What is the ESTP Personality Type?

The ESTP personality type is known as the Entrepreneur due to its action-oriented approach to life and its ability to make things happen rather than sit around thinking about them. ESTPs are bold, dynamic, and competitive, with their feet firmly rooted to the ground and their minds focused on the here and now.

In other words, ESTPs waste little time on endless discussions or planning contingencies. When they want something, they go out and get it, dealing with their mistakes only once they’ve already made them.

Consequently, Entrepreneurs may come across as impulsive and reckless, but this rarely bothers them, as they’d rather be that than boring. Moreover, even if they do make mistakes, their natural charm and wit can help them get out of almost any situation with nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

What Is the Meaning of ESTP?

The meaning of the ESTP personality type is:

• Extroverted. ESTPs gain energy from spending time with others, and they effortlessly move from one group of acquaintances to another. Furthermore, they love meeting new people and enjoy having large social networks.
• Sensing. Entrepreneurs observe the world with their five senses and rely on what they see, hear, and experience to process information and make decisions.
• Thinking. Guided by their heads, ESTPs place high value on logic, rationality, and reason, sometimes neglecting their emotional side.
• Perceiving. ESTPs struggle with routines and structures, preferring to stay flexible and spontaneous and leave enough room for sudden changes of plans.

How Rare is the ESTP Personality Type?

The ESTP personality type is somewhat rare—it makes up approximately 4.3% of the general population in the US.

The largest percentage of the ESTP personality type are men, who account for around 5.6% of the male US population. On the other hand, women who identify with the ESTP personality type make up a slightly lower number—approximately 3%.

5 Key ESTP Personality Characteristics

The key ESTP personality type characteristics include the following:

Courage

The ESTP personality type never backs away from life’s challenges, taking them on with unique confidence and courage. While many other types adopt a “fake it till you make it” mindset, Entrepreneurs don’t have to pretend—they genuinely are bold and self-assured.

These traits come out in everyday situations, such as asserting their wants and needs or standing up for others, but also in their love for extreme sports. ESTPs are willing to try anything once, be it bungee jumping, skydiving, or rock climbing.

Perceptiveness

Being so grounded in the present moment, ESTPs rarely miss anything happening around them. They are quick to spot sudden changes in their environment and even quicker to react to them, which makes them excellent first responders, police officers, and firefighters.

Similarly, Entrepreneurs can be quite perceptive of other people’s feelings and mood changes, though they don’t always have the right skills to deal with them. Instead, they might notice someone’s acting unusually and decide it’s not something they need to worry about after all.

Rationality

Like other thinking types, ESTPs rely on their heads when making decisions and generally take a rational, cool-headed approach in most situations. Though they aren’t prone to ruminations or endless theorizing, they are still thinkers through and through, putting little emphasis on emotions.

However, they don’t disregard only their own emotions but often neglect other people’s feelings, too. In discussions about emotions, ESTPs usually feel bored or out of their depth, so they tend to avoid them and prefer spending time with people who have outlooks similar to theirs.

Straightforwardness

There’s no such thing as mincing words with ESTPs—they say what they think loudly and clearly, whether others like it or not. Unfortunately, they’re not very diplomatic about how they express themselves, so it’s not unusual for them to inadvertently (or sometimes purposefully) offend others.

Nevertheless, ESTP’s straightforwardness can be refreshing, too. Instead of wondering what they really mean or how they feel, their friends and family can take them at face value. This makes many interactions simpler, even if it may initially seem off-putting.

Impulsivity

Contradictory to their rational nature, ESTPs can also be very impulsive, with a tendency to do first and think later. They quickly make conclusions about a situation, take action, and then later reflect on the consequences and the ways they can fix their mistakes.

Of course, this can result in a mess they could’ve easily avoided if they had taken more time to weigh their options. But ESTPs don’t mind that—for them, instant gratification is sometimes far more important than the long-term impact of their decisions. Besides, they are confident they can resolve anything, so they have nothing to fear.

What Are the ESTP Personality Type’s Cognitive Functions?

The ESTP personality type’s cognitive functions determine how Entrepreneurs make decisions and process information. Each of the sixteen types on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test has a stack of four arranged from the most developed to the least developed function.

In the case of ESTP, the cognitive function stack consists of the following functions:

Extraverted Sensing (Se)

Extraverted sensing (Se) is a function that uses all five senses to collect information from the outside world, taking in as many stimuli as possible. As a result, types with dominant Se, such as ESTPs, are firmly grounded in reality and the present moment.

