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There are good and bad things about being an extrovert or introvert. Psychologist Carl Jung identified these personality preferences and noted that they were useful in understanding human behavior.
Jung believed that everyone could fit into one of the 16 personality types he defined. The letters in each type stand for different preferences, such as how you get and use your energy (E for extrovert or I for introvert), make decisions (S for sensing or N for intuition), and take in information (T for thinking or F for feeling).
In this article, we'll take a closer look at one of the extroverted types, the ESTP.
What Is the ESTP Personality?
ESTP stands for extroverted, sensing, thinking, perceiving. People with this personality type are outgoing and thrive in social situations. They're also good at thinking on their feet and making decisions quickly.
They're often called “adrenaline junkies” because they get a thrill from taking risks. You may also hear the ESTP type referred to as “entrepreneur.” This is because they have a lot of energy and are always looking for new opportunities. They can work well with colleagues who pull their weight but seem to thrive as managers.
ESTPs are natural-born leaders. They're decisive and confident, and they're not afraid to take charge of a situation.
A perfect example of a famous ESTP is the character of James Bond. He's suave, confident, and always ready for action. When it comes to the general population, ESTPs make up about 4-5%.
ESTP Strengths and Weaknesses
7 Strengths of the ESTP
1. Direct Communication Style
You won't have to worry about how an ESTP really feels since they are known for their direct and candid communication style. They're not afraid to speak their mind, and they're usually pretty good at getting their point across.
This directness can be a strength, especially in situations where there's no time for small talk.
2. Quick Thinkers
ESTPs are quick thinkers and they're good at making decisions on the fly. This is because they're very in tune with their gut instincts. They trust their intuition, and they're not afraid to act on it.
If your company has to make a big presentation while having technical difficulties, an ESTP will be able to think of a solution quickly and get the presentation back on track.
It can also be helpful in social situations. If you're ever feeling awkward or out of place, an ESTP will usually be able to think of something to say or do that will make you feel more comfortable.
3. Confident
People with this personality type are usually very confident. They're not afraid to take charge, and they're usually pretty good at what they do.
Such confidence helps them in fields such as business and sales. It also comes in handy in social situations. If you ever need someone to help you break the ice or get the party started, an ESTP is usually a good person to have around.
4. Risk-Takers
ESTPs are known for their love of adventure. They're often called “adrenaline junkies” because they get a thrill from taking risks.
If you are thinking of getting a company off the ground from scratch or taking your business in a new and exciting direction, then an ESTP is probably the right person for the job.
5. Sociable
If you are introverted, having an ESTP as your partner or friend can be a great way to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. ESTPs are outgoing and thrive in social situations.
They're usually pretty good at making conversation and they're always up for trying new things.
6. Originality
Your typical ESTP can put things together in ways that others have never even considered. This originality can be useful if someone needs to come up with an out-of-the-box solution to a problem. When it is time to brainstorm, you can count on the ESTP in your life to have some truly innovative ideas.
7. Perceptive
ESTPs are very in tune with their surroundings. They tend to notice things that others might miss, and they're usually pretty good at reading people.
For example, it can help an ESTP to resolve conflicts because they're usually aware of what's going on between both sides. It can also be helpful in social situations, because they can usually tell if someone is interested in them or not.
7 Weaknesses of the ESTP
1. Impatient
ESTPs can be impatient with people who don't think as quickly as they do. They might find it hard to understand why someone would need more time to make a decision.
This impatience can sometimes lead to conflict as everything must be done right now even if it is not the right time.
As a result, ESTPs may clash with colleagues or loved ones who have a more deliberative personality type. If you work under an ESTP type, be prepared to be able to keep up with them.
2. Dislike of Rules
These individuals are known for their dislike of rules and authority figures. They're the type of people who are always pushing the boundaries and testing the limits.
For example, lectures and repetition bore them, and they're likely to tune out or act up in these types of situations.
This disregard for rules can sometimes land ESTPs in hot water. They might get into trouble at work or school for not following the rules. They might also find themselves in legal trouble if they're not careful.
3. Impulsiveness
ESTPs can sometimes be too impulsive for their own good. They might make decisions without thinking things through, or they might act on instinct without considering the consequences.
For example, an ESTP might make a rash decision that gets them into financial trouble – like gambling their life savings on one bet. Or they might say something without thinking and hurt someone's feelings.
4. Insensitive
Although ESTPs are usually quite perceptive, they can also be insensitive. They might not always pick up on the subtleties of a situation, or they might say something that they don't mean to hurt someone's feelings. If you're dating an ESTP, it's important to communicate openly and honestly to avoid misunderstandings.
Since ESTPS thrive more on logic and rationality, they consider feelings and emotions to be a hindrance in making sound decisions.
5. Disorganized
People who are ESTPs can be disorganized and messy. They might have trouble keeping track of their belongings, or they might have a hard time completing tasks if there is no clear deadline. This disorganization can be frustrating for both the ESTP and those around them.
Their disorganization can stem from their impulsiveness, as they might not take the time to plan and organize their thoughts before taking action.
6. Restless
ESTPs are known for their restlessness. They get bored easily and they need a lot of stimulation to stay interested. In other words, an ESTP might have trouble sitting still for long periods of time.
This restlessness can sometimes be a problem in work or school settings where there is a lot of sitting and listening involved.
So, they don't tend to thrive in jobs or educational programs that require a lot of patience and quiet contemplation.
These are people of action who rather focus on physical activity and obvious results (i.e. – doing a CrossFit program vs talking about healthy eating.
In regards to relationships, dating an ESTP can involve great physical intimacy. However, great sex won't stop an ESTP from getting bored and leaving their partner behind for someone else.
7. Risk-Taking
ESTPs are often drawn to risky behavior. While risk-taking can work to their advantage in some situations (like forming a new company or forging ahead with out-of-the-box ideas), these individuals often go overboard.
Thanks to their impatience, they might take risks without thinking things through, or they might engage in dangerous activities for the thrill of it. For example, an ESTP might enjoy flying a helicopter in bad weather or drag racing in an area with lots of traffic.
ESTPs need to be careful that their risk-taking doesn't get out of hand. Otherwise, they might find themselves in danger or in trouble with the law.
Final Thoughts on the ESTP Personality
ESTPs are outgoing, spontaneous people who thrive on excitement and adventure. They're quick thinkers who are always looking for new ways to have fun. While ESTPs can be impulsive and insensitive, they're also perceptive and charming. If you think you might be an ESTP, take the MBTI test to find out for sure.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a personality test that can help you learn more about yourself and your relationships. And be sure to check out how this personality type compares to others in the article ESTP Vs ESTJ: 9 Differences of These Personality Types.
Finally, if you want to identify YOUR personality type, then take one of these 11 personality tests to better understand what makes you tick.
