How to Manage Employees with Extroverted Personality Types

We’ve all heard quiet people say they’re introverted and outgoing people say they’re extroverted. But life experience tells us there are more than two types of people in this world.

If you’re familiar with the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test, you’re likely aware of the 16 distinct personalities equally divided between the introversion and extroversion categories.

Understanding the traits of each personality type presents a huge opportunity for employers. You can learn what makes every one of your employees tick and put them in positions that maximize their potential. In this article, we’ll outline the eight extrovert personality types and provide a few tips for managing the people who fall into each category.

ESTP (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perception)

This first kind of extrovert takes action. They like to tackle challenges head-on and work toward a solution rather than sitting down to plan an approach. They’re the employees who can’t wait to get to it when they arrive at work.

Of course, the urge to get their hands dirty means ESTPs don’t always think before they act. They often ignore rules and procedures and focus too much on immediate challenges rather than long-term objectives.

Best jobs for ESTPs

High-energy positions that require them to think on their feet and make quick decisions.

Tips for managing ESTPs

• Be appreciative of their go-getter approach but check-in with them often to make sure they’re doing work that aligns with long-term plans.
• Train them on the proper processes so they understand the importance of working smart.

ESFP (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception)

ESFPs wake up in the morning ready to seize the day. They’re positive, full of energy, and known for having the gift of gab. These are the employees who are always chipper and ready for the work week on Monday morning.

However, these type of people take life day-by-day and often lack a long-term perspective. They can change their plans in an instant and often have trouble picking up where they left off during the previous workday.

Best jobs for ESFPs

People-facing positions that offer new challenges each day.

Tips for managing ESFPs

• Train them to create a to-do list or assign them work via a project management solution so they stay on task.
• Like ESTPs, they can benefit from frequent check-ins. Not only to ensure they’re focused but also to discuss their career outlook.

ENFP (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perception)

These individuals are full of ideas and can’t wait to share what’s on their mind. They enjoy listening to others and offering advice because they genuinely want everyone to be happy and successful.

On the flipside, ENFPs would rather offer guidance than receive it from others. They believe in themselves and can feel like they know better than others, including their boss. Furthermore, an ENFP is more of an “ideas person” rather than someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Best jobs for ENFPs

Roles where they can help and support others.

Tips for managing ENFPs

• Challenge them to expand their ideas into a logical plan of actionable steps they can accomplish.
• Talk to them about being receptive to feedback from others, especially when it comes from a direct manager or senior employee.

ENTP (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perception)

This breed of extrovert thrives at strategic planning. They take charge in brainstorming sessions, leading discussions in a way that brings great ideas out of everyone in the room. They ask thought-provoking questions and keep the conversation focused on the challenge at hand.

ENTPs can also be outspoken and overly critical when they hear a bad idea or thought they don’t agree with. They almost never back down from their opinion and can end up clashing with other big egos.

Best jobs for ENTPs

Positions that allow them to lead big-picture planning.

Tips for managing ENTPs

• Focus their professional development on emotional intelligence so they learn how to reject ideas without being abrasive.  
• Create a culture of professionalism and respect so everyone understands it’s not appropriate to talk down to a colleague.

ESTJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judgment)

While other extroverts overlook details, ESTJs are known for their meticulous organization. They’re highly-effective leaders because they ensure everyone stays focused and follows through until the job is done.

Unfortunately, they can be too uptight. They stay at their desk until the job is done and get anxious when things don’t go as planned. They can also get irritated by people who aren’t sticklers for details like they are.

Best jobs for ESTJs

Positions the lead large teams with a lot of moving parts.

Tips for managing ESTJs

• Talk to them about work-life balance. You can even force them to take time off or leave at a reasonable time if it comes to that.
• Make sure they provide feedback to direct reports in a healthy manner. ESTJs are ideal leaders when they’re not too critical.

ESFJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment)

ESFJs take pride in their work and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. They honor their commitments to a tee and will even go out of their way to help others if it means the whole team wins.

However, their drive to succeed often stems from a desire to please others. They crave compliments and can take criticism too personally, especially since they almost always have the best intentions.

Best jobs for ESFJs

Jobs where they contribute to the efforts of various employees and teams.

Tips for managing ESFJs

• Give them balanced feedback and make sure they understand it’s not healthy to dwell on the negative parts.
• Help them develop personal goals they can strive to achieve for their own benefit.

ENFJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judgement)

These extroverts make excellent leaders. Their charming personality combined with their strong work ethic often results in a fast climb up the career ladder. ENFJs are the managers who are loved by their team because they give praise and are always willing to listen.

The major flaw of ENFJs is they can be too loyal. While it’s a nice trait in their personal lives, at work it can result in them defending or ignoring a team member’s poor performance. They often frustrate their bosses who want them to be tougher on direct reports.

Best jobs for ENFJs

Positions where they manage experienced professionals who don’t require strict supervision.

Tips for managing ENFJs

• Focus their professional development on management training that helps them fill the gap in their leadership skills.
• Consider making them a co-manager with an employee who is more of a strict leader.

ENTJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgement)

People with this personality are also natural-born leaders but they don’t tolerate direct reports who don’t carry their weight. Like ENFJs, they have a charismatic demeanor that captures the attention of the people around them. But they bring order to their team and ensure everyone stays on task, at all times.

Naturally, ENTJs can be overbearing. The people who work under them often feel like they’re on a tight leash and don’t have their boss’s trust. 

Best jobs for ENTJs

Senior-leadership roles that oversee other managers and have a great deal of responsibility.

Tips for managing ENTJs

• Train them to effectively give feedback and learn when to trust the decisions of their direct reports.
• Consider collecting feedback from their team members to learn if anyone is feeling worn down by their management style.

Get the most out of your extroverted employees

Extroverts are overall outgoing and friendly but there are slight differences between each personality type. Do your best to figure out what category your employees fall into so you can put each person in a position to do what they do best.

And, of course, you have introverted employees too. Check out our blog post on Managing Employees with Introverted Personality Types.

Photo by Richard Clyborne of Music Strive