The only reason why I see ESFP over ESTP is that ESTPs are more arbritrary when it comes to many so called rules of the world. I mean, especially social ones.
ESFP's are just as prone to throw social norms out the window if they get in the way of how they wish to enjoy the moment they are living.
One of my best of friends for the past 17 years is an ESFP.
He and I both trained at the same gym when I was in college, we hung out with our girlfriends at least once a year for many years - even after I left town, and he and I take an annual goof-off week still. In other words he and I know each other very well, and have seen each other survive a number of (hilarious and sometimes insane) situations.
All that being said, here's where there's a big difference between ESFPs and ESTP's, according to my life experiences:
.................ESFP...................../..................ESTP.....................
Dominant: Extraverted Sensing (Se) / Dominant: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling (Fi) / Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Tertiary: Extraverted Thinking (Te) / Tertiary: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Inferior: Introverted Intuition (Ni) / Inferior: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
ESFP's have the "Fi/Te one-two combination punch!" (as quoted by TypC's very own Aleksei).
If they get a vibe that something in their environment isn't to their liking, they'll either act out towards it, or simply say
"Fuck this place, it sucks, I'm out of here."
ESTP's are actually alot more laid back and patient, and more often than not able to seek out the right person in whatever place they are in to help them achieve what they are setting out to do.
So, when it comes to "rules of the world" getting in the way of our "handling reality" and "accomplishing our objectives" my experience is that ESTP's are a bit more smooth at handling situations that might not be to their liking, but that they must successfully navigate to accomplish their goals.
And like ENTPs, they often try to rationalize anything if you let them.
Oh come on now, who doesn't try to rationalize with others if something trivial is standing in the way of a person trying to accomplish something?
I don't think that's an MBTI-ism at all, I think it's simply a matter of human motivation.
This kind of thing always bites people back in the ass. Some need a dose of reality on what really works.
There are alot of things that bite people in the ass.
It's not just WHAT YOU DO, it's just as important to consider HOW YOU DO IT.
The most important thing anyone can do when they are trying to accomplish their objectives, especially in an environment that is foreign to them, and that they have no real "authority" in, is to be polite and respectful to to the people you encounter:
Talk to the PERSON, and not their POSITION.
Why should anyone help a perfect stranger?
Especially if that person has no authority to mandate as such?
Especially if there is no rerward or compensation for them making any effort?
Here's the answer: The only reason a person will do so is
IF THEY WANT TO.
You know what? If you are polite and respectful to people, and in some cases a little generous, you'd be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a very short amount of time. I've saved myself a week's worth of work many times over by simply making the effort to talk with people for the sake of being cordial, and offering up simple things along the way like a CD of new music, a small box of Godvia chocolate, a few flowers, or a nice cash tip.
Small acts of kindness can generate alot of goodwill. Do not ever forget this.
-Alex