In other words, Se is the main reason ESTPs are action-oriented, go-getter types who interact with their surroundings without a hitch. People with this type often enjoy physical activities that stimulate their Se and feel more comfortable with the concrete and tangible than the abstract.

Furthermore, Se makes ESTPs particularly perceptive and allows them to spot even minute changes in their environments. However, this function is focused on responding to rather than storing stimuli, so Entrepreneurs may not be the best analysts, but they are excellent at quickly reacting to their surroundings.

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

In the auxiliary position, introverted thinking (Ti) supports Se and makes judgments using the information it perceives. These evaluations are based on ESTP’s internal system of logic, which is subjective and entirely independent of anyone else’s reasoning.

Put simply, ESTPs are original thinkers who make their own conclusions and opinions, rarely taking any interest in what others might think of them. To them, their logic is self-evident and self-reliant, and they don’t feel the need to prove it to others or explain the thought processes behind it.

That’s not to say they are opposed to adjusting their internal systems of logic, though; on the contrary, high Ti users are quite open to testing their thoughts and tweaking them if needed. However, they don’t follow any formal way of doing so—once again, they only rely on their own minds.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

A tertiary function brings relief to its user, taking away some of the burden from the first two functions, which play the most important role. This is also the case with ESTPs, who rely on their extraverted feeling (Fe) to relax while connecting with and receiving affection from their loved ones.

In their youth, Entrepreneurs can struggle with their underdeveloped Fe and feel annoyed or impatient when faced with people’s emotions. However, as they mature, they can learn to use Fe to their advantage, exuding a natural charm that draws others in and helps them easily navigate most of life’s challenges.

Once they get a taste of Fe’s power, ESTPs can easily slip into overusing it and come across as manipulative or even people-pleasing. So, it’s important to use it with caution and make sure that Se and Ti still play their respective roles.

Introverted Intuition (Ni)

ESTP’s least developed function, inferior introverted intuition (Ni), is often repressed due to this type’s overwhelming focus on Se. While Se is all about physical stimuli and real-world experiences, Ni searches for deeper meaning—a task that immature ESTPs may consider pointless.

So, Entrepreneurs with underdeveloped Ni might misuse this function to attribute meanings that aren’t there to their actions or to, essentially, make excuses for their reckless behavior. As a result, they end up drifting from one experience to another, each more forgettable than the previous one.

However, if an ESTP manages to embrace and develop their introverted intuition, their life will gain a whole new layer of depth and meaning. Instead of living just for the gratification their Se is desperate for, they will be able to find their life’s purpose and understand what steps they need to take to achieve it.

ESTP Personality Types Growth & Development Tips

Here is what ESTP personality types can do to encourage their own growth and development:

#1. Think Before You Act

For types as action-oriented as ESTPs, it can be challenging to take a step back and sit with their thoughts, but it’s a necessary step toward growth. Just remember—there will be fewer mistakes to clean up if you take your time making decisions, and you’ll be free to focus on other activities.

#2. Exercise Patience

Entrepreneurs hate waiting and can’t stand when people around them are slow or when situations take time to develop. They want everything now; otherwise, they become agitated, frustrated, and combative.

However, some things in life are worth waiting for, and that’s a lesson ESTPs need to learn and accept. Even if it may go against their go-getter nature, they should sometimes sit back and let things develop at their own pace. Life won’t pass them by if they occasionally exercise patience.

#3. Learn Tact

Though ESTP’s bluntness can be an asset, it can also strain many of their relationships since people around them may not be as thick-skinned as Entrepreneurs. Instead of dismissing such people as whiny or overly sensitive, ESTPs need to reflect on themselves and learn to be more tactful.

That’s not to say they can’t be honest and say what’s on their minds, but there are ways to do that without hurting others. Honesty doesn’t always have to be brutal—in fact, it can be far more effective when it’s gentle.

#4. Pay Attention to Your Feelings

Being considerate of your own feelings is just as important as caring about other people’s—sometimes even more so. Though ESTPs like to portray the tough, emotionless image, they are people like everyone else, with feelings buried under their hard shells.

So, instead of keeping them there and ignoring them, ESTPs need to learn to face them with the same boldness they exhibit in other situations. It may not be easy to open up at first, but as time goes by, they’ll discover that it greatly benefits their mental well-being and happiness.

#5. Accept Advice

ESTPs can be incredibly stubborn, especially when someone tells them what to do—they absolutely hate this and may purposefully do the opposite out of spite. While their independence is admirable, it can also stand in the way of their growth and success.

