Have you ever wondered how some people successfully get their ideas across and convince others of them? People with the ESTP Personality type, often referred to as "the Persuader,” “the Dynamo,” or “the Entrepreneur,” have a natural knack for getting their point across. They are confident in their abilities, which allows them to take risks and make bold decisions.
According to the Myers & Briggs Foundation data, this personality is estimated to make up 4-5% of the United States population, placing it among the most common personality types globally.
So, what does ESTP stand for, and what traits do they have that make them so persuasive?
In this article, we walk you through the main points of the ESTP personality types, from their core characteristics to how they interact with others. Stay with us!
What is ESTP Personality Type at a Glance?
The ESTP personality type is one of the 16 personality types outlined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Each MBTI personality type is represented by a four-letter code (acronym) corresponding to the four opposing dimensions of personality. Thus, each of the four ESTP attitudes, Extroversion (E), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), and Perception (P), has a contrasting trait, Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J).
ESTPs exhibit a dichotomy in their preferences: they are assertive, active, and direct, focusing on tangible results. They tend to be independent, action-oriented, analytical, logical, and realistic. The sensing and thinking traits also allow ESTPs to be pragmatic, efficient problem-solvers. Their natural extraversion and perceptiveness enable them to be good judges of character and flexible in the face of change.
People with this personality type prioritize objectivity over subjective feelings when making decisions. ESTPs don't like to be pinned down in a specific role. Instead, they prefer to keep their options open and explore numerous possibilities.
Some ESTP Personality Type Celebrities
While ESTPs are not the most visible personalities, some notable individuals demonstrate the traits of an ESTP. Famous people with the ESTP personality include:
- Donald Trump (former US President, businessman, TV celebrity)
- George W. Bush (America's 43rd President)
- Winston Churchill (Former UK Prime Minister)
- Mike Tyson (Athlete)
- Captain James T. Kirk (Fictional character, Star Trek)
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (American actor)
- Madonna (American singer-songwriter)
- Miley Cyrus (American singer-songwriter)
- Ernest Hemingway (Novelist)
Main Characteristics of Person with ESTP Personality
You may know that ESTPs tend to be decisive thinkers, but there's much more to them. People with this Myers-Briggs personality type possess distinctive traits centered around their preference for extraversion and sensing.
We will discuss some of the most common characteristics associated with ESTPs, but that doesn't mean they always apply to every ESTP individual. An ESTP personality type test is essential to assess your ESTP predispositions accurately.
ESTPs Make Decisions Quickly
One of the most notable characteristics of ESTPs is their ability to make decisions quickly. This quickness is partly due to their tendency to rely on external evidence rather than internal musings. Thus, when confronted by problems or situations requiring a decision, ESTPs can evaluate the external evidence and conclude with little deliberation.
ESTPs Have Strong Social Skills
If you've ever been around an ESTP, you'll know they have a natural charisma and charm. They are very observant and likely pick up on details others often overlook. In social settings, they are sometimes described as "fast-talkers" because of their persuasive abilities. ESTPs also have the advantage of being a few steps ahead of conversations, allowing them to be the life of any party.
ESTPs Lean Toward Impulsiveness
As confident and decisive as ESTPs are, they also have a penchant for impulsiveness. They often have a "leap before they look" attitude and are not typically planners. Instead, they tend to react at the moment, which can sometimes be problematic and lead to rash decisions.
ESTPs Prefer the Practical Over the Abstract
People with the ESTP personality type usually prefer to deal with concrete, tangible matters rather than abstract concepts. They tend to take a more hands-on approach and focus on the "here and now" rather than the "what ifs." They are generally more interested in real-world results and tangible achievements than theoretical conversations and discussions.
Strengths and Weaknesses of an ESTP
Like any other personality type, ESTPs have strengths and weaknesses. After all, no one is perfect! Here are words people often use to describe a person with an ESTP personality:
ESTP Strengths
- Quick decision-makers
- Charismatic
- Influential and convincing
- Action-oriented
- Observant
- Adaptable and resourceful
- Communicative
- Vigorous
- Funny and energetic
ESTP Weaknesses
- Insensitive
- Highly competitive
- Dramatic
- Impulsive
- Easily gets bored
Cognitive Function of ESTP Personality Type
According to the Myers-Briggs theory, human personality comprises four mental functions: sensing, thinking, intuition, and feeling. These cognitive functions are further described as either introverted or extroverted. They also impact the ESTP personality type according to their dominance.
