ESFP Cognitive Functions: Primary and Shadow Functions of the Performer

An ESFP personality is one of the 16 personalities established by the Myers-Briggs model. Sometimes ESFPs are referred to as the performer, entertainers, artisans, or explorers. An ESFP identifies as fun-loving, engaging, spontaneous, and social. But you know all that already, don’t you? Well, if that is true, do you know the functions of an ESFP personality?

ESFP Cognitive Functions Overview

An ESFP has four primary functions. In order of dominance, they are extroverted sensing, introverted feeling, thinking, and intuition. Extroverted sensing and introverted feeling are the most dominant functions. ESFPs also have four shadow functions, the opposites of their primary functions.

In this post, we will briefly break down the ESFP personality. Then we will dive into what the eight cognitive functions are. Following the in-depth discussion of the primary and shadow functions, we will cover the tasks that make an ESFP a great employee. Keep reading for the most profound analysis of ESFP functions out there!

Breaking Down the ESFP Personality 

Based on MBTI test results, the Myers-Briggs ESFP personality represents approximately 9% of the general population. The letters in ESFP correlate to Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving, representing the four major personality dimensions.

The following list is intended to recap what each of these designations means quickly:

• Extroverted – ESFPs love interacting with new people and experiencing new things. They draw energy from others and do not drain quickly in large groups. ESFPs can be the life of the party, fun, and social. 
• Sensing – An ESFP’s mind is focused on the present. They work to get tasks done quickly and efficiently. An ESFP lives with a practical mindset. 
• Feeling – ESFPs make decisions based on the people around them. They have a strict set of values that helps lead them to independence.  
• Perceiving – ESFPs are spontaneous people. This personality is known to go with the flow and not get too caught up with creating a plan.

The Myers-Briggs theory of personality, which the ESFP personality type is based on, is excellent. But the dimensions that shape an ESFP’s character tell you more about them as a person. It does not explain how they function in the world.

But fear not; by using Carl Jung’s cognitive function theory in conjunction with the Myers-Briggs personality test, you can quickly learn an ESFP’s primary and shadow functions.

The Eight Cognitive Functions Of An ESFP 

All personality types have functions associated with them, and an ESFP is no different. The ESFP has four primary tasks and four shadow functions. These functions explain how individuals live and communicate with others daily.

The Primary Functions Explained

The following are the four different types of primary functions: 

• Dominant function – Sometimes called the hero function, this focuses on how we are seen in the world, by ourselves, but primarily by others. An ESFP is an extroverted type, so they are affected by the perceptions of the people around them. 
• Auxiliary function – Also known as the parent function, this is focused on order, rules, and how we act in the world. In this case, it helps an ESFP make decisions based on the information their dominant function perceives. The auxiliary process helps balance the chief position.  
• Tertiary function – This function, known as the eternal child function, harnesses the inner child and is drawn on when we respond to other people. This function is underdeveloped compared to the first two.    
• Inferior function – Sometimes called the anima or animus function. This is the least developed function of the primary functions. It focuses on how we relate to people who are different from us.  

The first is the most dominant of the four primary functions, and the fourth is much more reserved. That is to say; when we interact with others, they are most likely to notice our chief position and least likely to see our inferior part.  

The functions that fall into each category above vary depending on the personality type. For example, an ESFP’s dominant function is extroverted sensing, but an INFP’s chief function is introverted feeling.  

In addition to the primary functions, there are shadow functions. Often people overlook the shadow functions, but they can be very revealing.  

The Shadow Functions Explained 

Shadow functions are the non-dominant parts of an ESFP’s personality. When an ESFP’s shadow functions are fully viewed, they can be perceived as unfriendly. Usually, shadow functions appear when we are tired, annoyed, or in a situation that causes tension. We do not generally want to show these parts of ourselves, but they come out occasionally.

Shadow functions are nothing to be ashamed of, though. Everyone has them, and learning about your shadow functions means you can recognize when they pop up and know what triggers them. This way, you can be more aware of them in the future. Yet sometimes, it feels as if you do not have any control over them.

