Your Type - ESTP

Extraverted
Sensing with
Introverted Thinking

STRENGTHS

Gregarious, enthusiastic and sociable, ESTPs are quick to form new relationships. Solution focused, they use their Sensing function to perceive the world directly, 'as it is'. Focusing on observable facts and hard data, they view life from an objective, realistic point of view. Approaching tasks in a down-to-earth pragmatic way, they have little interest in abstract theory unless this has clear practical applications. Flexible and adaptable, they are not inclined to be rule bound, rigid or dogmatic. Expedient and action orientated, they enjoy trouble-shooting and, when necessary, will circumvent established systems and protocols in search of practical solutions to current, real-world problems. Thus, they will not rigidly cling to traditional, tried-and-tested methods and procedures. Fun-loving, they enjoy variety and change and will actively seek out new, exciting challenges. Spontaneous, and savouring the moment, they have a great capacity to enjoy life to the full.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Directing their attention to the Extraverted world of people and events, ESTPs are lively, talkative, action-orientated individuals. Inclined to speak first and reflect later, they will freely contribute their ideas to debates and discussions. Outer-directed, they have a great interest in all that is going on around them. Thus, others will generally be quick to warm to them, appreciating their enthusiasm and zest for life. Flexible and free-thinking, they are open to alternative points of view, which they will critically examine in a logical, objective manner. Expedient and goal-directed, they will want to achieve results with a minimum of effort and fuss. Decisive and quick to act, they are not inclined to dwell unduly on their own, or others', interpersonal or emotional needs. Spontaneous and adventurous, they are popular team members, enthusing others into action. Plunging into things with great energy, they will improvise solutions to problems as they arise.

THINKING STYLE

Having a logical, analytical thinking style, ESTPs are known for their realistic, pragmatic approach to problems. Not inclined to engage in abstract theoretical debate, they tend to focus on the known facts in a given situation. Solution focused and goal directed, they are more interested in directly perceiving how things work, rather than understanding why they work. However, their pragmatic realism does not cause them to be closed minded or dogmatic. Thus, they will be open to new methods and ideas, particularly when they can see the practical advantages of adopting new approaches. Focusing on the 'broader picture', they may not always see the point of closely adhering to set procedures and systems. Similarly, attending to the detailed requirements of a task may not come naturally to them. They will generally prefer to learn about a subject by participating in lively informed debate or discussion, or via direct hands-on experience, rather than through private study or reflection.

HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU

Colleagues will value their pragmatic down-to-earth realism, and the active contribution they make to debates and discussions. Participating enthusiastically in all that goes on around them, they will be seen as adventurous, fun-loving and self-assured. Colleagues who are less assertive than them may on occasion view them as being a little overbearing, or even somewhat opinionated at times. However, this is to misunderstand their straight-forward, direct interpersonal style and their lively, expressive manner. Avoiding dogmatism, they will be seen as open-minded, independent thinkers. However, more cautious colleagues may at times worry about their readiness to discard established systems and procedures, in their attempt to find immediate solutions to pressing problems. As ESTPs are confident and plain-speaking, their colleagues will know where they stand with them. Moreover, their strong desire for action may at times cause them to be impatient with the interpersonal dimensions of the task.