The Provider (ESFJ) & The Architect (INTP): Which is More Common?

by Jeff Pearson

Here, we examine two personality types: The Provider (ESFJ) and the Architect (INTP). They are exact opposites. Here’s the fun part: Guess which is more common?

Welcome back to the series, When the Golden Rule Backfires. Most of the articles have focused on why we should treat others as they want to (or should) be treated rather than how we want to be treated. That’s because we’re all different. Sort of. Myers-Briggs theory places us all in one of sixteen personality categories, which represent a combination of four traits.

The Myers-Briggs naming convention is as follows: E for extrovert. I for introvert. S for sensor. N for intuitive. T for thinker. F for feeler. J for judger. P for perceiver. There’s not enough space here for me to rehash these concepts, but you can read about them in the first four articles of this series at my official site www.acrossthemarsh.com under the tab Coach’s Column. Or use Google. Resources abound.

ESFJs (sometimes referred to as the Provider) value feelings and they want others to see their feelings as legitimate. They seek harmony and affirmation of their beliefs. They’re organized and like to be in control. They like traditions and trust things that are proven to work. Warm and friendly, they make friends easily and remember names. They read instructions. When following a recipe, they follow it exactly.

INTPs (sometimes referred to as the Architect) make decisions based on what is objectively fair, weighing the pros and cons when analyzing what’s the best approach. They seek the truth, even if it means hurting someone else’s feelings. INTPs tend to think about the big picture, not details they view as unnecessary. They like to keep their options open. And they’re excellent at adapting. INTPs often forget people’s names. Recipes and instructions are really just suggestions.

Knowing all this, has your guess changed on which personality type is more common?

Answer: ESFJs make up about 12% of the population, while INTPs only make up about 3%. This means there are 4 times more ESFJs than INTPs.

We could examine the other 14 types, but one pair of opposites is enough for this article. If you enjoyed this or want to learn more, stay tuned for the next article or send me feedback at crossthemarsh@gmail.com. The data in this article comes from Ball State University’s online resources at www.bsu.edu. CURIOSITY + EMPATHY = GROWTH