ESFP 2w1 (A 7 point Guide)

This blog provides a brief guide to the ESFP 2w1 personality type. ESFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 2w1 is one of the personality types outlined in the Enneagram of Personality. We will begin by covering the primary traits, strengths, weaknesses and other features of the ESFP and 2w1 personality types. We will then look at whether or not these two types occur together.

ESFP (The Entertainer):

ESFP is an MBTI personality type. The MBTI is a classification of 16 personality types. It is measured by the MBTI indicator and encompasses the different ways in which people perceive and engage with the world. The tool assigns people along 4 dimensions:  introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, judging vs. perceiving and generates one of 16 possible combinations as the final result. ESFP is one of the possible results you can get on the MBTI. ESFPs are effervescent and charming and draw people to them. They are spontaneous and energetic and take pleasure in everything around them. 

ESFPs are outgoing and like to engage in new and vibrant experiences. They have a keen eye for aesthetics and are always open to new experiences. ESFPs are ardently social and love bringing people together through fun and laughter. ESFPs like to be the centre of attention and are usually the individuals who are the ‘life of the party’. Although they may appear self-absorbed, ESFPs are actually very observant and sensitive to others feelings. They are supportive and always available to talk about someone’s problem. However, if the problem is about them, they prefer to avoid rather than address the issues.

ESFPs can be impulsive and focus on immediate pleasure rather than analysing and planning for the future. They usually rely on luck or a friend to keep them on track. Additionally, because ESFPs are so focused on having fun they go out of their way to avoid situations that interfere with this.

Characteristics:

·        Extraverted: Energised by spending time with other people.

·        Sensing: Focus on tangible experiences or facts rather than ideas and concepts

·        Feeling: Decisions are guided by feelings and values rather than cognition

·        Perceiving: Avoid planning and organising and adopt a spontaneous approach

Strengths:

·        Bold and open to new experiences

·        Original. Like to stand out

·        Good aesthetic sense

·        Prefer to see, do and experience rather than think

·        Focus on the here and now

·        Observant. Strong awareness of their surroundings and the needs of others

·        Excellent social skills. Witty, talkative and enjoy company.

Weaknesses:

·        Sensitive to criticism and highly emotional

·        Tendency to avoid conflict

·        Impulsivity and difficulty with long-term planning

·        Risky or over-indulgent behaviour

·        Easily bored

·        Difficulties with prolonged focus and persistence on tasks

·        Difficulty dealing in abstractions

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

ESFPs at work:

ESFPs are born entertainers and love engaging with people. They prefer an active and social work environment. Owing to their keen aesthetic sense, ESFPs thrive in careers in music, art, food or fashion. Work that does not produce immediate results and environments that are extremely rule-bound and bureaucratic are not suited to ESFPs. Because they are so tuned to people’s needs, ESFPs thrive in careers where they can serve others. ESFPs prefer hands-on working experiences and are good at practical problem solving. Jobs that an ESFP would be well suited for include: actor, artist, designer, teacher, psychologist, social worker, real estate agent, public relations manager, corporate trainer etc.

ESFPs in relationships:

ESFPs have a natural interest in forming connections with people. They are warm, friendly and openly affectionate. They often go out of their way to make their loved ones happy. However, they dislike dealing with the complexities of relationships and have a tendency to avoid conflicts. Because of their focus on the here and now, ESFPs often neglect thinking about the future course of their relationship and find it difficult to maintain long term relationships.

2w1 (The Companion):

2w1 (2 wing 1) is an enneagram type. It indicates a Type 2 with a 1 wing. The enneagram is a personality typology system that focuses on the basic fears and motivations that guide the lives of individuals. It has been used widely in business and spiritual settings. This system is made up of nine primary personality types. A nine point diagram helps to demonstrate how these nine types are connected to each other. In addition to the basic nine types, the system includes 27 different subtypes or wings as well as three primary central factors focusing on thinking, feeling and behaviour.

Type 2 is divided into two wings: 2w1 and 2w3. Type 2w1 has characteristics of both type 2 and type 1, with the former as the core enneagram. Type 2w1s are warm and affectionate. In further accordance with type 2s, they are highly sensitive to the needs of others. But unlike most Type 2s, 2w1s are more quiet and withdrawn. The basic fear of 2w1s is a fear of being unloved or unwanted. This often manifests as a compulsive need to care for and serve others to hide this underlying insecurity. Their basic desire is love and approval from people.