There are four shadow functions to a Myers-Briggs personality based on Jung’s theory, and they fall into these categories: 

• Opposing function – This is the first of the shadow functions, and it acts as your primary defense mechanism when you are met with a challenge. For ESFPs, this is Si, which compares past and present experiences. This function could have you dwelling on past mistakes and worrying they will repeat themselves.   
• Critical parent function – The critical parent functions as the voice in your head, which for an ESFP means they may sacrifice your values for others. This will ultimately make an ESFP unhappy because they are betraying their values. Self-criticism and criticism of others are highlighted for ESFPs when their Fe is experienced. 
• Deceiving function – This shadow function, sometimes called the trickster function, calls on you to make quick and harsh judgments to protect yourself. For an ESFP, that means they can become stuck when the Ti is experienced. They often use humor or aim to invalidate other people’s experiences when the ESFP feels attacked. 
• Devilish and destructive function – This shadow or transformative function is the weakest of your cognitive functions. It shows up when your ego is threatened. This function can frustrate an ESFP because they miss the signs pointing toward a poor outcome. An ESFP often becomes stuck in a problematic scenario when experiencing Ne.

Now that you have a general overview of the eight cognitive functions, let’s dive deeper into each.

An ESFP’s Primary Functions 

You will most likely recognize the primary functions when interacting with an ESFP. The dominant and auxiliary functions shine through in an ESFP personality.

The ESFP’s primary functions are as follows: 

• Se – Extroverted Sensing. This primary, dominant function relates to how the ESFP learns. They have strong senses that help them understand information. Sensory experiences attract ESFPs. They use their minds to interpret the world, both internally and externally.
• Fi – Introverted Feeling. This auxiliary function relates to how the ESFP processes emotions and interacts with others. They are constantly looking to stay authentic and follow their truth. Here ESFPs will ask themselves important questions about their nature and values. ESFPs are great at making decisions based on their feelings and values.
• Te – Extroverted Thinking. This third function relates to how the ESFP interacts with their world. ESFPs love to be organized and systematic. ESFPs tend to be very goal-oriented and use logical reasoning to get things done.  
• Ni – Introverted Intuition. The weakest of the four ESFP functions, intuition is often tricky for ESFPs to harness due to its being underdeveloped. An introverted intuition may lead ESFPs to mispredict outcomes and take unnecessary risks.

In addition to the primary functions, like every personality, ESFPs also have their four shadow functions. 

The Shadow Functions of An ESFP Personality

While the primary cognitive functions of an ESFP are pretty interesting, there is much to gain from understanding an ESFP’s shadow functions. Diving into the shadow functions provides a more detailed look at a personality’s functions. Also, it is essential to note that shadow functions are sometimes called the unconscious or hidden parts of your personality.

The shadow functions of an ESFP are the opposite of all the primary cognitive functions. So, an ESFP who usually possesses extroverted sensing has the opposing shadow function of introverted sensing. The following chart clearly shows the primary and shadow parts of an ESFP personality in a side-by-side view:

Main Processes	Primary Functions	Shadow Functions
Sensing	Extroverted	Introverted
Feeling	Introverted	Extroverted
Thinking	Extroverted	Introverted
Intuition	Introverted	Extroverted

Shadow functions appear at the worst times, usually when we are stressed and willing to say or do something hurtful. When the shadow functions are expressed, you can expect uncharacteristic actions from an ESFP. For example, an ESFP who is usually social and creative may become withdrawn and insecure when an unexpected challenge arises.

The following is how the shadow functions of an ESFP show up in comparison to their dominant roles:

Type of Function	Description of Primary Function	Description of Shadow Function
Sensing	Live in the moment  Dislike hypotheticals  Love to use their senses  Spontaneous	Too focused on the details  Stubborn
Feeling	Considerate of others  May overthink their belief system  Constantly refining their values  Authentic   Values personal freedom	Shallow  Quick to think harshly of others  Easily annoyed or irritated  May begin projecting their shortcomings onto others
Thinking	Rely on logic to problem solve  Always looking for a way to streamline and be more efficient	Not interested in the details  Easily drained  Can succumb to analysis paralysis   Quick to criticize others
Intuition	A risk-taker   An abstract thinker  Strong ability to look for patterns	Misinterpret people’s actions or intentions  Come off as confused  Scatter-brained and unfocused  Idealistic and impractical

As you can see, shadow functions are called shadow functions for a reason. They do not shine a light on the best parts of you and can have you acting harshly. You are bound to get the mean side of an ESFP while their shadow functions control them.

Next, we discuss the differences between how an ESFP personality functions in their inner and external worlds. 

The Primary Functions’ Impacts On An ESFP’s World

Below we will discuss how each primary function influences an ESFP’s internal or external world. And we will tell you what that means when you interact with an ESFP.

