ESFP 6w5 (A 7 Point Guide)

This blog provides a brief guide to the ESFP 6w5 personality type. SFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 6w5 is one of the personality types outlined in the Enneagram of Personality. We will be looking at the similarities between these two personality types and at the likelihood of these two types occurring together. We will also examine their primary traits, strengths, weaknesses and other features in detail.

ESFP 6w5:

The MBTI and the Enneagram of Personality are two of the most popular personality classification systems. A number of attempts have been made to correlate the different types outlined in these two systems. These correlations may make it possible to provide individuals with a combined personality result, such as ESFP 6w5.

While the Enneagram measures basic motivation, MBTI focuses more on perception and information processing. Motivations are a lot more fundamental to the personality and determine information processing to a large extent. Therefore, the results on the Enneagram measure something that to a large extent influences what a person tests as on the MBTI.

ESFP have extravert sensing their dominant function. Thus, type 6s who test as ESFPs focus on the concrete and practical aspects of external reality. They are problem solvers and action-takers and use the sensory information available to them to make decisions. However, 6w5s may differ from other Type 6 ESFPs in that they like stability and avoid any kind of spontaneity. Most ESFPs on the other hand tend to be impulsive and seek novel experiences.

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.

6w5 (The Guardian):

6w5 (6 wing 5) is an enneagram type. It indicates Type 6 personality with a 5 wing. This means that this personality primarily has Type 6 traits, but also a few of Type 5. 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. According to the Enneagram, every personality type can be coupled with characteristics from one of its neighbouring personality types. Thus, type 6 is divided into two types: Type 6w5 and 6w7.

6w5s are intellectual and hard working. They are usually more careful and serious than other Type 6s. Because of their 5 wing they are independent, but they are very loyal to those they care about. The basic fear of 6w5s is of losing stability and support. Their basic desire is to have a sense of security. 6w5s have a tendency to project their own feelings and motives onto others, which can make them distrustful of the people around them. 6w5s are introverts and place a lot of value on boundaries. They desire to have control and stability and don’t appreciate risks or surprises. Additionally, they have a desire to serve the community and make the world a better place. Because they are so cautious, 6w5s are very frugal people. They have a tendency to hoard their money for a ‘rainy day’. 

Compared to their counterparts, 6w7, 6w5s are less dependent on other people. Like other Type 6s, they are prone to anxiety, but they deal with it on their own rather than relying on others.  The defence mechanism they usually use is intellectualisation; instead of processing their emotion, they rationalise an unpleasant event. They are also less image-conscious than other Type 6s.

Strengths:

·        Efficient problem solving

·        Detail-oriented

·        Able to work independently

·        Passion for knowledge

Weaknesses:

·        Prone to negative thinking and scepticism

·        Withdrawn

·        Difficulty accepting and expressing emotions

·        Appear detached or aloof

Source of motivation:

·        Stable job and relationships

·        Valued by others

·        Standing up for the underdogs

·        Finding solutions to problems

Source of stress:

·        Change or inconsistency

·        Rejection

·        Feeling incompetent

·        Making a miscalculated decision

·        Emotional expression

6w5s at work:

6w5s are careful and focused on the tasks they do. They are good at planning a course of action and following through. They are hard workers and flourish in environments that provide stability and opportunities for learning.

Jobs that 6w5s would be suited for include: paralegal, chemist, web developer, marketing analyst, financial analyst, banker, business consultant etc.

6w5s in relationships:

Given their emphasis on security and stability, 6w5s seek this in relationships as well. The combination of Type 6 and 5 traits makes 6w5s both self-reliant and focused on building connections with others. However, because of their tendency to be distrustful, it takes a while to establish relationships with them and they tend to have very few friends.

Conclusion:

In this guide, we looked at ESFPs and 6w5s. We focused on the likelihood of these two personality types co-occurring as ESFP 6w5.  Additionally, we explored the traits, strengths, weaknesses and other aspects of these two types in more detail.

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

FAQ on ‘ESFP 6w5 (A 7 Point Guide)’:

References:

https://www.truity.com/personality-type/ESFP

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

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-6-wing-5

https://personalitycafe.com/type-6-forum-loyalist/65606-type-six-loyal-skeptic-timeless-description.html

Enneagram 6w5: The Six with a Five-Wing