ESFJ, Supporter, Protector, Extraverted
- Your Results Snapshot
- Your Personality Type
- ESFJ - The "Supporter"
- Your Cognitive Functions
- Famous People of Your Type
- Career Matches for Your Type
- Your Temperament
- SJ - The "Protector"
- Famous Protectors
- Protector Career Matches
- Your Preferences
- Extraversion vs. Introversion in You
- Sensing vs. Intuition in You
- Thinking vs. Feeling in You
- Judging vs. Perceiving in You
- Sharing and Saving Your Report
- Further Learning
Your Results Snapshot
You have a unique set of traits that make you who you are. The study of personality identifies and organizes your characteristics and behaviors in such a way as to help you better understand yourself. Your Personality Max report is intended to equip you to lead a more effective and fulfilling life.
Your Personality Type is ESFJ (Supporter)
Extraverted (E) + Sensing (S) + Feeling (F) + Judging (J)
Your Temperament is SJ (Protector)
Sensing (S) + Judging (J)
"Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower." — Charles M. Schwab
Your Personality Type
Your personality type is ESFJ. This is based on your four Preferences: Extraversion (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F) and Judging (J).
Many of today's theories of psychological typology are based on the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, who wrote Psychological Types in 1921. He was the founder of analytical psychology, which studies the motivations underlying human behavior.
Your personality type is a detailed classification of the innate characteristics that make you who you are. Each of the four temperaments can be divided into four types, making a total of 16 distinct personality types. As with Temperament, your type is determined by the strength of your preferences.
No personality type is better than another. Each person has a unique set of equally valuable characteristics. Understanding your type can be useful in many ways, including relationships and school or career.
ESFJ - The "Supporter"
ESFJs are friendly and nurturing. They seek to preserve tradition and observe rules. They are deeply caring and want to be liked. Their caretaking nature is one of the hallmarks of being a Supporter. They are supportive (hence their nickname) and generous. ESFJs have a desire to please and help others.
"It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes." — Sally Field
ESFJs direct their energy outward. They are sociable and gregarious. They are energized by interaction and often have many friends. ESFJs enjoy attending and hosting parties and group gatherings. As Sensors, Supporters process information through their senses. They are aware of their surroundings and live in the moment. They are practical and realistic.
Supporters are Feelers and make decisions with their heart. They have a warm and caring personality. ESFJs are passionate and empathetic. ESFJs are decisive and responsible. They are structured and enjoy finishing tasks. They plan ahead, follow routines and seek closure.
Supporters focus on their family and close friends. They love people and are gifted at bringing people together. They epitomize hospitality and care-giving. They share themselves freely and generously. Supporters are very adept at reading others people's feelings. They are often popular, likeable and seek lasting relationships.
ESFJs are hardworking and responsible people. They take comfort in routine. At work they like to create a warm and friendly environment. They are willing to make sacrifices to benefit others. ESFJs seek jobs that provide interaction and are altruistic in nature.
ESFJs are concrete learners and often do well in school. Their teachers appreciate their eagerness to please and their desire to stick to the rules. Many times a Supporter will train for a service-oriented occupation, which reflects their desire to make a difference in the lives of others. They are good at learning by doing and are not excited by theoretical discussions.
Supporters are nurturing and responsible. They go to great lengths to meet the physical needs of others. They are willing to make enormous sacrifices on behalf of their loved ones. The ESFJs greatest contribution is their genuine concern for others, which drives everything they do.
Characteristic of an ESFJ
- Social
- Supportive
- Empathetic
- Others-focused
- Committed
- Generous
- Traditional
- Rule following
- Responsible
- Warm
- Dutiful
- Nurturing
- Disciplined
- Hospitable
- Caring
- Friendly
- Punctual
- Traditional
- Organized
- Relational
- Celebratory
- Realistic
- Loving
- Practical
Typical Strengths
- Friendly and warm
- Focused on other people's needs
- Excellent money mangement skills
- Service-oriented
- Honors commitments
Possible Weaknesses
- Dislikes change
- Takes the blame for others
- Interested in how others see them
- Has trouble with conflict
- ESFJs make up 12% of all 16 personality types. ESFJs are the second most prevalent personality type. On average, people are more Extraverted, Sensing, and Judging than the opposite preferences.