The most prominent mental function plays the most significant role in personality, while others act as co-pilots. The tertiary and inferior functions usually have a smaller influence. Please note that the word “inferior” is used here to signify order and quantity, not in a negative connotation.
ESTP Dominant Function: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
The dominant function of an ESTP personality is Extraverted Sensing (Se), which drives the "Doers" to act quickly in the present moment — because this function has the greatest effect on their personality.
Se types are:
- Reality-focused: This allows them to be more attuned and responsive to the present information than to the future implications. Because of this, Se-dominant individuals are realists and prefer to live in the moment. They rely heavily on their senses to experience the world and have little use for fantasies or daydreaming.
- Action-oriented: ESTPs adapt to the present situation and take action quickly and efficiently. They are the quintessential "doers." This means they are always ready to work and willing to take risks to achieve their goals. They also enjoy being active and engaging in practical and productive activities.
- Drawn to high-energy activities: They seek stimulation through their sensory experiences. They are drawn to dynamic and constantly changing situations and often learn best through hands-on experience. Once they’ve mastered a task, they move on to the next challenge.
- High energy. Because of their need for stimulation and action, ESTPs are often seen as high-energy individuals. They are constantly on the go, seeking new experiences to keep them engaged. This makes them great at multitasking and adept in rapidly changing situations. However, they are more likely to get bored learning situations involving theoretical information.
ESTP Auxiliary Function: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
The auxiliary function of ESTPs is Introverted Thinking (Ti). Many people may notice this side of the ESTP personality later as it is introverted. However, this inner-thinking function helps the ESTPs to process and analyze information logically yet practically. It enables them to come to the most immediate conclusions based on available data rather than relying solely on theoretical information.
The Ti function also helps ESTPs to be:
- Highly disciplined: The ESTPs' inner sense of control gives them great self-discipline. They can work independently and can be incredibly focused when it comes to achieving their goals.
- Very observant: The ability of the ESTPs to observe and analyze data helps them stay alert to their surroundings. This can be beneficial in any task, as it allows them to identify potential issues or problems before they arise.
ESTP Tertiary Function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Compared to ESTP's dominant and auxiliary functions, this function is less developed but matures as the person ages. A well-developed tertiary function supports the dominant and auxiliary functions, providing a layer of sensitivity to social dynamics. Even though emotions are not an ESTPs thing, this perceptiveness taps into their great need for social engagement. They can relate to people and engage in meaningful conversations.
This Fe function drives them to be:
- Outgoing: Compared to other Introverted personality types, ESTPs are more likely to be outgoing and socially active. They enjoy interacting with others, often take the lead in conversations, and are at the center of attention.
- Empathetic: The tertiary function gives the ESTPs an extra layer of empathy, allowing them to understand how others feel and relate to their feelings. They can empathize with many people and want to use their skills to help others.
- People pleasing: ESTPs are social but sometimes less adept at expressing emotions. This can lead to them trying to please everyone around them to gain approval and avoid conflict. They may overlook their own needs in favor of those of others, often putting themselves last. Depending on the situation, this trait can be both a strength and a weakness.
ESTP Inferior Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
This function is the least developed and has minimal impact on the ESTP’s personality. However, looking at the world beyond and developing a "gut feeling" about situations is key. With this intuition, ESTPs can pick up on subtle cues and use that to help make decisions when stressed.
During these circumstances, the dominant Se function tends to be less present. This makes extroverted ESTPs socially withdrawn and leans on the intuitive and contemplative side of their inferior Ni function to help them make sense of it all. This line of thinking can be a weakness for ESTPs and cause further stress.
However, this Ni inferior function can also be a strength that allows them to:
- Seek connections: ESTPs can try to make connections when they feel overwhelmed by a situation. They can better plan and strategize for the future by seeing the big picture.
- Sometimes distrust instinctive reactions: ESTPs may not always trust their instinctual impressions since this is not a strong point for them. They may feel like they have weak instincts and be hesitant to trust their initial gut reactions. However, this can also help them improve at problem-solving as they would be more likely to slow down and research further before making a decision.
How Do ESTPs Handle Personal Relationships?
Being extroverts, ESTPs often enjoy being around people and thrive in social situations. Whether in romantic or friendship relationships, they are open to new experiences and enjoy discussing their thoughts and feelings with others. They may also be very driven and ambitious, making them great partners.