2w1s have a tendency to put the needs of others above their own and to suppress their own desires and emotions. Outwardly, 2w1s appear Like Type 1s. They are altruistic and strive to alleviate the suffering of their fellow humans. But this devotion to their community is usually aimed at receiving the love and acceptance they so intensely crave. 2w1s combine the judgement of type 1s with the need for approval of type 2s. In addition to being understanding of others, healthy 2w1s are highly self-aware and practice self-care.

Their Type 1 wing also causes 2w1s to be perfectionistic in their approach to work. This perfectionism can lead to 2w1s imposing their ‘help’ on other people and trying to direct their lives. When under pressure, this personality type can be highly self-critical.

Distinguishing between 2w1 and 1w2 can be difficult because they are derived from the same basic types. But usually 2w1s are more extroverted and dependent on others than 1w2s. 1w2s are more critical of others than 2w1s and focus more on how well they do a task rather than what others think of them.

Strengths:

·        Sensitivity to the needs of others

·        Aware of areas of personal growth

·        Supportive and encouraging of others

·        Devoted attention to tasks

Weaknesses:

·        Highly self-critical and insecure

·        Dependent on praise of others

·        Sensitive to criticism

·        Neglect own personal needs

·        Orientation to others can become self-destructive

2w1s at work:

These personalities love working for a cause and dedicate themselves selflessly to it. They flourish in environments where they can help others while being allowed their own space to re-energise and recuperate. However, while 2w1s go out of their way to help others, they are easily frustrated if their work is not recognised or praised. Because 2w1s are so devoted to other people, they often accept the less glamorous tasks that most other people reject. Jobs 2w1s are suited for include: psychologist, nurse, advisor, counsellor, school psychologist, humanitarian etc.

2w1s in relationships:

Feelings are relationships are the modes through which 2w1s operate in their daily lives. 2w1s usually make generous and supportive friends. They are very caring and sensitive to the needs of others which helps them build good relationships. They are willing to go to great lengths for those they love. However, due to their tendency to put others’ needs before their own they can lose touch with themselves. They also tend to give a lot of unwelcome advice and can be judgemental at times.

ESFP 2w1:

Type 2s are part of the Heart Triad of the Enneagram. They emphasise feelings and relationships in their interactions with the world. Thus, they usually have the extraverted feeling function of the MBTI as their dominant function. This is why the most commonly seen enneagram for ESFPs, ENFJs, ESFJs and ENFPs is Type 2. Many ESFPs identify as Type 2w1s on the enneagram because their blend of introverted feeling and extraverted sensing mimics the extraverted feeling function.

ESFP 2w1s tend to be warm and supportive people, which are characteristics of both ESFPs and Type 2s. Additionally, courtesy of their 1 wing, 2w1s are altruistic, believing they are worthy only if they are helpful to others. Like ESFPs they are highly energetic and good at solving practical problems. ESFP 1w2s go out of their way to help loved ones and are good listeners.

Unlike other ESFPs, Type 2 ESFPs are in touch with their introverted feeling function and sensitive to the emotions and motivations of others. In this sense, ESFP 1w2s often resemble ESFJs, whose extraverted-feeling function is dominant.

Conclusion:

In this blog we looked at the primary traits, strengths and weaknesses of the ESFP and 2w1 personality types. We also examined the correlation between these two personality types and found that they frequently co-occur due to their emphasis on relationships and feelings. 

If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. 

FAQ on ‘ESFP 2w1’:

What Enneagram is ESFP?

EFSPs often receive a Type 7 as their enneagram type. The ESFPs dominant function, extraverted sensing, corresponds to the Type 7 enneagram or ‘The Enthusiast’. Both Type 7s and ESFPs are highly sociable and energetic.

What does it mean to be a 2w3?

2w3s are outgoing organizers. They enjoy forming connections with people and working in a group.

What is the rarest Enneagram type?

The rarest enneagram type is said to be Type 4 or The Individualist. Type 4s are hard to spot because they are usually introverts who like to keep to themselves.

What is the most common Enneagram type?

The most common enneagram type is Type 9 or The Peacemaker.

How rare is ESFP?

ESFPs are rare and make up about 9% of the general population. Women are more likely to be ESFPs than men. It is the third most common MBTI for women and the seventh most common for men. 

Who are ESFPs attracted to?

ESFPs are attracted to confident and headstrong people. They are drawn to people who openly express their emotions and are confident about themselves

References:

https://personalityjunkie.com/07/myers-briggs-enneagram-mbti-types-correlations-relationship/

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-2-wing-1

https://www.verywellmind.com/esfp-extraverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving-2795984

https://www.oocities.org/lifexplore/typecorr.htm

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