- 1 in every 14 males is an ESFJ (7% of all males). 1 in every 6 females is an ESFJ (17% of all females). There are more female ESFJs than any other type-gender combination.
- Although male ESFJs are relatively common, there are significantly more female ESFJs, who outnumber males by more than 2 to 1. One reason there are more female ESFJs is that females tend to be Feelers (F) while males are more often Thinkers (T).
Your Cognitive Functions
You engage the world through four cognitive functions. Each function is directed outward toward people and surroundings (Extraverted) or inward toward your thoughts (Introverted). Your primary function is Extraverted Feeling and secondary is Introverted Sensing.
Extraverted Feeling (Primary Function)
You use this function most often. When Feeling (F), you make decisions based on feelings. The Extraverted Feeling function allows you to tune your behavior to the needs of others. Is it the ability to relate and the desire to connect with others with warmth and consideration as well as draw others out and responds to expressed or unexpressed needs.
Introverted Sensing (Secondary Function)
Your use of this function is somewhat high. Through Sensing (S), you process data with your five senses. The Introverted Sensing function allows you to remember data in detail and to compare it with current information. It is the ability to link present experiences to past experiences in search for a connection.
Extraverted Intuition (Tertiary Function)
You use this function but to a lesser degree. With Intuition (N), you process new information through impressions, possibilities and meanings. Extraverted Intuition is what allows you to see different paths or ways. When you receive information, you are able to see that there is more than one way to look at things.
Introverted Thinking (Least Function)
You use this function least of the four. While Thinking (T), you make decisions based on logic and reason. The Introverted Thinking function enables you to categorize and analyze information that you receive. It is the ability to identify inconsistencies and know how things work as well the ability to solve problems.
Famous People of Your Type
Here is a sampling of famous people and fictional characters that are likely to be ESFJs like you.
- William McKinleyAmerican President
- Don KnottsComedian
- John ConnallyPolitician
- Sally StruthersActress
- Steve SpurrierFootball Player
- Sally FieldActress
- Phil GrammU.S. Senator
- Nancy KerriganOlympic Figure Skater
- Elvis StojkoCanadian Figure Skater
- Jack BennyComedian, Actor
- Desi ArnazActor, Comedian, Musician
- Terry BradshawFootball Player
- Mary Tyler MooreActress, Comedian
- Dixie CarterActress
- Reba McIntireSinger
- Danny GloverActor
- Jennifer AnnistonActor
- George BabbittBabbit (Sinclair Lewis)
- Hoss CartwrightBonanza
- Leonard "Bones" McCoyStar Trek
- Monica GellarFriends
- DorothyThe Wizard of Oz
- Nurse Haleh AdamsER
- Donald DuckDisney Cartoon Character
- RabbitWinnie the Pooh
- Felix UngerThe Odd Couple
Career Matches for Your Type
ESFJs may find satisfaction with the following careers which tend to match well with their Supporter personality. This list is not exhaustive and these are not guaranteed to be perfect matches for you but this may be a helpful starting point if you are planning to pursue a new career.
- Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Child Care
- Church Worker
- Human Resources
- Counselor
- Family Doctor
- Homemaker
- Nurse
- Teacher
- Social Worker
- Office Manager
- Administrator
- Speech Pathologist
- Organization Leader
- Receptionist
Your Temperament
Your temperament is SJ since you lean toward the Sensing (S) and Judging (J) preferences. We identify your temperament by the strength of your Preferences. Many psychologists, philosophers and other thinkers have for centuries proposed that there are four temperaments that can describe a person.
Temperament is a more broad classification than Personality Type. Each of the four temperaments is like an umbrella over four related personality types (for a total of 16 personality types).