ESTPs are also great negotiators with a knack for persuasion. They have an innate ability to interact with individuals and a knack for perceiving and interpreting nonverbal communication.
On the downside, ESTPs may have difficulty committing to any relationship due to their focus on living in the moment. They can find it challenging to think about long-term plans and may struggle to stay in the same relationship for a long time.
ESTPs can also be insensitive due to their lack of understanding of other people's thoughts and feelings. They may need to put in extra effort to be aware of the needs of their friends and partners.
Is ESTP Personality Type Similar to Enneagram Types?
While ESTP personality types and enneagram types provide insight into an individual's personality traits, they draw upon different theories to identify these traits. The ESTP type is based on the MBTI, which measures how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
On the other hand, the enneagram is a typology system that focuses on how people process and respond to emotions. However, both methods can help individuals learn more about themselves and how they interact with others.
That said, a study by Thought Catalog suggests Enneagram 8 is the most common type associated with ESTPs. This isn't surprising given that Enneagram 8s have traits like being outgoing, assertive, independent, and goal-oriented — often found in competitive ESTPs.
However, it is essential to note that not all ESTPs will identify with Enneagram 8, and other enneagram types may be more accurate.
Enneagram 7 is the second most common type associated with ESTPs. Again, this isn't surprising as Enneagram 7s often embody qualities like an upbeat, optimistic attitude, enthusiasm, and the desire for new experiences. These are common traits in ESTPs who always seek life's pleasures and embrace every opportunity.
Want to learn your Enneagram Type? Take the Enneagram Assessment!
Is ESTP Personality Similar to Big 5 Personalities?
The Big Five Personality Theory is a broad overview of personality. In contrast, the ESTP Personality Type is more specific. The Big Five Model is a trait-based approach providing an understanding of overall behavioral tendencies in individuals. On the other hand, the ESTP personality type focuses more on specific behavior patterns in individuals.
So, how do the two relate?
While both frameworks are not necessarily directly comparable, there is often an overlap between them. This means people with the same ESTP type may have similar (but not identical) Big Five dimensions.
To illustrate this, let's run through the ESTP profile and compare it to the Big Five traits.
Extraversion
People with an ESTP Personality Type score higher in the Big Five extraversion dimension, with about 95% of ESTPs scoring above average on the extraversion scale.
Like many ESTPs, highly extroverted individuals are often outgoing and friendly and enjoy spending time with others. They tend to be assertive, energetic, and enthusiastic in their approach to life. They often seek more stimulating environments and are eager to experience new things.
Openness to Experience
This Big Five dimension focuses on an individual's need for new information, feelings, and experiences. Because ESTPs are known to be "straight shooters" who prefer to live in the moment, they may not score as high on this dimension.
All ESTPs score below average on Openness to Experience. They are often more conventional or traditional; to use Big Five terminology, they are "more closed" to new experiences.
Conscientiousness
The conscientiousness dimension dwells on an individual's ability to plan, organize, and focus on long-term goals. However, people with an ESTP Personality Type are usually at the lower end of the Conscientiousness scale, with about 95% scoring below the average.
This attribute relates to the ESTP's tendency for spontaneity or impulsivity and their preference for focusing on the present and short-term future rather than long-term goals. Big Five refers to this trait as a "lack of direction.”
Agreeableness
Agreeableness reflects an individual's interpersonal warmth, politeness, and empathy. Since ESTPs often value their autonomy and are less concerned with others, they may score lower in the Big Five Agreeableness dimension.
They can also be more demanding, with about 85% scoring below the average in this area (scoring high on the opposite side of the Big Five spectrum for this trait — antagonism).
Neuroticism
The Neuroticism dimension examines an individual's emotional regulation and tendency to experience negative emotions. ESTPs typically score at the lower end of the Neuroticism scale, with about 70% scoring below average.
In Big Five jargon, ESTPs are said to have more “Emotional Stability." This can be attributed to their easygoing nature, predictable moods, and resilience under stress, just like most less neurotic people. They also have less self-consciousness, a similar trait shared by many neurotic people.
Although scores on the Big Five and the ESTP Personality Type differ, there can often be a correlation. If you want to see how you score on these five personality traits, take a Big Five assessment to see how you compare!
