ESFP 8w7 (A 7 Point Guide)

This is a brief guide to the ESFP 8w7 personality type. SFP is a personality type derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality system. And 8w7 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 8w7:

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. Type 7 and ESFP have a lot of traits in common such as sociability, impulsivity and novelty-seeking. 8w7s, who have a 7 wing, also share these traits. So it is possible that some ESFPs will test as type 8w7s leading to an ESFP 8w7 personality designation. However, most type 8s tend to have Extraverted Thinking as their dominant function. Thus, 8w7s have a higher likelihood of testing as ESTJs or ENTJs.

One reason for these inconclusive results may lie in an inherent difference in MBTI and the Enneagram that makes them difficult to compare. The Enneagram relies on basic motivations as a way of differentiating between people, whereas MBTI focuses more on their functions i.e. the way they perceive and interact with the world. Thus, although certain Enneagram types are more likely than others to co-occur with a specific MBTI types, this is by no means guaranteed.

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.

8w7 (The Nonconformist):

8w7 (8 wing 7) is an enneagram type. It indicates Type 8 personality with a 7 wing. This means that this personality primarily has Type 8 traits, but also a few of Type 7. 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 8 is divided into two types: Type 8w7 and 8w9.

8w7s are independent and ambitious individuals who like to march to their own drum. They are confident, sociable and pragmatic. The basic fear of 8w7s is a fear of being controlled. Their basic desire is to be in charge of their own lives. As a result, they are very resistant to authority. While 8w7s cherish their freedom and control they also want a similar freedom for other people. Thus, instead of controlling others, they use their own power to help those less privileged than themselves.

They are idealistic individuals who aggressively pursue their goals. They fear emotional vulnerability and defend against it by denying or avoiding experiences that make them feel exposed. 8w7s don’t mince words. They are assertive and often appear brusque and aggressive. They don’t usually care what other people think of them.

Their 7 wing pushes them to experience everything life has to offer. However, because they are Type 8s this desire has an underlying theme of control. The 7 wing also makes 8w7s impulsive and materialistic. They follow a work-hard-play-hard motto.

Strengths:

·        Logical and just

·        Engage well with others

·        Optimistic and innovative ideas

·        Inspire and lead others

·        Openly share their ideas and opinions

Weaknesses:

·        Impatient

·        Overindulgence

·        Difficulty working under authority

·        Insensitive to other’s feelings

Sources of Motivation:

·        Working with groups

·        Freedom from work

·        Making practical decisions

·        Utilising their pent-up energy

Sources of Stress:

·        Lack of control

·        Emotional vulnerability

·        Being seen as domineering or controlling

·        Inaction or self-pity in others

8w7s at Work:

These individuals are action-oriented and driven individuals. They have big goals and dreams and are able to take the necessary action to achieve them. They are good at taking initiative and leading. Work environments that offer them freedom and authority while also encouraging their idealistic thinking are best for 8w7s.

Jobs that 8w7s are well suited for include: director, politician, lawyer, entrepreneur, performer, financial advisor, sales director etc.

8w7s in Relationships:

The 8w7 enneagram can appear rude and confrontational, which can impair their social interactions. In their efforts to take control of the environment they become forceful and intimidating. Additionally, their abhorrence for emotional vulnerability can be another obstacle in their relationships. Nevertheless, they have a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others and take initiative in all areas of their life, including interpersonal relationships. 

Conclusion:

In this guide, we looked at ESFPs and 8w7s. We focused on the likelihood of these two personality types co-occurring as ESFP 8w7.  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 8w7 (A 7 Point Guide)’:

References:

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

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

Enneagram 8w7: The Eight with a Seven-Wing

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

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

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