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{<b><p16>ESFP:  Let's Make Work Fun<n><p12> }
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{ESFPs love a surprise and are a surprise. It takes little imagination to appreciate some of the challenges and opportunities this type encounters in the relatively rigid workplace. Effervescent and exciting, free-spirited and fun-loving, nervy and nonconforming, ESFPs bring a breath of fresh air to any situation. Unfortunately, their free spirit can also be a source of frustration to others and even themselves. Like most Perceiving types, for whom turning work into fun is an ongoing challenge, the ESFP is the embodiment of fun. That's what life is all about. So much a part of the ESFP is this fun dynamic that when something unpleasant cannot be converted to fun, or cannot be avoided completely, then it is time to simply drop the subject and move on to something different. For an ESFP, if you can't enjoy the fun, then you should at least enjoy the bliss of ignorance. 

Each of the ESFP's preferences spell fun. They are outgoing, socially gregarious, and interactive (Extraversion) and prefer to perceive the world very realistically, tangibly, and in the here and now (Sensing). These perceptions are all decided upon very subjectively, based upon the interpersonal impact each decision will have on others (Feeling). All of which is translated through a flexible, spontaneous, easy-going lifestyle (Perceiving). 

Such a combination makes for a quick and ready wit, sometimes rather pointed and direct, but always out there for all to see, hear, and experience. Failure to understand this upbeat repartee can lead other types to misunderstand the ESFP and perceive them as either very superficial or coquettish or both. Such misunderstandings, when they occur, not only are harmful to the organization but also belie the real social breadth and interpersonal awareness that the ESFP contributes. 

Gender issues for ESFPs affect both males and females. For males, it is the Feeling decision-making preference that can cause them to be seen as too soft-hearted to be a "man's man." But they can compensate easily by occasionally talking tough or dropping a little profanity into the conversation. However, they must still prove that they are capable of completing assignments and following through on whatever project is at hand. While all Perceivers can be plagued with this failure to follow through, for the ESFP male it can make others suspicious of his competencies. In general, ESFP males rise high within organizations and are frequently well liked by their peers, assuming their quick wits and blunt remarks don't alienate others along the way. 

Female ESFPs often are subjected to a very negative stereotype due to the combination of a flexible public appearance (Extraverted-Perception) and their tendency to be literal and obliging (Sensing-Feeling). The result is that they exhibit some of the characteristics of a Gracie Allen or an Edith Bunker: flighty, air headed, dizzy, or bubbly. It's not that they're dingbats; indeed, many are extremely intelligent. It's just that their undaunted literalism can make them seem out of touch. (Gracie Allen, when asked "What kind of book are you reading?" would likely answer, "A paperback, silly. Anyone can see that.") Others often react to such responses with quick, personal judgments, missing the richness, capabilities, and keen social awareness that ESFPs bring to any situation. 

The overall work style of the ESFP is marked with high energy and jovial interaction. It really is never a dull moment whenever an ESFP is present. They may not always be around when needed, they may not always be as timely as others might like, they may be overextended with too many irons in the fire (at least by some other types' standards), but they do accomplish what needs to be done. They can be as effective as they are pleasant to have around. In addition they will keep the office social calendar in shape -- birthday parties, hails and farewells, or any other recognitions are capably attended to, along with the other demands the job may entail. (But not necessarily all of them: Their scattered nature may lead them to miss something important, from forgetting to bring napkins to failing to turn on the coffee maker.) 

As fast as they move and as hyperactive as they appear, one would think that the ESFP would stay skinny burning up all that energy. But like their first cousin, the ENFP, both ESFP males and females can have a lifelong struggle with weight control. The combination of their preferences leads them to eat when they are happy, when they are sad, when someone new walks into the room, and whenever. 

One strength the ESFP brings to the workplace is the ability to keep many projects moving at once. They motivate others when necessary, they freely pitch in and work side by side with any level of the work force, they have time to listen to others' personal needs -- all the while keeping the overall goals and deadlines in perspective. All of this is accomplished in a very pleasant, flexible, and accepting atmosphere. Emergencies, however large or small, are viewed by ESFPs as welcome relief, not as intrusions. A busy day with a lot of variety -- and maybe a few things left unfinished -- is a great day and a real motivation to be back even earlier tomorrow. A spontaneous break, or a scheduled one, is an occasion to get caught up on office scuttlebutt, and all of this combines to make the time pass quickly and productively. Working with or for an ESFP is rarely dull - and usually a great deal of fun. 