SJ - The "Protector"
Protectors (SJs) are dependable, altruistic and honest. They are driven by a strict work ethic and place a high premium on helping others and serving the community. Protectors are gifted leaders because of their natural ability to organize, plan and strategize. They thrive in situations where they know what is expected of them since they appreciate rules and structure.
They are protective of the people they love, dutiful and very loyal. They value tradition and morality. Protectors often excel in school and perform with high standards. They do not appreciate when others break rules or challenge their authority. They dislike change and unpredictable situations.
"I thought I heard someone laughing just now. If anyone present wishes to make me the subject of his wit, I am very much at his service — with my sword — whenever he has leisure." — Reepicheep
Famous Protectors
- Warren BuffetInvestor, Businessman
- Harry TrumanAmerican President
- Queen Elizabeth IIQueen of England
- Lyndon B. JohnsonAmerican President
- John D. RockefellerIndustrialist
- Sam WaltonFounder of Walmart
- Rev. Billy GrahamEvangelist, Writer
- Alfred TennysonPoet
- George W. BushAmerican President
- William McKinleyAmerican President
- Don KnottsComedian
- Sally FieldActress
- Jack BennyComedian, Actor
- Terry BradshawFootball Player
- Mary Tyler Mooreactress, comedian
- George WashingtonAmerican President
- Herbert HooverAmerican President
- Evander HolyfieldBoxer
- Barbara BushAmerican First Lady
- Robert E. LeeU.S. Army Officer
- Jimmy StewartActor
- Cliff ClavinCheers
- Rachel LyndeAnne of Green Gables
- Joe FridayDragnet
- Princess LeiaStar Wars
- Dr. WatsonSherlock Holmes
- Lucy van PeltPeanuts Comic
- Donald DuckDisney Character
Protector Career Matches
SJ's are commonly skilled at and often find satisfaction with the following careers.
- Police
- Military
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Administrator
- Manager
- Supervisor
- Judge
- Teacher
- Librarian
- Researcher
- Scientist
- SJs (Protectors) make up about 41% of the general population.
- There are slightly more female SJs than there are male.
- More SJs have been American Presidents than any other temperament.
Your Preferences
Your preferences are Extraversion (E), Sensing (S), Feeling (F) and Judging (J). These determine your Personality Type and Temperament.
There are four pairs of opposite preferences. Everyone has a greater tendency toward one preference than the other in each pair. For example, in the Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) dichotomy, you personally have a stronger tendency toward Feeling (F). Each preference has a single letter (such as "F") that identifies it.
Extraversion vs. Introversion in You
Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I) are opposite preferences. Your natural tendency toward one is stronger than the other. Extraversion and Introversion describe how a person directs their energy either outwardly toward people and activities or inwardly toward thoughts and ideas. Of the two, your dominant preference is Extraversion. Although everybody exhibits characteristics of each preference to some degree, you can be referred to as an Extravert.
- You are 17% more Extraverted than the average
- You are part of the majority of people who are primarily Extraverted
- Females on average are slightly more Extraverted than males
Your Extraversion (E)
Extraversion is characterized by a preference to focus on the world outside the self. Extraverts are energized by social gatherings, parties and group activities. Extraverts are usually enthusiastic, gregarious and animated. Their communication style is verbal and assertive. Extraverts often need to talk. They enjoy the limelight.
- Sociable
- Energized by interaction
- Assertive
- Gregarious
- Talkative
- Enthusiastic
- Expressive
- Volunteers personal info
- Many friends
- Easy to approach
- Enjoys groups
Your Introversion (I)
Introversion is characterized by a preference to focus on the inside world. Introverts are energized by spending time alone or with a small group. They find large group gatherings draining because they seek depth instead of breadth of relationships. Introverts process information internally. They are often great listeners.
- Energized by time alone
- Private
- Keeps to self
- Quiet
- Deliberate
- Internally aware
- Fewer friends
- Prefers smaller groups
- Peaceful
- Independent
- Thinks before speaking
- Enjoys solitude
Sensing vs. Intuition in You
You use Sensing (S) and Intuition (N) to receive and process new information either by using your five senses or in more abstract ways. Both preferences in this pair are used by everybody to some degree. With that said, you can be classified as Sensor since your dominant preference is Sensing.