These four functions play core or supporting roles for an ESFP’s internal and external worlds. The following chart summarizes each of these roles:

Type of Function	Role In An ESFP’s Personality
Extroverted Sensing	The core part of the external world
Introverted Feeling	The core part of the internal world
Extroverted Thinking	The supporting role of the external world
Introverted Intuition	The supportive role of the inner world

These functions are integral to how ESFP is perceived and how they perceive themselves. 

As you may have noticed, introverted functions reflect how you act in your internal world or mind. At the same time, extroverted functions exemplify your role in the external world through your interactions with others. Keep reading to see how these four functions influence an ESFP personality’s actions, demeanor, and beliefs out in the world.

How Does An ESFP Function In Their Internal World? 

Because ESFPs have deep emotions and need harmony at the center of their internal world, they tend to be easily overwhelmed by their inner selves. A need for authenticity and healthy boundaries rules their internal world.

The following is a list of characteristics that help an ESFP excel in their internal world: 

• Caring 
• Emotional 
• Empathetic 
• Imaginative 
• Masters of self-care 
• Moralistic 
• Trustworthy 
• Very self-reflective 
• Considerate of many perspectives

The internal world and the external world influence how an ESFP functions with those who are around them. Remember that just as their introverted functions impact their inner world, an ESFP’s extroverted functions affect their external world.

How Does An ESFP Function In The External World? 

An ESFP’s external world is ruled by extroverted sensing and thinking. This means the ESFPs function is lively when interacting with others and focuses on efficiency when completing tasks. Their focus is on decision-making at their own pace.

Additionally, ESFPs can be matter-of-fact and commanding in their communication when needed.

The following is a list of characteristics that help an ESFP excel in their external world: 

• Always looking to improve themselves 
• Capable of making decisions quickly, if needed, but prefer to take time 
• Creative   
• Critical of self 
• Exciting 
• Punctual 
• Impulsive 
• Independent 
• Eager to make tasks fun 
• Strongly intuitive
• Understanding 

One thing that can be a significant weakness for an ESFP is that they may not see the big picture. Often, an ESFP will not know precisely where they are consciously headed when making a particular decision, but they have a solid subconscious sense of the outcome. 

An ESFP’s Functions and Career Success  

ESFPs do well in different careers daily, allowing for social interaction. This is where the dominant ESFP function, Se, and the secondary function, Fi, shine for an ESFP. Individuals with extroverted sensing (Se) and introverted feeling (Fi) look for a career that allows for flexibility and strength in building interpersonal skills.

The following chart highlights the strengths and weaknesses of an ESFP employee based on their functions:

Type of Function	Strengths in the workplace	Weaknesses in the workplace	The best jobs for ESFP personalities
Extroverted Sensing	Love Variety  Quick to notice details  Good under pressure  Engaged   Artistic   Fast problem solvers	Not one for a plan or rigid structure  Can feel restricted by others  Focus too heavily on the details	Artist   Performer  Firefighter  Actor
Introverted Feeling	Use feelings and values to make decisions  Empathetic   Organized  Goal-oriented	They can be too hard on themselves and others when under pressure  Overly critical  May lash out at others	Psychologist  Social worker  Counselor
Extroverted Thinking	Logical  Always looking to be more efficient	Reserved Too concerned with creating disharmony	Athletic coach  Human resources specialist
Introverted Intuition	Looks at the abstract  Tries to identify what will happen in the future  A good pattern spotter	Difficulty with abstract concepts  Can be insensitive to others	Fashion designer  Musician

An ESFP’s functions allow them to thrive in any workplace, but they do exceptionally well in environments that call for a flexible, go-with-the-flow nature.

Recap: ESFPs’ Four Primary & Four Shadow Functions  

In conclusion, an ESFP personality’s functions are extroverted sensing, introverted feeling, extroverted thinking, and introverted intuition. The most dominant of the functions, extroverted sensing (Se), produces the ESFP’s characteristic adventurous and energetic attitude.

On the other hand, the least dominant of the primary functions is introverted intuition (Ni) which impacts an ESFP’s ability to make connections and trust their intuition.

These primary functions and their opposing shadow functions help shape an ESFP. Hopefully, you better understand the role each of the eight parts plays in personality type. ESFPs are exciting risk-takers but can be distant, off-putting, and engage in negative self-talk when their shadows come out.