ENFP vs ESTP (A Comparative Analysis)
By
PsychReel
In this article, we will compare ENFP vs ESTP personalities from the MBTI types. We will do that by initially describing both personalities in-depth including their four cognitive functions. This will follow up by comparing and seeing how these personalities are similar and different from each other.
ENFP vs ESTP
If we consider ENFP vs ESTP and compare them we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are extroverted, charismatic, and open to change. However, they differ as well since ENFPs are more of feelers, value abstract ideas, and the creative type. Compared to them, ESTPs are thinkers, oriented towards logic than feelings, and focused on the present.
MBTI: Four Cognitive Functions
Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types, approaches personality to be composed of four cognitive functions that govern how people think, process, and make decisions. The top two cognitive functions play a dominant role in guiding a person’s personality. Whereas, the latter two play less of a role. However, they still have some impact or influence on how a person behaves in certain situations. ENFP and ESTP are two personality types out of the 16 types. Their cognitive functions are discussed in detail as follows.
ENFP: The Champion (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
The ENFP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a unique personality. It generally describes people who are enthusiastic, imaginative, flexible, innovative, creative, empathic, and value their independence. Up to 5 to 7 percent of people are estimated to have the ENFP personality type.
Four Cognitive Functions of ENFP
Four cognitive functions that guide how ENFP personality type processes information includes:
- Extraverted Intuition
ENFPs are open to new challenges and possibilities. Their focus is more on abstract ideas rather than concrete ones. So, they mostly try to imagine what the future may hold. Their tendency to understand things in terms of possible ideas rather than how they actually might exist enables them to detect patterns or relationships among people, ideas, and the world.
- Introverted Feeling
ENFPs put a high value on their emotions and feelings whenever they make decisions. In other words, rationality/objectivity or logic is not their first go-to option when deciding any course of action. Consequently, they try to understand how they and other people feel. This makes them naturally empathic. Furthermore, they prioritize their values and try to make decisions that are in line with it.
- Extraverted Thinking
Apart from feelings, ENFPs do try to give due value to logic and thinking as part of their ‘self’. Their focus is on trying to organize, link, and spot connections among ideas. Thus, they may tend to lay out information, so that each of their thoughts is linked to each other.
- Introverted Sensing
Whenever they are interacting with people or new things, ENFPs may try to relate, connect, and compare present experiences with past experiences. Their focus is to find any commonalities or patterns between the two. This is because doing so can help them predict or expect what the future may bring. Thus, memories, feelings, and thoughts related to the past play an important role in their life.
ESTP: The Persuader (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)
The ESTP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who are social, love drama, ready to take action, present-focused, and detail-oriented. They are logical, innovative, and keep their options open. Their decisions are based on facts/logic rather than feelings. 4-10% percent of people are estimated to have an ESTP personality type.
Four Cognitive Functions of ESTP
Four cognitive functions that guide how ESTP personality type processes information includes:
- Extroverted Sensing
ESTPs are social, outgoing, and always seeking sensory stimulation. They are present-oriented and realistic rather than daydreamers. They utilize all of their senses when doing something to fully experience it. Even their learning is based on a similar strategy. Mundane tasks bore them especially theoretical information, thus they try to channel their energy into productive actions. ESTPs are risk-takers and prioritize doing something new every once in a while.
- Introverted Thinking
ESTPs are inwardly oriented. They process information by thinking it through logically and rationally. They are good at controlling their impulses and can discipline themselves to get the job done. In other words, they can achieve their goals once they set their mind to it. These personalities also have exceptional skills of observation which enables them to notice details that are usually overlooked by others. They use such information by applying logic and then utilize it in practical situations.
- Extroverted Intuition
ESTPs enjoy socialization, big crowds, and being the center of attention. They focus on keeping everyone happy and may not easily share their opinions or judgments if it can risk disrupting social harmony. They are humanitarians by nature and try to help others & make the world a better place by offering practical solutions where needed.
- Introverted Intuition
ESTPs can make connections among related ideas which helps them in predicting what to expect in the future. They rely on their gut feelings but only rarely since this part of their personality is weak. They believe this is their weakness. However, this area can be developed if worked upon actively.
A Comparison of ENFP and ESTP
Personality: ENFP vs ESTP
ENFP is considered a very imaginative, innovative, energetic, and spontaneous personality. They are always in search of new ideas and are pretty accepting of multiple perspectives. They are considered risk-takers who make use of every opportunity life throws at them. Their approach is people-centered, caring, and empathetic. However, they dislike getting into detail and following through with commitments as they easily get distracted by the next exciting challenge.
