPs, in contrast, share their feelings openly with other people and encourage them to open up as well.

ENFP

The ENFP explores their feelings with others but in a more abstract sense; prone to daydreaming and considering far-fetched ideas. ESFPs are more grounded in reality, which make them live in the moment and savor each second with all their senses.

ESTP

The ESTP pays more attention to their physical needs and focuses more on practical goals for monetary over social gain. ESFPs are the life of the party—a peoples’ person first and foremost.

ESFJ

The ESFJ relays their actions for a collective goal rather than to simply connect with people for the wonderful and eye-opening sake of it. ESFPs are more wild and spontaneous in their interactions, and can easily make friends from all walks of life.

Next Steps

The Career Project can help you find rewarding work that is well suited to your interests, talents and skills. Browse our career guides to learn about different career options. Or, check out our job profiles, which are informational interviews with real-world professionals sharing their “inside scoop” on what their job is really like.

To learn more about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, read our first post in this series.

ESFP

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