ESFJ

The provider, the jovial fellow

Cognitive functions

Dominant function: Extroverted Feeling
Auxiliary function: Introverted Sensing
Tertiary function: Extroverted Intuition
Lower function: Introverted Thinking

Their assets

ESFJ’s like to organize people and situations then collaborate with others and finish within the necessary times. They are conscientious, honest, pay attention to each detail and expect from others to do the same. They value security and stability.
Convivial and open, ESFJ’s like festivals and traditions and are very attentive both at home and at work. They like to be appreciated for who they truly are and for what they can bring to others.

Characteristics

ESFJ’s primarily use their Feeling function in the external world. They are encouraged by approval but get hurt by indifference or spite. They are uneasy when facing conflict and endeavour to avoid them.
ESFJ’s tend to be cordial, nice, obliging, friendly, co-operative and tactful. ESFJ’s concentrate themselves on the present and base their decisions on experience and facts. Although they appreciate diversity, they can adapt to routine but don’t like abstract ideas or impersonal analysis.
ESFJ’s are sensitive to each individual’s needs and are gifted when it comes to be attentive and practical. They draw their satisfaction from the wellness and the pleasure which they bring to others.

How others perceive them

ESFJ’s are instigated by interaction with others and are sincerely interested in their existence and concerns. They are more at ease in the structured situations and like the order, the structure and planning. They prefer to follow the traditional and tested methods.
To preserve harmony, ESFJ’s will have a tendency to agree with others as much as possible. However they have firm stocks which they will clearly express boldly if they consider it suitable.
ESFJ’s value family and social ties. They like to belong to a group and to take part in the traditional parties.
They are usually perceived as sociable, opened, enthusiastic, energetic, organized, ordered and guardians of traditions.

Potential development areas

If ESFJ’s can’t find a way of using their talents and being appreciated for their contribution, they generally feel frustrated and can :
- Doubt of themselves and completely turn their attention on the needs and satisfaction of others
- Worry and feel guilty
- Become authoritative in their research of harmony : ‘We absolutely have to get along !’
- Become too sensitive, imagining discord when it doesn’t exist.
It is possible that ESFJ’s pay less attention to the functions they dislike the most : Thinking and Intuition. However, if they neglect these aspects too much, they can :
- Have difficulties to face the truth concerning people and problems which are due to them in heart
- Support the offending people or usual procedures without showing critical spirit
- Be unable to imagine larger possibilities or other ways of doing things
In very stressing situations it happens that ESFJ’s become critical towards themselves and others in a manner which doesn’t resemble them. They are then terribly disturbed by their thoughts and negative opinions.