An ESFJ (extraverted, observant, feeling, and judging) is highly attuned to the needs of others, eager to fulfil their responsibilities to help others where they feel they can. They readily perceive the feelings of others and how others view them and naturally navigate within their emotional environment. Likewise, ESFJs agree with cooperation and harmony and tend to identify strongly with those qualities. ESFJs are dutiful and loyal, readily giving time to their friends and family when they feel that they need it. They tend also to readily give their time to others and can place the problems of others on their shoulders, burdening themselves with the responsibility, attempting as they do to resolve them as best they can.
principles
Sometimes called the consul, ESFJs are happiest when serving others, connecting with old friends, and fulfilling obligations. They identify strongly with the groups they belong to, the traditions they uphold, and the rules they follow. They strive to make important contributions, and their accomplishments must be valued.
• Dutiful, dedicated and practical
• Good listeners and loyal friends
• Hardworking and accomplished
• Sociable and convivial
strengths
gracious and diplomatic
ESFJs demonstrate excellent social skills in a variety of situations. They are quite skilled at managing expectations, smoothing over hurt feelings, and harmonising interpersonal relationships.
warm and sensitive
ESFJs are often aware of what others need before they say anything, and they derive great personal satisfaction from providing services to others in tangible ways.
relationship builders
As dedicated listeners, they are genuinely interested in the welfare of their acquaintances when they have the opportunity to catch up.
leadership
ESFJs often make excellent leaders. They have a knack for balancing each team member's needs and honouring their valuable contributions while maintaining their focus on the task at hand.
weaknesses
need for affirmation
Everyone relies on feedback to know that they are valued. Highly sensitive to this need, ESFJs are constantly showing appreciation and showering encouragement on others. If these efforts go unreciprocated, an ESFJ may assume that they are not actually valued, and they risk spiralling into anxiety. Constructive feedback that is not couched in ample affirmation can lead to despair.
insecurity regarding social status
ESFJs are motivated to secure and maintain a desirable place for themselves in the social order. If they don't receive ample positive feedback, they may worry that they are not contributing enough, that they are a detriment to the group, or that their position within their social group or organisation is in jeopardy. They may withhold valuable ideas and insights out of a fear of rejection.
resistance to change
A primary reason ESFJs prefer standard procedures, rules, schedules, and familiar traditions is that they gain confidence through repeated successes. They worry that failing at something new could jeopardise their social status. They view unproven and unconventional ideas as risky not only because they may not work out, but because they may lead to social rejection.
selfless to a fault
Eager to maintain order and harmony, ESFJs frequently place the needs of the group and other individuals before their own. This can lead to burn out and self-neglect. If their dedication is not reciprocated, ESFJs may develop resentment, feel taken advantage of, or feel rejected.
friendships
Some people value having a few close friends while others prefer to have a large number of casual acquaintances. ESFJS don't fall into either of these categories. They make and keep numerous friendships throughout their lives, maintaining close bonds with schoolmates, former colleagues, ex-lovers, and nearly everyone else they've come to care about. Reflecting the size of their broad social circles, their homes are often designed to entertain large groups for festive holiday traditions.
Some people value having a few close friends while others prefer to have a large number of casual acquaintances. ESFJS don't fall into either of these categories. They make and keep numerous friendships throughout their lives, maintaining close bonds with schoolmates, former colleagues, ex-lovers, and nearly everyone else they've come to care about. Reflecting the size of their broad social circles, their homes are often designed to entertain large groups for festive holiday traditions.