The solution is simple enough: ESTPs should recognize when the advice is well-meaning and try to consider it at least. They can still choose to do as originally intended, but taking another person’s point of view into account is an important first step.

ESTP Personality Type Career Paths: Best & Worst Choices

The ESTP personality type has an infectious energy and charisma that can help it succeed in nearly any career path. However, that doesn’t mean they do well in all jobs—their aversion to boredom makes it impossible for them to deal with more monotonous occupations.

With that in mind, let’s explore which careers ESTPs should pursue and which they should avoid.

Best Careers Paths

People with the ESTP personality type need a dynamic, exciting job that takes advantage of their quick wit and excellent people skills. Even highly stressful career paths suit this type well, as they naturally gravitate toward occupations that get their pulse racing.

Some of the best career paths for ESTPs include:

• Pilot
• CEO
• Firefighter
• Paramedic
• Stockbroker
• Entrepreneur
• Police Officer
• Military Officer
• Hotel Manager
• Sales Manager
• Insurance Agent
• Fitness Instructor
• Television Reporter
• Air Traffic Controller

Careers to Avoid

ESTPs can’t stand jobs that require them to sit at their desks and analyze facts and figures all day—they can imagine nothing more exhausting and draining. Generally speaking, boredom is the biggest enemy of Entrepreneurs’ motivation, which is unfortunate because they are quite sensitive to it.

That said, careers ESTPs should avoid include the following:

• Writer
• Teacher
• Chemist
• Librarian
• Animator
• Psychologist
• Data Analyst
• Electrical Engineer
• Veterinary Technician

How ESTP Personality Types Behave at Work

ESTP personality types bring their energy and charm to work, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in their workplace. They can easily boost the atmosphere and are, therefore, excellent team players with a knack for networking and cultivating professional relationships.

However, ESTPs are more than mood boosters—they can be valuable employees who bring unique talents and insights to the table. When working in a dynamic, fast-paced field, these individuals are incredibly adaptable and easily juggle between tasks or switch from one responsibility to another without a hitch.

Unfortunately, ESTPs can struggle with authority, which can be particularly frustrating when they are just starting out. Reluctant to follow the rules and regulations, they often choose to do things their way, which can either be an asset or a significant concern.

ESTPs as Leaders

As leaders, ESTPs feel like they are in their element. They get to set their own rules, and there is no one to tell them how things need to be done or remind them to stick to outdated approaches.

So, once in charge, ESTPs usually do away with unnecessary traditions and implement new methods that prioritize specific goals and results. With Entrepreneurs as leaders, employees should get used to a lot of risk-taking and novel approaches that have never been tried in their workplace before.

This may result in a slightly chaotic working atmosphere, but ESTPs can easily navigate it and ensure everyone is pulling their weight. Even with their relaxed approach to life, they can’t stand slackers, and they’re not afraid of reprimanding anyone who is, in their opinion, not trying hard enough.

ESTPs in Teams

In teams, ESTPs quickly take unofficial charge and guide their coworkers toward successfully completing their goals. That’s not to say they make all decisions on their own; on the contrary, ESTPs enjoy the collaborative aspect of teamwork and ask everyone to contribute with their thoughts and ideas.

However, they aren’t the type to spend hours in endless discussions about how something should be done. Once that happens, ESTPs check out mentally, preferring to take action as soon as possible.

ESTP Personality Advantages & Weaknesses in Relationships

Due to their sociable nature, ESTP personalities easily build bonds with others and may seem to value quantity over quality.

That may especially be the case among young Entrepreneurs—they genuinely need the excitement of numerous acquaintanceships. However, with age, that changes to some extent, and they begin to place a high value on their closest bonds while still casually maintaining the more surface-level ones.

Now, let’s examine how ESTPs behave in different kinds of relationships.

ESTPs as Romantic Partners

As romantic partners, ESTPs are passionate, spontaneous, and exciting—perfect lovers for the honeymoon phase before real life kicks in. They are open and adventurous, eager to take their partner on trips, surprise them with gifts, or otherwise make them feel special and loved.

However, the problem with the honeymoon phase is that it doesn’t last forever, and, unfortunately, ESTP’s interest often fades with it. Though people with this type can have serious, long-lasting relationships, they prefer going with the flow and enjoying the simple, non-committal romance while it lasts.

In other words, ESTPs thrive in the dating stage, while getting them to commit can be a challenging task. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but their partners need to be aware of their fiercely independent side and avoid trying to stifle it.

