ESTP vs ESFP (A Comparative Analysis)

In this analysis, we are going to compare the Myers Briggs ESTP and ESFP personality types. We will do this by first introducing readers to the behaviour patterns of both types. Then, we will look at similarities and differences between the two groups.

What is the Difference Between ESTP and ESFP?

Breaking Down ESTP and ESFP

If we want to compare ESTP and ESFP personality types, we have to first comprehend their associated behaviour patterns. This section will help readers develop a basic understanding of what it means to be an ESTP or ESFP. These personality descriptions include the strengths and weaknesses of each type.

Getting to know the ESTP Personality Type

The full form of ESTP is Extraverted (E), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), and Perceiving (P). These people are energetic problem solvers that get energised by quickly finding solutions to multiple problems at a time. 

An observant, analytical, and resourceful personality, the ESTP is famous at the office for acting like a fire extinguisher. They’ll always be at the toes to fix anything that goes wrong. 

As extroverts, these individuals tend to be outgoing and spontaneous. An ESTP loves a good time and can be very friendly. However, when it comes to emotions, the ESTP has a long way to go in terms of development.

Strengths of ESTP Individuals

• Practical
• Good problem-solving skills
• Outgoing
• Spontaneous
• Fun-loving
• Energetic
• Analytical
• Action-oriented

Weaknesses of ESTP Individuals

• Insensitive
• Blunt
• Unable to express emotions
• Get bored easily
• Can be rude
• Not great at managing time

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.

Getting to know the ESFP Personality Type

ESFP is another of the 16 Myers Briggs personality Types and has only one letter varying from ESTP. Nevertheless, this Feeling (F) nature of the ESFP makes them vastly different from their counterparts. 

This personality is popularly called as the “Entertainer” or the “Performer”. Also an extrovert, the ESFP is vivacious and charming. They take pleasure from their surroundings and engage well with other people. 

Warm and talkative, they manage to become the centre of attention at parties. The ESFP is prone to some kind of impulsive behaviour. These individuals would rather diffuse the tension than get into any kind of a fight. 

Strengths of ESFP Individuals

• Warm
• Caring
• Sensitive
• Expressive
• Friendly
• Talkative
• Fun-loving
• Practical

Weaknesses of ESFP Individuals

• Impulsive
• Hate conflict
• Dislike abstract theories
• Impulsive
• Get bored easily
• Lack foresight

Comparing ESTP and ESFP

Now that we have explored what the ESTP and ESFP personality types are like, we are better able to compare. If you don’t know whether you’re an ESTP or an ESFP, you can try this MBTI test. Let’s proceed with our ESTP vs ESFP analysis by discussing the similarities and differences between them.

Key Similarities between ESTP and ESFP

• Both catalysts at work
• Practical in their own ways
• Fun-loving extroverts
• Bored easily

Since these two personalities have the E, S, and P in common, they are bound to have some similarities. Both ESTP and ESFP personalities act as catalysts at their work place. If something needs to be done, you will see them on their toes, using their resources to meet the goal. 

While the ESTP is consistently seen as the fire extinguisher for problems, the ESFP assists in their own way. They are both very practical and generally avoid talking in abstract terms. ESTP and ESFP people, thanks to their extraverted Sensing, cannot prioritise things like intuition. 

They need hard, observable facts to make their decisions. While the ESTP is practical about action and overcoming obstacles, ESFPs are practical about people. They use this as a tool to navigate interpersonal relationships. 

It could be this practical nature of theirs that makes ESTPs and ESFPs so effective at work. Another quality that they share is their fun-loving, spontaneous behaviour. They are both extroverts and become very energised when surrounded by people. 

You can easily spot plenty of ESTP and ESFP individuals at parties and social events. They’ll be the ones chatting with everybody and comfortable in crowds. Maybe the reason why they enjoy so much stimulation is that the two get bored very easily. 

They tend to get distracted and can swiftly move away from something they’ve lost interest in. With all these shared characteristics, is it safe to say that ESTP and ENFP personalities are almost the same?

Key DIfferences between ESTP and ESFP

• ESFPs better at expressing emotions
• ESTPs don’t take offence as much as ESFPs
• ESTP appears blunt or insensitive
• ESFPs good at diffusing tension and hate conflicts

If you thought ESTPs and ESFPs are practically identical, think again. Thinking and Feeling are two variants of the Nature aspect of the MBTI four letters that shape personality. As thinkers, ESTPs perceive the world in a very different way from ESFPs who are feelers. 

Primarily, this concerns their subjective experience of emotions. The ESTP will mostly struggle to identify or understand feelings. These could be of others or even their own. Unable to express their emotions freely, ESTPs prefer to just turn a blind eye to them. They end up doing the same to others as well and may appear to be rude or insensitive. 

An ESTP doesn’t value emotions like most people because they see them as unhelpful in problem situations. On the other hand, the ESFP is better developed in terms of emotional intelligence. They can easily talk about how they feel and are capable of great empathy and compassion. 

The reason an ESFP is so popular is because they connect with others on an emotional level. Their sensitivity makes these connections meaningful and rewarding. This difference between ESTPs and ESFPs serves as a drawback for one and advantage for the other in some situations. In other situations, it’s the opposite. 

As the ESTP doesn’t value emotional reactions, they can be pretty thick-skinned. They don’t take offence that often and can carry on with a calm mind. ESFPs on the other hand feel so much that they can get hurt pretty frequently. 

Since the ESTP doesn’t really care about getting offended, they feel the same way about others getting offended. These individuals can at times appear blunt but it’s not because they want to instigate. Instead, all the ESTP focuses on is the problem that needs fixing. 

They are not afraid of conflicts because disagreements are an integral part of the brainstorming process. Contrastingly, the ESFP hates tension and will go out of their way to diffuse it. These are the ones that come up with a joke to fill an awkward gap and distract others.

Conclusion

In this analysis, we compared the Myers Briggs ESTP and ESFP personality types. We did this by first introducing readers to the behaviour patterns of both types. Then, we looked at similarities and differences between the two groups.

We saw that there are plenty of shared qualities between ESTP and ESFP people due to the common ESP. These are both extroverts and they enjoy having a good time. Energetic, friendly, and outgoing, both categories are gregarious. When it comes to their careers, they can both be action-oriented go-getters. 

The two are rather practical in their own unique ways and they both get bored easily. Despite these similarities, they are completely different people when you meet them. 

The ESTP struggles with emotions but the ESFP is quite an expert at them. ESTPs don’t take offence as much as ESFPs and can be blunt or rude. ESFPs are sensitive, conflict-aversive, and good at diffusing tension.

FAQs (ESTP vs ESFP)

Citations

• https://eu.themyersbriggs.com/en/tools/MBTI/MBTI-personality-Types/ESTP#
• https://www.verywellmind.com/esfp-extraverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving-2795984