The ESTP, also known as eSF in Cognitive Personality Theory (CPT), is a dynamic and socially engaging type characterised by their dominant Extraverted Sensing (Se), agency Extraverted Feeling (Fe), authority Introverted Thinking (Ti), and oppositional Introverted Intuition (Ni). This combination makes for a person who is constantly exploring social potential within their environment, driven by a need to ensure long-term novelty and interest from a structured, probabilistic foundation.

Dominant Position: Extraverted Sensing (Se)

As the dominant function, Extraverted Sensing (Se) provides the ESTP with a keen focus on the present moment and an insatiable desire for new sensory experiences. This function is immersive and expansive, allowing the ESTP to interact deeply with their surroundings. They thrive on intensity and novelty, constantly seeking to maximize their engagement with the world.

How it Feels: For the ESTP, Se dominance means maximising the novelty factor of human experience. They are keenly aware of the social context, possessing a lively curiosity to see what may be and could be. Whether it's engaging in conversations, participating in performances, or seeking out thrilling activities, they are always on the lookout for the next exciting moment.

Agency Position: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

In the agency position, Extraverted Feeling (Fe) provides the ESTP with the ability to navigate social dynamics and create harmonious interactions. Fe is fast-switching and can quickly adapt to the emotional atmosphere, enhancing the ESTP's capacity to engage others and create enjoyable social experiences.

How it Feels: With Fe as their agency function, ESTPs can effortlessly read and respond to the emotions of those around them. They invest their ego in their social skills, seeking to entertain and engage others. This can sometimes make them impulsive and daring, as they explore social boundaries and seek to maximize enjoyment for themselves and others. Oftentimes, the Fe agency in this type can acquire a great sense of precision, excelling at finding the perfect response to any given social stimuli.

Authority Position: Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Introverted Thinking (Ti) in the authority position acts as a guiding framework for the ESTP, ensuring logical consistency and integrity. Ti provides a regulatory influence, helping the ESTP make sense of their experiences and interactions through a structured internal logic. This provides a consistent logical foundation for their social skillset.

How it Feels: Ti in this position can feel like an inner critic, constantly evaluating the logical coherence of their actions and decisions, as well as that of others. This function helps the ESTP stay grounded and consistent in their approach, ensuring that their spontaneous actions are aligned with a logical framework, while also keeping others in check. 

Oppositional Position: Introverted Intuition (Ni)

In the oppositional position, Introverted Intuition (Ni) serves as a delicate yet essential function. Ni provides the ESTP with a sense of future vision and societal alignment, often causing the type to invest in their future early on. It is highly sensitive and can be easily overwhelmed and even misled, but it offers valuable insights into the long-term implications of their actions.

How it Feels: Ni in the oppositional position often feels like a subtle, intuitive guide that helps steer the ESTP towards their long-term goals. While it can be a source of stress due to its sensitivity, it also works with Ti to build an internal matrix of reality that help them navigate their path with a deeper sense of purpose and direction.

Cognitive Dynamics and Dip Functions

The ESTP’s cognitive dynamics are characterized by their ability to engage in real-time to map out their conceptual understanding of reality through Fe-Ti experience. This type is particularly skilled at handling various situations with versatility and adaptability.

Dips:

SeFe - NeTe: Engagement of exploration and multi-tasking to spur results in the moment and wing it. This dip allows the ESTP to use their spontaneous and adaptive nature to explore new ideas and opportunities.

SeFe - SiFi: Cultivation of personal boundaries to aid social precision and charm. This dip helps them refine their social interactions and enhance their charm.

NiTi - SiFi: Cultivation of deep attachments to anchor abstract conceptual matrices. This dip helps the ESTP develop a deeper understanding and connection to their long-term goals and values.

Conclusion

The ESTP (eSF) is one of the most natural improvisers, capable of turning chaos into opportunity. Their dominant Extraverted Sensing (Se) drives them to explore and experience life fully, while their agency Extraverted Feeling (Fe) helps them navigate social dynamics with ease. The authority Introverted Thinking (Ti) ensures they stay logically consistent, and the oppositional Introverted Intuition (Ni) provides a subtle but essential sense of future direction. Together, these functions create a dynamic and engaging personality that thrives on new experiences and meaningful interactions with the world.

Illustrations by Rivka B.