ESTPs as Friends

As friends, ESTPs bring vibrant energy and excitement to every hangout, brimming with ideas about the next adventure, activity, or travel destination. They are witty, charming, and fun to be around, so they are a welcome guest at every party or social gathering.

Since they aren’t naturally affectionate or great at expressing their feelings, ESTPs show their love for their friends by inviting them to their various adventures. Whether it’s a concert, a hike, or a road trip, they are happy to include their loved ones and even happier when they say yes.

However, friendships with Entrepreneurs aren’t only fun and games—these personalities are fiercely protective of their friends. Being bold and outspoken by nature, ESTPs aren’t afraid to stand up for their less confrontational friends, taking their side without question or second thought.

ESTPs as Parents

As parents, ESTPs are spontaneous, fun-loving, and active, gladly accompanying their children as they explore and learn about the world. In many ways, they are exactly the kind of parent most children dream about—one who isn’t too concerned about rules and loves to play with them.

However, without rules, children grow up undisciplined and irresponsible, so ESTPs should go against their nature and enforce some. It may make them seem uncool, but it’s a necessary aspect of raising children.

Furthermore, ESTPs may struggle to emotionally connect with their children, as they are uncomfortable with feelings themselves. This can be especially troublesome if their children are more sensitive since ESTPs might inadvertently send a message that they aren’t available to support them.

Which Personality Types Are Compatible With ESTPs?

ESTPs are usually well-liked due to their charisma and inexhaustible energy, but they can be somewhat more difficult to get along with in a serious relationship. Even so, some personality types naturally gravitate toward them, while others prefer to keep their distance.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the compatibility of the ESTP personality type in more detail.

ESTP Best Matches

The best matches for ESTPs are dynamic, sociable personalities who live in the moment and seek adventure and excitement. However, even the types that seem opposite to Entrepreneurs can get along with them and help their growth.

The ESTP personality type gets along with the following types:

• ESFP. Like ESTPs, ESFPs are fun, exciting individuals who need novelty and adventure to keep their lives and relationships interesting. However, they are far more sensitive than Entrepreneurs, which can teach them to be more considerate of other people’s feelings.
• ISTP. ISTPs are practical, grounded, and open-minded, with the same tendency toward risk-taking and thrill-seeking as ESTPs. In fact, they have plenty in common with Entrepreneurs, the main difference being that they are less sociable and prefer their own company.
• ESTJ. Though ESTJs are rule followers and enforcers by nature, they can be an excellent match for reckless ESTPs, forcing them to be more responsible. At the same time, ESTPs can help ESTJs relax and take a more spontaneous approach to life.

ESTP Worst Matches

The worst matches for ESTPs are NF types—idealistic, sensitive, and focused on the greater good, they have little in common with assertive, dominant Entrepreneurs.

Here are the personalities that the ESTP personality type rarely sees eye to eye with:

• INFJ. ESTPs often perceive INFJs as too sensitive, slow, and stuck in their heads, and they can’t understand their need to think about everything twice. On the other hand, INFJs dislike ESTP’s bluntness, careless behavior, and apparent lack of depth.
• ENFJ. To ESTPs, ENFJs come across as pushy, overbearing, and preachy, and they dislike their need to take a moral stance on nearly everything. Similarly, ENFJs have a hard time accepting ESTP’s apparent carelessness and lack of tact.
• INFP. ESTPs are too impatient for sensitive, absent-minded INFPs, who take pleasure in life’s small joys and never seem to be in any kind of rush. Moreover, Entrepreneurs have no interest in their often impractical ideas, so the two can rarely find any common topics.

What Interests & Hobbies Are Popular With the ESTP Personality Types?

Interests and hobbies popular with the ESTP personality types include exciting, dynamic activities that challenge them physically and force them to push their own boundaries.

Such pastimes include:

ESTP Celebrities & Famous People

Famous people with the ESTP personality type can often be found among politicians, musicians, and athletes, though they aren’t quite as prevalent among artists. That’s hardly surprising, considering Entrepreneurs’ interests and preferences.

Some of the best-known ESTP celebrities are:

• Ernest Hemingway. American novelist and short story writer Ernest Hemingway is known for his straightforward writing style and blunt, outspoken personality. His works, such as A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, are considered classics of American literature, and he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.
• Miley Cyrus. Singer and songwriter Miley Cyrus started her career as a child actress on Disney Channel’s hit show Hannah Montana and became one of the biggest pop icons. She’s received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, and had dozens of singles at the top of various Billboard charts.
• Mike Tyson. Boxer Mike Tyson competed between 1985 and 2005, winning numerous championships and earning himself the title of the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.