ESTP


 * See also École spéciale des travaux publics. For the Socionics ESTp, see Sensory Logical Extrovert.

ESTP (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perception) is an abbreviation used in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) publications to refer to one of the sixteen personality types. The MBTI assessment was developed from the work of prominent psychiatrist Carl G. Jung in his book Psychological Types, which proposed a psychological typology based on his theories of cognitive functions. These theories were based on clinical observation, however, rather than the controlled studies required for acceptance by the modern field of cognitive psychology.

From Jung's work, others developed psychological typologies. Well-known personality tests are the MBTI assessment, developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs, and the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, developed by David Keirsey. Keirsey referred to ESTPs as Promoters, one of the four types belonging to the temperament he called the Artisan.

The MBTI instrument

 * E – Extraversion preferred to Introversion: ESTPs often feel motivated by their interaction with people. They tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances, and they gain energy in social situations (whereas introverts expend energy).
 * S – Sensing preferred to intuition: ESTPs tend to be more concrete than abstract. They focus their attention on the details rather than the big picture, and on immediate realities rather than future possibilities.
 * T – Thinking preferred to Feeling: ESTPs tend to value objective criteria above personal preference. When making decisions, they generally give more weight to logic than to social considerations.
 * P – Perception preferred to Judgment: ESTPs tend to withhold judgment and delay important decisions, preferring to "keep their options open" should circumstances change.

Myers-Briggs description
According to Myers-Briggs, ESTPs are hands-on learners who live in the moment, seeking the best in life, wanting to share it with their friends. The ESTP is open to situations, able to improvise to bring about desired results. They are active people who want to solve their problems rather than simply discuss them.

For ESTPs, life is full of one fun-packed adventure after another. Active, curious, and playful, these dominant Extraverted Sensors notice everything around them and are active participants in every aspect of their physical life. Responsive and adaptable, ESTPs act first, rarely thinking through the consequences -- especially any long-term implications of how their actions may affect other people. Realistic, yet impulsive, they immediately seize upon any exciting opportunity that presents itself. Superobservant, ESTPs are indiscriminate about the sensory impressions they notice, as they constantly scan the environment and people around them. They learn best when they are physically engaged in the process, talking through what they are doing, and commenting on the many details they see, feel, and hear.

Full of energy, ESTPs love all kinds of surprises, and willingly join in whatever is going on around them, as long as it doesn't get too involved, complicated, or intense. Because their least developed function is Introverted Intuition, when conversations get too serious or discussions too theoretical, or when things are overly planned, they grow bored and restless. To try and lighten up the mood, they may act silly or treat issues with too much superficiality. Most ESTPs love the outdoors and are avid sports fans. Of all of the sixteen types, ESTPs are perhaps the most naturally athletic and coordinated, learning physical skills and tricks almost effortlessly. They typically have a host of interests and hobbies, which they are ready to plunge into at a moment's notice. This is good because they often have trouble sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

Happiest when they are totally immersed at all times in the action of the moment, ESTPs are usually good at immediate problem solving, bringing logic and objectivity to their analysis. They are often quite pragmatic, and are poised to change directions quickly if they think there is a better or more expedient approach. As ESTPs age, most grow increasingly more conservative in their attitudes and political leanings, but they usually maintain a "forever young" attitude about themselves and their own lifestyles.

Friendly, talkative, and energetic, ESTPs love to laugh and joke around, and are naturally flirtatious. Easygoing and casual, they tend to know a lot of people and are popular, since they are so much fun to be around. The life of the party, they are also often the first to try physical feats of daring or risk. They can sometimes give the erroneous impression that they are more emotionally invested in an idea or a relationship than they really are. And they may have to work hard to overcome their tendency to move on to greener pastures once things become too familiar or predictable. ESTPs are often so eager for the next physical thrill or experience, they sometimes neglect to follow through on the projects they've already started and can wind up disappointing or letting people down who are counting on them. When they put their minds to something, however, they are usually able to pull it off with skill and style, even if it is at the last moment!

Keirsey description
According to Keirsey, ESTPs, or "Promoter Artisans", are the most adept among the types at manipulating other people. Promoting is the art of maneuvering others to one's position. Concrete in speech and utilitarian in action, they are smooth operators. The ESTP knows everyone who matters and everything there is to do because they are very resourceful, always knowing where the fun and action is. They like to indulge themselves in the finer things in life and to bring other people with them. Their goal in life is to sell themselves and their ideas to others. Dramatic and debonair, they are gifted at earning others' confidence.

According to Keirsey, based on observations of behavior, famous Promoters include John F. Kennedy, Teddy Roosevelt, Madonna, and Donald Trump. For more examples, see Notable Promoters.

Other characteristics

 * Outgoing
 * Charming
 * Witty
 * Fun
 * Generous
 * Observant
 * Socially sophisticated
 * Resourceful
 * Troubleshooter
 * Unpredictable
 * Action oriented
 * Clever

Cognitive functions

 * Dominant Extraverted Sensing (Se)
 * Auxiliary Introverted Thinking (Ti)
 * Tertiary Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
 * Inferior Introverted iNtuition (Ni)