ESFJ - The Traditional Giver

ESFJ types have an innate drive to care for others. They are particularly motivated by their interactions with the people in their lives. They're predisposed to making themselves available in a supportive capacity during times of grief, joy, hardship, or celebration. Their pragmatism leads them to judge circumstances based upon practicality and they are averse to spending time pontificating about theory. ESFJs have an enormous capacity for caring about the well-being of others. But, their natural partiality to supporting people is often at odds with their constantly morphing value system.

Below, we'll explain how people with the ESFJ personality type thrive with an intense sensitivity. We'll also describe their unique value system and how their giving nature often leads to discouragement.

Heightened Sensitivity

ESFJs are keenly focused upon helping others reach their individual potential. Their sensitivity is more sharply defined than other types. As a result, they can read people and intuitively understand their emotions, perspectives, and concerns. They believe that every person is capable of greatness if only they have the necessary support structure (which ESFJs are happy to provide). Their instinctive warmth and energy blends with a natural talent for encouraging others to excel in whatever they choose to do. Their relentless devotion to other people makes them highly valued friends and family members.

Value System

While other types gradually develop their values based upon tradition or upbringing, ESFJs define their values as a reflection of the community in which they live. As that community changes and evolves, so too, do their values change and evolve. Often, these changes are at odds with their personal beliefs. However, though ESFJ traits are inherently open about sharing their perspective, they will concede their own values in order to reflect the values of their community. And if their value system is incompatible with that of authority figures, they'll willingly adapt.

ESFJ Personality And Strengths

People with the ESFJ type are drawn to circumstances in which they can exact some measure of control over their immediate environment. They treasure predictability and tradition because both allow them to operate in a structured setting. ESFJs also tend to work well in partnership with other people, though they'll actively seek opportunities to control the group and delegate tasks. Above all else, they're characteristically inspired and eager to support people, and their enthusiasm tends to attract others to them.

Potential Weaknesses

Because ESFJ personalities have a heightened sensitivity to others, they are, in turn, sensitive to interpersonal responses. Not only are the easily discouraged by criticism, but mild indifference can have as severe an impact on their emotions and feelings. This can make ESFJs seem overly susceptible to the comments of others, eventually leading people to watch what they say and do around them. Plus, their perpetual desire for positive feedback can be tiresome to other types.

ESFJs are unique in their capacity to support and care for others. Their innate empathy allows them to form strong emotional connections with those around them. However, their sharp sensitivity to the reactions of other people can lead ESFJs to feel insecure about themselves. If they can learn to be less vulnerable emotionally, they will feel more fulfilled and ultimately, be more effective.