ESTPs Leadership Style
Managing a team is challenging, and how people lead varies between individuals. For ESTPs, their fearlessness, quick decision-making skills, and ability to present plans in a motivating way make them a force to be reckoned with. They are excellent at setting up actionable strategies and quickly taking advantage of available opportunities. They are also great at troubleshooting and will consider the pros and cons before implementing a plan.
Moreover, the tertiary Extraverted Feeling (Fe) helps the ESTP to maintain morale. They can effectively express their plans with others and understand the needs of their team members. This helps them know when to speak up and back off.
ESTPs Communication Style
Typically, effective communication is based on how you express yourself, how you listen to others, and how well you understand the message being conveyed. Therefore, understanding your communication style's nuances is essential for successful communication if you identify as an ESTP personality type.
Some of the key elements of the ESTP communication style include:
- Speaking with enthusiasm, charisma, humor, and delight,
- Responding quickly and skillfully,
- Thinks on their feet, and
- Prefers face-to-face communication rather than communicating with written reports.
Career Paths Suited to an ESTP's Strengths
Since ESTPs have outgoing and action-oriented personalities, they often do best in positions that involve working with people. They dislike monotony, so fast-paced jobs that require them to be assertive and creative are ideal.
They will be most successful in careers incorporating practical elements and allowing flexibility rather than those with a rigid structure. ESTPs are willing to take risks and work outside their comfort zone as long the environment is a proper fit.
Due to their amicable nature, ESTPs are naturally good at making new friends in the workplace. As colleagues, they prefer working in a team where everyone's strengths are equally appreciated. In fact, most ESTPs find themselves taking up leadership roles because of their loose, flexible, and friendly management style.
Still, ESTPs need to stay motivated and challenged at work. They respond positively to tangible goals and enjoy celebrating their accomplishments with their colleagues. Working in a stimulating environment that balances risk and reward will ensure that an ESTP is happy and productive.
Popular ESTP Careers
Going by their strengths and interests, some popular career paths for ESTPs include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Sales and Marketing
- Law Enforcement
- Public Relations
- Computer support technician
- Paramedic
- Motivational Speaker
- Politics
- Firefighter
- Physiotherapist
A career interest assessment will ensure that an ESTP finds the best job for them.
Tips on How to Interact with ESTPs
Let's be honest; interacting with anyone can be challenging at times. Whether you are an ESTP or not, it is essential to remember that each individual has unique preferences and needs.
But what if you have a friend, co-worker, or family member who is an ESTP? How best can you improve your interactions with them?
Here are some helpful tips to ensure positive and meaningful interactions with ESTPs.
Friendships
ESTPs are incredibly outgoing and vibrant. They are full of energy and enthusiasm, which can be a great asset to friends. When interacting with an ESTP, staying engaged and interested in the conversation is the best way to get their attention. Be prepared for them to talk about anything from current events to their plans for the future — they love to share stories and ideas.
Additionally, ESTPs are very independent — they like to take charge of situations, so be mindful of giving them the space to do this. It is also important to remember that ESTPs are highly social people who can get bored quickly; try engaging in activities with your ESTP friend occasionally.
Parenting
ESTP children tend to be independent, outgoing, and resourceful. They are often great problem solvers with natural leadership capabilities and a sense of adventure. As parents, nurturing their independence while setting boundaries and expectations around safety is crucial.
It is beneficial for ESTP children to have lots of hands-on activities in which to engage. They tend to learn best through experimentation and exploration rather than traditional methods. Encourage them to explore their interests and seek out activities that they find enjoyable and stimulating.
Romantic Relationships
Even though ESTPs enjoy being the life of the party, they can grow bored with routines. It is important to find activities that stimulate their creative side to keep them engaged in the relationship. For example, explore new places, try different cuisines, or do a new hobby together.
Avoid getting bogged down in long conversations debating minor details and philosophical concepts when conversing with an ESTP partner. ESTPs prefer to keep the conversation light and fun, discussing shared interests and passions. They are more interested in discussing what is happening now rather than delving deep into past events or analyzing future possibilities.
ESTPs also tend to take a casual approach when it comes to commitment. While they may be invested in their current relationship, they may have difficulty making long-term plans. For this reason, it is best to take things day by day and focus on building a solid connection in the present.
Do You Have an ESTP Personality?
We’ve come to the end of this overview of the MBTI Persuader personality type. Do you see yourself in the ESTP traits? Want to know for sure?
Take an ESTP personality test to see if you really are a Persuader!
