By Donna Dunning
ESFP Compassionate Responder: Act and Adapt
“Consider it done.”
8.5% of the population
Type Dynamics for the ESFP
Dominant (Se): Outwardly acting on the facts and details of the immediate situation
Auxiliary (Fi): Inwardly choosing actions according to their personal values
Tertiary (T): As they mature consider logical as well as personal consequences of actions
Inferior (Ni): Developmental challenge is visioning and future, long-term planning
My previous blogs – Understanding Type Dynamics: Dominant Functions, Understanding Type Dynamics: Auxiliary Functions, and Taking Personality Type Beyond Your Preferences have more information on type dynamics.
The ESFP Preferred Mode
Compassionate Responders use Extraverted Sensing (Se) as their core approach to work and living. ESFPs usually take a practical approach and are interested in taking immediate action. They tend to be observant and are often interested in connecting to people and trying new things.
Compassionate Responders thrive in situations where they have variety and flexibility. They want to experience and enjoy the moment. If you are a Compassionate Responder, you are likely at your best when you are actively responding and interacting with the environment around you.
Adding a Secondary Approach
Compassionate Responders tend to trust and use a personal, caring approach to decision-making. They consider how people will respond to a decision and look at how their actions will affect the people involved.
This decision making approach provides direction and ensures the ESFP doesn’t get distracted by whatever is most interesting right now. Others usually won’t see this secondary approach, as the Compassionate Responder internally considers the value of each option for action. You will see this approach indirectly when the ESFP acts on what seems most helpful and thoughtful to do next.
Development Pathway
ESFPs will likely be convinced to develop their non-preferred preferences when they can see practical, personal reasons to do so.
As Compassionate Responders develop, they learn to add a more logical component to their decision-making. For example, young ESFPs may move forward quickly to help people immediately and directly. A more mature ESFP may logically evaluate a situation before taking action. ESFPs will be motivated to assess situations impartially when they realize that others may not need or appreciate the assistance they want to offer. Taking an impersonal approach can also help them manage criticism or disagreements.
Over time Compassionate Responders can also learn to place more emphasis on the long-term implications and consequences of actions. They will be motivated to do this when it serves their preferred mode of operating. For example, an ESFP can be convinced to make long-term plans to create more suitable, flexible working arrangements. Using a logical, strategic approach can also serve the Compassionate Responder by providing a way to prepare for the future.
Developmental Tips for the Compassionate Responder
- Use your casual, in-the-moment approach selectively since others may misinterpret this approach and think you are not being serious.
- Recognize many people assess situations impersonally. Listen to this perspective and gather data to make more rounded decisions.
- Make your decisions more balanced by making a list of logical pros and cons.
- When making choices and taking action, consider the long-term as well as short-term implications and consequences.
- When helping others, consider what you could do to provide additional assistance or services that will be helpful in the future.
You will find an overview of the two types of Responders, their career success stories and strategies, and occupations that attract them on the Responder main page.
What’s Your Type of Career? includes a section on career and life development strategies for Responders.