- You are 35% more Sensing than the average
- You are part of the majority of people who are primarily Sensing
- Females on average are slightly more Sensing than males
Your Sensing (S)
Sensors focus on the present. They are "here and now" people. They are factual and process information through the five senses. They see things as they are because they are concrete and literal thinkers. They trust what is certain. Sensors value realism and common sense. They like ideas with practical applications.
- Concrete
- Realistic
- Lives in the present
- Aware of surroundings
- Notices details
- Practical
- Goes by senses
- Factual
- Trusts certainty
- Values common sense
Your Intuition (N)
Intuitive people live in the future. They are immersed in the world of possibilities. They process information through patterns and impressions. Intuitive people value inspiration and imagination. They gather knowledge by reading between the lines. Their abstract nature attracts them toward deep ideas, concepts and metaphors. They can see the "big picture" and are analytical.
- Future-focused
- Sees possibilities
- Inventive
- Imaginative
- Deep
- Abstract
- Idealistic
- Complex
- Theoretical
- Philosophical
Thinking vs. Feeling in You
The Thinking (T) and Feeling (F) preference pair refers to how you make decisions, either by objective logic or subjective feeling. Your dominant preference is Feeling so you can be classified as a Feeler. Each of the two preferences are employed by everybody at different times and to different degrees.
- You are 31% more Feeling than the average
- Feelers like you make up about half of the population
- The majority of females are Feelers while the majority of males are Thinkers
Your Thinking (T)
Thinking people are objective. They make decisions based on facts. They are ruled by their head instead of their heart (but are not without emotion). Thinking people judge situations and others based on logic. They value truth over tact and can easily identify flaws. They are critical thinkers and oriented toward problem solving.
- Logical
- Objective
- Decides with head
- Seeks truth
- Rational
- Impersonal
- Critical thinking
- Thick-skinned
- Firm with people
- Driven by thought
Your Feeling (F)
Feeling people are subjective. They make decisions based on principles and values. They are ruled by their heart instead of their head. Feeling people judge situations and others based on feelings and extenuating circumstances. They seek to please others and want to be appreciated. They value harmony and empathy.
- Decides with heart
- Dislikes conflict
- Passionate
- Driven by emotion
- Gentle
- Easily hurt
- Empathetic
- Caring
- Warm
- Subjective
Judging vs. Perceiving in You
Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) are how you interact with the world outside yourself, either in a structured or flexible manner. All people use both of these preferences to different degrees but one is more dominant. Since your dominant preference is Judging, you can be referred to as a Judger.
- You are 36% more Judging than the average
- You are part of the slight majority of people who are primarily Judging
- Females on average are slightly more Judging than males
Your Judging (J)
Judging people think sequentially. They value order and organization. Their lives are scheduled and structured. Judging people seek closure and enjoy completing tasks. They take deadlines seriously. They work then they play. The Judging preference does not mean judgmental. Judging refers to how a person deals with day-to-day activities.
- Decisive
- Controlled
- Completes projects
- Organized
- Structured
- Scheduled
- Quick at tasks
- Responsible
- Seeks closure
- Makes plans
Your Perceiving (P)
Perceivers are adaptable and flexible. They are random thinkers who prefer to keep their options open. Perceivers thrive with the unexpected and are open to change. They are spontaneous and often juggle several projects at once. They enjoy starting a task better than finishing it. Perceivers play as they work.
- Adaptable
- Relaxed
- Random
- Carefree
- Spontaneous
- Changes tracks midway
- Keeps options open
- Procrastinates
- Dislikes routine
- Flexible
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Further Learning
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"Personality is that which is most intimate to me—that by which I must act out my life. It is that by which I belong to man, that by which I am able to reach after God; and He has given to me this pearl of great price. It is an immortal treasure; it is mine, it is His, and no man shall pluck it out of His hand." — Hugh Reginald Haweis