Another strength of ESFPs is their ability to let others be different and to work at an individual pace. Each of their four preferences -- E, S, F, and P -- lend themselves to an optimal awareness of the present moment and how unique and significant each person is at that moment. Consequently, if someone needs structure, the ESFP can help that person bring order to chaos, and by means of their chameleon-like nature, even become structured, too, if appropriate. They can affirm each person's efforts and are usually aware of how much may be going on behind the scenes, without necessarily becoming embroiled in it. 

In bureaucracies or large organizations, they are particularly capable of working the system for the good of the people involved. For example, we knew a government employee who needed travel money late one Friday afternoon. Getting money that quickly and late in the week was considered virtually hopeless. Yet, an ESFP colleague came through with the cash. Any ESFP would much rather accept such a challenge than stay working at a desk. With their friends all through the organization, and their ability to see ways and means around the various rules and regulations, ESFPs can in no time deliver the goods, no matter what the odds. No questions asked, the job is completed. Only a simple "Thank you" is required. 

A final strength of the ESFP is their tempering perspective when deadlines become stressful. While other types may see the ESFP as irresponsible about deadlines and demands, as pressures close in, it is the ESFP, like no other type, who can identify with the frustrations, and perhaps the feelings of failure, and can say the right word or do the right thing to relieve tension and keep impending doom at bay. Rarely does an ESFP sit around feeling sorry for what's happened. He or she will face it, have some appropriate amount of guilt, then move on. Auntie Mame's "We need a little Christmas" in the middle of total financial ruin is a classic illustration of how ESFPs move themselves and others from life's tragedies to life's triumphs. 

Like the other types, ESFPs also have their downsides, and one of them is overextension. While they may work miracles in keeping so many balls in the air, it is easy for them to overcommit and run themselves into the ground. Once the process starts, the fatigue that accompanies such a situation can give way to despair, distrust, and doom and gloom. Such behaviors often grow out of the ESFP's failure to pace themselves and with the inundation comes the misery. 

Another shortcoming of ESFPs is their disdain for routine and their disrespect for structure and order. As a result they may never be where you want them to be, when you want them to be there. Though they may have a reasonable excuse for their absence or tardiness, it may have detrimental effects in the long run. Perceivers generally, and especially ESFPs, have trouble recognizing that routines are a fact of life. By simply ignoring them in favor of whatever is happening at the moment, the ESFP can be an irritant at best, an obstruction at worst. 

Perhaps another downside is their weakness in grasping the long-term consequences of their actions. Because they are so grounded in the moment, ESFPs often do not see the impact of their behavior, decisions, or actions may have on the big picture. As a result, the consequences of something so simple as a whimsical flirtation or an offhand remark may be far more serious than the ESFP could have imagined. The off-putting was never intended, but it nonetheless remains an albatross on everyone involved. 

A third drawback of ESFPs is that their never-ending quest for fun may not be welcomed in a workplace that sees profit and productivity as serious business. Indeed for many companies, <I>workplace fun<N> is an oxymoron; fun is what you're supposed to have at home or at the company's annual picnic. As a result some colleagues and superiors can hardly cope with the notion that fun may be good for morale and productivity. They may simply ignore the ESFP's overtures. More often than not, however, they invoke scathing judgments about the ESFP's behavior. For the ESFP, good intentions can quickly turn sour. 

Such stumbling blocks aside, ESFPs are naturals in the human services. They make excellent trainers, educators -- especially elementary-level -- religious leaders, sellers of most anything, and athletic players and coaches. In these and other endeavors, coworkers appreciate how effectively ESFPs accomplish what they do and readily begin to rely upon ESFPs to bring a special dimension of play to work, giving the workplace a little extra zip.

<b>Workplace Contribution:<n>
Provides high-spirited energy that keeps a variety of people and actions moving in positive ways

<b>Pathway to Professional Growth:<n>
Must learn to stretch to face the negative, stressful - even hostile - moments of work.  Life is not always a barrel of fun.

<b>Leadership Qualities:<n>
Has a personal and often playful “take the moment as is and go with it” style that can be highly motivating to others

<b>Team Spirit:<n>
Teamwork is the best way to approach any endeavor; all the world's a team, and only good can come from such joined efforts}