Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more . Cara Lustik The ESFJ personality type, also known as "The Caregiver" or "The Consul," is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). People with an ESFJ personality type tend to be outgoing , loyal, organized, and tender-hearted. ESFJs gain energy from interacting with other people. They are typically described as outgoing and gregarious. They have a way of encouraging other people to be their best and often have a hard time believing anything bad about the people they are close to. According to psychologist David Keirsey, approximately 9% to 13% of the population has an ESFJ personality type.  

Key ESFJ Characteristics

People with an ESFJ personality type tend to:

Be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others

Derive their value system from external sources, including the community at large, rather than from intrinsic, ethical, and moral guidelines

Enjoy helping others

Expect their kind and giving ways to be noticed and appreciated by others

Get easily hurt by unkindness or indifference

Have a need for approval

Provide care for others

Want to be liked by others

ESFJs raised with high values and standards tend to grow up to be generous adults. Conversely, those raised in a less generous environment may not be as naturally in tune with giving to others and be more focused on themselves. ESFJs also have a strong desire to exert control over their environment. They feel in control of the world around them by organizing , planning, and scheduling. Those with an ESFJ personality type are naturally geared toward understanding other people. They are careful observers of others and are adept at supporting and bringing out the best in people. Because they are so good at helping others feel good about themselves, people often feel drawn to ESFJs. Although ESFJs are people pleasers, they are not pushovers.

Cognitive Functions

The MBTI suggests several cognitive functions (thinking, sensing, feeling, and intuition) that help shape each individual’s personality. The hierarchical ordering of these functions is what contributes to the makeup of each personality type. Each function is expressed either inwardly ( introverted ) or outwardly ( extroverted ).

Dominant: Extroverted Feeling

ESFJs tend to make decisions based on their emotions and concern for others. As a result, they tend to think more about the personal impact of a decision rather than considering objective criteria.

Those with an ESFJ personality type tend to judge people and situations based upon their "gut feelings." They often make snap decisions as a result and are quick to share their feelings and opinions.

This tendency can be great in some ways, as it allows them to make choices rather quickly. However, on the negative side, it can sometimes lead to overly harsh judgments of others.

Auxiliary: Introverted Sensing

ESFJs are more focused on the present than on the future. They are interested in concrete, immediate details rather than abstract or theoretical information.

Tertiary: Extroverted Intuition

This cognitive function helps ESFJs make connections and find creative solutions to problems. ESFJs are known to explore the possibilities when looking at a situation. They can often find patterns that allow them to gain insights into people and experiences.

Inferior: Introverted Thinking

Someone with an ESFJ personality type is organized and likes to plan things out in advance. Planning helps ESFJs feel more in control of the world around them. This aspect of personality helps the ESFJ analyze complex information, but it is often a point of weakness, especially when making sense of abstract or theoretical concepts. ESFJs You Might Know

• Sally Field, actress
• Sam Walton, Wal-Mart founder
• William McKinley, U.S. president
• Barbara Walters, television journalist
• Joy, film character, Inside Out

Personal Relationships

As extroverts, ESFJs love spending time with other people. Not only do they gain energy from social interaction, but they are also genuinely interested in the well-being of others. They are frequently described as warm-hearted and empathetic , and they will often put the needs of others ahead of their own. They typically feel insecure in situations where things are uncertain or chaotic. While this makes ESFJs well suited to positions that involve managing or supervising people, it can also lead to conflicts when they try to exercise control over people who do not welcome such direction.

Because ESFJs are so dependable and loyal, they tend to build strong friendships that are long-lasting.

Career Paths

Because ESFJs enjoy helping others, they often do well in practical settings that involve taking a caregiver role. Social service and healthcare careers are two areas in which ESFJs may excel at applying their helping nature and desire for order. ESFJs have many traits that make them ideally suited to certain careers. For example, their dependability and innate need to take care of others mean that they often do well in jobs that involve supporting and caring for people, such as nursing or teaching.

Tips for Interacting With ESFJs

If you know someone with an ESFJ personality, there are things that you can do that can help strengthen your relationship and improve your interactions.

Friendships

ESFJ can be selfless to the point of overlooking their own needs to ensure that other people are happy. Being a good friend to someone with this personality type means you should express your appreciation of their giving nature and make sure that you reciprocate their kindness. ESFJs get along best with people who value them make them feel appreciated. Relationships are important to people with a Consul personality, and they tend to avoid relationships where they might face a great deal of conflict or criticism. How to Maintain Friendships

Parenting

Children with an ESFJ personality type are responsible and enjoy spending time with their families. However, your child needs regular encouragement. Show your involvement by showing enthusiasm and support for their interests and activities. These children also have a strong need for routine . Establish rules and stick to them. ESFJ children feel more assured and confident when they know what they can expect.

Relationships

In romance, ESFJs are very devoted, supportive, and loyal. They are not interested in casual relationships and are focused on developing long-term commitments. You can support your partner by showing how much you love and appreciate them. Being responsive by showing affection and returning gestures of love is important. In terms of romantic relationships, ESFJs tend to look for relationships with honest people who are open with their emotions. In addition, they value closeness and intimacy .

A Word From Verywell

Just like all personality types, people with the ESFJ personality type have their own unique patterns of behaviors and their own preferences. Learning more about your personality type can help you better understand some of these tendencies. This can help you build on your strengths and work on some of your weaknesses to help improve your quality of life and relationships. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Keirsey D. Portrait of the Guardian Provider ESFJ .