The ESFJ in the Workplace

General Overview

To an ESFJ, the working environment is everything. This doesn’t mean they’re focused on their official role or even on what work they do. Instead, ESFJs are focused on how they get along with everyone and how everyone else gets along. ESFJs are naturally tuned to the emotions of the people around them, this is what they’re most interested in no matter where they are. So being in an environment that’s very negative, one that’s overly competitive, or a workplace that’s just unfriendly will be downright painful for this type. And tiring, because the ESFJ is instinctively driven to make things better and in a really dysfunctional workplace this can be a lot of work.

As long as their workmates are happy and friendly, the ESFJ will usually be happy as well no matter what type of workplace they’re in. However, this type does use introverted sensing as their auxiliary function. This means they’re more likely to enjoy the rules and structures of traditional workplaces, roles, and institutions. It also makes them extremely unlikely to leave their workplace unless something about the work or the atmosphere is absolutely intolerable to them.

Company and society

ESFJs usually prefer more traditional companies and career paths. This type uses introverted sensing as their auxiliary function, which is strongly tied to the past to determine the value of the future. This makes them attracted to institutions and authorities that have lasted through time and means they’re a good match for traditional workplaces and roles. It also makes them great employees, as they intuitively understand the value of these roles and the danger of trying to rebel against them. So as long as the ESFJ enjoys the atmosphere of their workplace and gets along with everyone there, they’re likely to stay in the same job for as long as possible. Abuse in the workplace ESFJs can sometimes find themselves the targets of bullying or abuse because they’re natural people pleasers who want to make others happy. An ESFJ is never happier than when they’re in service to someone else, helping them to reach their goals or to achieve some end. And unscrupulous people, who can sense that, can use this quality to bully the ESFJ or outright abuse them. Most ESFJs are so sensitive to criticism that they’ll take these kinds of attacks as a true reflection of their own weaknesses rather than an underhanded and manipulative tactic to achieve power. This can cause ESFJs a lot of pain, turmoil and uncertainty, and even burn out the ESFJ’s natural empathy and desire to help others.

This can also go the other way as well. ESFJs who are unhealthy sometimes use their ability to sense emotions to manipulate the people around them. They may even think that they’re doing this to get what’s best for everyone, but the reality is that they’re just trying to satisfy their own needs, and using the justifications as a cover. Because of their understanding of emotions and their natural ability to affect the emotions of others, ESFJs who do this can create very negative working environments and a lot of conflict in the workspace. This is the type of behavior and situation that ESFJs need to avoid if they want to enjoy real personal growth and happiness.

Workplace Strengths

ESFJs use extraverted feeling as their dominant function and this is a very important strength that can benefit the ESFJ’s workplace. This function senses the emotions of others and looks for ways to make them happy, and if ESFJs use this at work they’re often driven to foster warm and supportive working environments. ESFJs will thrive in these environments, always happy to help others, to support them, or to lend a sympathetic ear, and every workspace needs this kind of dedication to harmony and happiness to function smoothly.

ESFJs are so focused on the social aspects of their job that they don’t usually mind what kind of work they do. This type are usually happy to do routine or mundane tasks as long as they understand why the tasks need to be done. They usually see these types of tasks as a chance to contribute to the positive atmosphere in the workplace. They also have such a deep respect for authority and the role of the worker that they see these types of tasks as necessary to the continued health of their company and workmates. And helping to ensure the health of other people and their company gives ESFJs a deep sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment.

Workplace Weaknesses

ESFJs aren’t usually the most creative people. They like to have strict rules and guidelines around the activities they do at work and usually won’t even think about moving outside of those expectations. Because of this, ESFJs usually do better in a subordinate position, where they can work as a team with other people to get things done. The idea of being out on their own, trying to create and innovate, can make this type feel extremely unsafe and unstable, and most ESFJs will actively avoid this kind of situation.

ESFJs like to work in a team and to collaborate with people they like. Working alone just makes them feel tired and depressed, so they’ll usually avoid these kinds of careers and jobs. However, their reliance on other people can make them a little too sensitive to criticism. ESFJs use extraverted feeling as their dominant function, which makes them very aware of social constructs and norms. So if they’re criticized in any way, for their ideas or for anything else, they’ll take it very hard. This can even apply if they think they sense judgement from the people around them. This kind of interaction with others can be very damaging to an ESFJs sense of self-worth and their pride and confidence in their work.

Final Thoughts

ESFJs are warm and friendly people who make workplaces better places to be. This is something they do naturally, almost without thinking about it, and they often consider their social interactions at work to be almost more important than the work itself. This can cause problems for their working efficiency, but because of their focus on the social aspects of work this is unlikely to change.

References

1. Storm, Susan. “10 Signs That You Might Be an Introverted Sensor“. Oct 30, 2017. (Retrieved Apr 2018).
2. Heyward, G. Robert. “ESFJ Personal Growth“. (Retrieved Apr 2018).
3. Storm, Susan. “How Do YOU Use Extraverted Feeling?“. Dec 17, 2015. (Retrieved Apr 2018).
4. “ESFJ – The Caregiver“.
5. “The ESFJ Career Path“.
6. “The ESFJ as an Entrepreneur“.
7. “Best Jobs For Your Personality“.