ESTPs are more action-oriented and jump into anything they find interesting. They dislike things that are boring including schedules and mundane tasks. They are tough-minded logical people who prioritize facts over emotions. When making any decision, they utilize their knowledge to fix problems and objectively make the choice that is backed by evidence.
Workstyle: ENFP vs ESTP
Both ENFP and ESTP personalities have different working styles in their workplace.
Due to their good interpersonal skills, warm attitude towards others, and good people reading skills, ENFPs contribute a new perspective and creative problem-solving to the office team. If they are elected as leaders, they are caring and thoughtful but not good at devising work systems or dealing with bad news. They also don’t like rules and regulations or strict structures in work proceedings which explains why they dislike being controlled by management. They prefer flexibility, innovation, stimulation, and avoid tasks that are repetitive or monotonous.
At the workplace, ESTPs focus on completing tasks immediately and on influencing their team positively by initiating actions to reach the final goal. They make good leaders who emphasize practicality over slow-paced theoretical ideas. An ESTP’s incredible drive and energy would be directed into completing tasks in the shortest amount possible before they lose interest. After it, they move on to another exciting thing that catches their attention. They are not creative in the sense of exploring abstract ideas rather they are more focused on facts, data, and problem-fixing.
Conflict: ENFP vs ESTP
Attitude towards conflict and its management by both personalities can vary.
ENFPs usually avoid conflict and try to resolve the matter peacefully and warmly. They dislike injustice/ unfairness and strive for harmony. Their language during conflicts is emotionally loaded. Furthermore, they can easily open up about themselves in such situations.
ESTPs on the other hand are open to conflict. They rarely take disagreements to heart and move on once things are resolved. This is because they believe that to get things done, tension is natural and part of the process. However, they make sure their work does not get slowed down due to wastage of time in such thoughts. ESTPs dislike being micromanaged or being ordered around. They like directness, honesty, and quickness in their communication and expect the same from others. This may offend people who are more careful and reflective in their communication style.
Interpersonal Skills: ENFP vs ESTP
The interpersonal skills of both ENFP and ESTP are similar in some respects and different in others. Particularly, the manner of relating to others, perceiving other people, and how others perceive them is distinct for both personalities.
ENFPs are usually outgoing, happy, positive, and hopeful in the presence of others. At times, they can be sensitive and take criticism seriously. They may have a need to be liked and approved by others. People perceive them as likable, genuine, and fun to be around. They are usually emotionally expressive and can be found at the center of dramatic situations. However, they try to keep the environment light for other people to feel comfortable. They can be future-oriented, open to possibilities, and driven to care about other people in many situations.
On the other hand, ESTPs are adventurous, fun-loving and the life of the party. They have a low boredom threshold due to which they quickly move to the next big thrill. At an emotional level, they try to reserve their time in making things happen rather than spending time feeling emotions. They are open in sharing their thoughts but factually and directly, devoid of the emotional component. People see them as friendly, talkative and a good person to hang out with but not someone who can have meaningful conversations centering on feelings.
FAQs: ENFP vs ESTP
Are ENFP and ESTP compatible?
Yes, ENFPs and ESTPs are compatible and can have a healthy relationship. Although they are not each other ideal partners, they can balance out what the other personality lacks. They share similar love for socialization, an energetic lifestyle, and an unstructured approach to life. However, they have their differences that require active work especially on how they see & understand the world and people, their communication style, their values and need for stimulation vs stability.
Who Should an ESTP marry?
ESTP should marry an ISFJ or ISTJ. This is because their dominant extroverted sensing can be matched well by the dominant introverted sensing of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.
Who should an ENFP marry?
ENFP should marry an INTJ or the INFJ. This is because their dominant function of extraverted intuition can be matched well by the dominant introverted intuition of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.
What does ESTP find attractive?
ESTPs are attracted to people who are confident yet mysterious and communicate in a charismatic manner. They like someone who is secure in themselves and doesn’t rely on other people for validation.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared ENFP vs ESTP. We found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are extroverted, charismatic, and open to change. However, they differ as well since ENFPs are more of feelers, value abstract ideas, and the creative type. Compared to them, ESTPs are thinkers, oriented towards logic than feelings, and focused on the present.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.verywellmind.com/estp-extraverted-sensing-thinking-perceiving-2795986
https://personalityatwork.co/types/enfp/vs/estp
