ESFJ is the four-letter code of the Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator. Being an ESFJ (The Provider) means having the traits of Extraverted (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). People with the ESFJ personality type are extremely conscientious, are diligent and dedicated to their responsibilities, and are receptive and attuned to other people’s feelings.
What does ESFJ mean?
Anybody who has the ESFJ personality type feels the best when they get to spend time with other people (Extraverted), emphasizes details and facts, rather than concepts and ideas (Sensing), decides everything on the basis of values and feelings (Feeling), and likes to have an organized and planned approach to everything, rather than being impulsive and flexible (Judging).
The ESFJ personality type is also known as The Provider due to their ability to take care of others in practical but the best ways possible.
Related: The Best Trait of Each MBTI Personality Type
10 Signs You Are An ESFJ Personality Type
1. Emotional and sensitive.
ESFJs are emotional and sensitive beings who care a lot about other people’s feelings and always look to keep things harmonious and peaceful wherever they go. They hate offending and hurting people, and if they do that by any chance, they go out of their way to make things right.
They are people who have hearts of gold, who always try to do good for others, and spread happiness and cheer whenever they can. Negativity and cruelty are things you will never find in them.
2. Faithful and dutiful.
ESFJs highly value security and stability in their lives and work hard to ensure the same for others also. This trait of theirs makes them trustworthy partners in relationships, and valuable employees in their workplace. You can always rely on an ESFJ to get things done at the right time and in the right way and have your back.
They are also very dutiful and responsible people, who take their duties very seriously and leave no stone unturned to make sure everything goes in the right direction. ESFJs have an inherent drive to prove themselves every step of the way, even though most of the time, this stems from societal expectations.
3. Unoriginal and rigid.
An ESFJ’s inability to get out of their comfort zone ends up limiting them a lot in life. They always hesitate when it comes to trying out new things and dive deep into the wonders of innovation. They would rather stay stagnant in the same place for the rest of their lives than take a chance and do something different, all because they are scared of change.
The ESFJ personality type always focuses on what is acceptable according to societal standards and chooses to only advocate that. They are very scared and uncertain when it comes to unconventional things, and they would any day keep on doing the same thing over and over again, rather than try out something new and which has never been done before.
4. Too needy and hates criticism.
ESFJs need a lot of appreciation and acknowledgement to feel happy and confident about themselves. This constant need for validation makes them come across as excessively needy and clingy. Whenever their efforts are not acknowledged, they try various ways to fish out compliments to feel better and reassure themselves of their good qualities.
Criticism is the worst nightmare for an ESFJ, and there’s no way they are ever okay with it. Even if you provide constructive criticism, they will take it to heart, feel hurt over it, and make it seem like something huge whereas it’s not. They feel very dejected whenever someone doesn’t agree with their values, beliefs and traditions.
Related: How Each Myers-Briggs® Type Reacts to Stress (and How to Help!)
5. Practical and disciplined.
Due to ESFJs being very disciplined and hard-working, they know how to make good use of their managerial skills. They are amazing when it comes to taking care of everyday tasks, and maintaining routines to ensure everything runs smoothly, and nothing slips out of the cracks.
Their practical personality also helps them a lot when it comes to taking care of the people close to them, by making sure all their important things are taken care of. If you have an ESFJ in your team, know that they will always find a way to make sure everything stays on the right path, and nothing ever goes wrong.
6. Well-loved and social.
Their extroverted nature helps them get along with everyone they meet, and that’s why it’s no wonder that they are some of the most well-loved and well sought-after individuals out there. Their ability to blend in wherever they go, simply adds to their popularity and makes others feel drawn to them.
ESFJs love mingling with people and meeting new people, and have no problem at all indulging in small talk, if that helps them feel that they belong somewhere.
7. Strong and can stand up for themselves.
The ESFJ personality type is never scared of taking on challenges, nor do they ever get intimidated by them. They know how to take a stand for themselves, and will never stand by and watch others take credit for the work they have done. They know how to be a leader, and never wait for others to initiate things.
ESFJs are always ready to help people whenever they can, be it volunteering at a soup kitchen, raising money for underprivileged kids or even run for being the neighborhood president – they know they can make a difference, and will always work hard to make sure that they do.
8. Judgmental and uncreative.
Most of the time, ESFJs are so focused on what is tried and tested, that they let go of many opportunities that might lead to improvement and growth in their lives. Bigger picture thinking, abstract ideas, and creative notions tend to tick them off and for the most part, they stick to conventional ideas and standards.
Their close-mindedness sometimes makes them intolerant, and they end up judging people who don’t share the same views as them. As long as you agree with them, everything’s good, but the moment you go against them or try to go on a different path than them, they will start judging you brutally and will consider you inferior to them.
9. Too benevolent and trusting.
An ESFJ’s emotional nature is one of the best things about them, but that can also prove to be a bane at times. They can be too selfless, even when they don’t need to be. Not everyone deserves to experience their benevolence and selflessness, and it is these people who end up exploiting them for their own selfish needs.
ESFJs are so trusting, and kind-hearted, that they end up putting their needs on the backburner, to do something good for someone else. When they end up ignoring their own happiness for others, after a point, it makes them feel depressed and alone.
10. Reliable and supportive partners.
When it comes to romantic relationships, ESFJs are some of the best people to be with. They are extremely supportive, trustworthy and nurturing, and will take care of their partners as no one else will. They always look for secure, stable, and mature relationships to be in, and once they get that, they give it their all.
ESFJs are committed and loving people, who will hardly give their partners any chance to complain and will always be there for them, no matter what. No matter what happens, they always follow through with their promises, and never compromise on their love and integrity.
Related: The Ultimate Relationship Deal Breaker For Each MBTI Personality Type
Best Career Paths For ESFJ Personality Type
ESFJs do well in careers where they can provide structure, and help people in useful and practical ways. They like jobs that need attention to detail and demand a strong structure to work well. As long as they are able to pay attention to specifications and procedures and are able to work in an organized and methodical manner, they will thrive, and be happy.
The ESFJ personality type works well with colleagues who are action-oriented, active, and motivated. They gel well with like-minded people, who harbor the same work ethics and values. The perfect work environment for an ESFJ is one that is free from uncertainty and conflict and has a structured and amicable atmosphere.
Here Are Some Of The Best Career Choices For The ESFJ Personalities
- HR Manager
- Event Coordinator
- Optometrist
- Paralegal
- Elementary Teacher
- Caterer
- Hotel Manager
- Surgeon
- Nurse
- Cosmetologist
- Social Worker
Famous ESFJ Personalities
Here Are Some Of The Most Famous People Who Have ESFJ Personality Type
- Eva Longoria
- Hugh Jackman
- Rachel McAdams
- Jessica Biel
- Sally Field
- Andrew Carnegie
- Nancy Kerrigan
- Jennifer Lopez
- Whitney Houston
- Ed Sheeran
- Elton John
- Prince William
- Larry King
- Barbara Walters
- Mariah Carey
- Randy Jackson
- Martha Stewart
So, are you an ESFJ? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
