ESFP 7w8 (A 7 Point Guide)

This is a brief guide to the ESFP 7w8 personality type. SFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 7w8 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 7w8:

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 7w8.

A majority of ESFPs test as Type 7s on the Enneagram. It may even be possible that Type 7 is the Enneagram equivalent of ESFP. The dominant function of ESFPs is extraverted sensing, which corresponds to Type 7. This is evident in the novelty seeking behaviour exhibited by both ESFPs and 7w6s.In this regard, Type 7s are also correlated with ENFPs, ENTPs and ESTPs who also have this function.

ESFP 7w8s tend to be energetic and sociable people. However, although they like being around people, they value their independence. They are easily bored and constantly seek new experiences. They engage in a wide range of culinary, fashion, physical or even sexual experiences. They value these sensory experiences for their own sake, not to satisfy an underlying need for stability or new perspectives.

Unlike other ESFPs, ESFP 7sw8s are not in touch with their introverted feeling function and have a tendency to push away their negative feelings. One of the goals for ESFP 7w8s is to learn to introspect and not become too consumed by the external world. ESFP 7w8s usually have strong extraverted thinking/feeling functions, which reduces their ability to feel empathy or concern for others.

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.

7w8 (The Opportunist):

7w8 (7 wing 8) is an enneagram type. It indicates Type 7 personality with a 8 wing. This means that this personality primarily has Type 7 traits, but also a few of Type 8. 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 7 is divided into two types: Type 7w6 and 7w8.

7w8s are passionate and determined individuals. They are more independent and aggressive than other Type 7s and place emphasis on their work. The basic fear of 7w8s is a fear of being disadvantaged or deprived in some way. Their basic desire is to be fulfilled and satisfied. These fears and desires lead them to seek opportunities to experience new things and they dislike being tied down by rules. Like other Type 7s they rely on rationalisation as a defence mechanism. Owing to their upbeat and positive outlook they avoid unpleasant feelings by justifying negative behaviour by others. Alternatively, they may immerse themselves in work or entertainment to distract themselves from their negative feelings. Thus, they often appear hyperactive, as they rush from one pursuit to another.

While most Type 7s are motivated by pleasure, 7w8s are more ambitious and work-oriented. Their 8 wing adds confidence and drive to the pleasure-seeking Type 7 core of 7w8s. They are similar to 8w7s, with some salient differences. For 8w7s experiences are secondary to having a sense of control, which is reversed in the case of 7w8s. Furthermore, 7w8s are usually more cheerful and less confrontational than Type 8s. 8w7s emphasise authority and control whereas 7w8s are playful albeit methodical.

Strengths:

·        Energetic and positive

·        Confident and charismatic

·        Assertive

·        Calm in crisis situations

Weaknesses:

·        Appear impatient or curt

·        Too focused on careers

·        Difficulty following through with plans

·        Materialistic

Sources of Motivation:

·        Novel experiences (traveling)

·        Being the centre of attention

·        Reaching a goal

·        Gatherings (parties, festivals)

·        Good interpersonal relationships

Sources of Stress:

·        Rigid rules and schedules

·        Alone time

·        Feeling controlled or restricted by others

·        Energy devoted to too many pursuits

7w8s at Work:

7w8s are energetic and sensible people. They prefer dealing with practical issues and value their independence. They fit well into jobs that require multi-tasking and give them an opportunity to explore new things.

Jobs 7w8s are well suited for include: promoter, motivational speaker, sales manager, TV anchor, publicist, travel agent, travel writer, firefighter, paramedic etc.

7w8s in Relationships:

7w8s have a tendency to neglect their relationships. While they have a clear understanding of their own needs, they are not as mindful of other’s needs. Additionally, they don’t openly disclose their needs which in turn prevents others from disclosing theirs. However, healthy 7w8s learn to slow down and become more aware in their relationships.

Conclusion:

In this guide, we looked at ESFPs and 7w8s. We focused on the likelihood of these two personality types co-occurring as ESFP 7w8.  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 7w8 (A 7 Point Guide)’:

References:

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-7-wing-8

Enneagram 7w8: The Seven with an Eight-Wing

https://personalityjunkie.com/10/enneagram-type-7-7w6-7w8-enfp-entp-esfp-estp/

Here Are The Most Common Enneagram Types For Each Myers-Briggs Personality Type

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

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