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When it comes to personalities, we all can be a little bit different and similar at the same time. After all, that's what makes us unique, right? But sometimes, it can be helpful to understand how others are different from us. It can help us to communicate better, understand their motivations, and even to predict their behavior.
You may think that being an extrovert means someone is loud, bouncing off the walls, and always the life of the party. And while that may be true for some extroverts, it's not always the case.
Just like introverts, extroverts come in all different shapes and sizes. The key difference is that extroverts get their energy from the outside world, while introverts get their energy from within themselves.
In this article, we'll be comparing the ESTP vs ESTJ personality types. Both of these personality types are outgoing, practical, and action-oriented. But some key differences between them are worth noting.
So, without further ado, let's dive in and compare these two extroverted personality types!
What Is an ESTP?
ESTP stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving. People with this personality type are often spontaneous and enjoy being in the moment. They're also often very good at problem-solving and are quick thinkers.
They are often drawn to careers in business, sales, or marketing. They are natural leaders and are often able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems.
What Is an ESTJ?
An ESTJ is often drawn to careers in business, administration, or management. ESTJ stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.
ESTJs are often very organized and have a strong sense of duty. They are natural leaders and are often able to think logically and make decisions quickly.
They are often very detail-oriented and like to have everything in its place. They can be very blunt and direct, but also have a strong sense of justice.
What These Personality Types Have In Common
In terms of similarity, both ESTP and ESTJ personality types are outgoing, practical, and action-oriented. They are both drawn to careers that allow them to use their quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Test your personality characteristics by way of a Myers Brigg test – who knows, you may be an ESTJ or ESTP.
Now, let's take a look at some key differences between these two personality types.
9 Key Differences Between ESTP and ESTJ
1. Spontaneity
If you want someone willing to climb Mt.Fuji with you on an hour's notice, an ESTP is your type. They are often spontaneous and love to live in the moment. They are also quick thinkers and can come up with creative solutions to problems.
ESTJs, on the other hand, are often more organized and like to plan things out in advance. So the ESTJ may happily climb one of the highest mountain peaks with you as long as you give them proper notice – try a week or two.
2. Dominant Function
The dominant function of an ESTP is their Extraverted Sensing (Se). This means that they are constantly taking in information from the world around them. They are very in tune with their surroundings and are often able to pick up on things that others may miss.
An example of this might be an ESTP who can quickly notice when someone is lying or hiding something. They may not have a logical reason but can sense that something is off.
The dominant function of an ESTJ is their Extraverted Thinking (Te). This means that they are constantly thinking about the world around them and trying to organize it.
An example of this might be an ESTJ who is always trying to find new ways to improve a process or system. Even if the system already works well, an ESTJ will always find new ways to make it more efficient.
3. Communication Style
ESTPs are often very direct communicators. They are quick thinkers and can often come up with creative solutions to problems. They are also usually very good at reading people and can pick up on nonverbal cues.
ESTJs are often very blunt communicators. They are often direct and to the point. However, they can also be very diplomatic when they need to be. They are often very good at reading people and can pick up on nonverbal cues.
4. Decision-Making
ESTPs are often quick thinkers and can make decisions quickly. They are also usually very good at problem-solving.
While ESTJs can also make quick decisions, they are not as fast as ESTPs. They often like to have all the information before making a decision. They are also usually very detail-oriented and like to have everything in its place. So they often make excellent planners.
5. Work Style
ESTPs are often very good at thinking on their feet and coming up with creative solutions to problems. They are also usually very good at multitasking and can handle a lot of information at once. A career field such as business, sales, or marketing may be a good place for ESTPs to use such skills.
ESTJs are often very detail-oriented and like to have everything in its place. This characteristic works well in jobs such as administration, management, or accounting. ESTJs are often able to see the big picture and can be very strategic thinkers such as in the field of politics.
6. Socializing
ESTPs are often very outgoing and love to socialize. They are often the life of the party and can be very charming.
ESTJs are also outgoing, but they often like to socialize in a more structured environment. They are often drawn to activities such as networking events or business functions.
So if you are throwing a big holiday bash by a pool, your ESTP friend is more likely to be the one cannonballing into the pool fully clothed. But you may notice your ESTJ friend spending most of their time chatting with everyone by the pool.
7. Stress Management
ESTPs are often very good at managing stress. Their stress management skills stem from their ability to stay in the moment and take things one step at a time.
ESTJs are often very good at managing stress as well. This is because they are often very good at staying organized and keeping track of everything that is going on.
8. Learning Style
ESTPs are often very good at learning by doing. They are often very hands-on learners and can pick up new skills quickly. So you may see an ESTP enjoying activities such as sports, cooking, or woodworking.
ESTJs are often very good at learning by reading and listening. They are often very detail-oriented and like to have all the information before moving on. So you may see an ESTJ reading a lot or taking detailed notes.
9. Relationship Style
ESTPs are often very flirtatious and love the thrill of the chase. They are also usually very good at reading people and can pick up on nonverbal cues.
ESTJs are also usually very good at reading people and can pick up on nonverbal cues. However, they often like to take things slow and get to know someone before getting too involved.
If you are taking bets on marriage, your money may be better spent on an ESTJ. This is because they often like to take things slow and make sure they are with someone they can build a life with.
Which One Is More Common?
We live in an extroverted world, and ESTPs make up about 4-10% of the population. So they are actually one of the more common personality types.
ESTJs are also a fairly common personality type, making up about 9% of the population.
Best Professions for ESTPs and ESTJs
ESTPs often do well in careers that require quick thinking and good problem-solving skills. They are also often very good at multitasking and can handle a lot of information at once.
ESTJs often do well in careers that require good organizational skills and the ability to pay attention to detail. They are also often very good at strategic thinking and can see the big picture. Some famous ESTJs include Margaret Thatcher, and Vince Lombardi.
Final Thoughts About ESTP vs ESTJ Personality Types
ESTPs and ESTJs are both outgoing personality types. If you don't fit this personality type, you probably have friends, colleagues, or family members who do. The next time you observe extroversion, don't put all outgoing people into one box.
Instead, take a closer look and see if you can identify whether the person is an ESTP, ESTJ, or a different type. Remember to check Myer-Briggs Type Indicator to find out your exact personality type.
While ESTPs and ESTJs share some similarities, they also have distinct differences. By understanding what makes humans different, you can better relate to people with other personality types.
Instead of expecting everyone to be the same, you can learn about the various layers of our personalities and how we perceive the world. See the comparison between some introverted types by checking out ISFJ vs INFJ:6 Differences for 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.
