People with ENFJ personality type are often described as warm, outgoing, loyal, and sensitive.
Of all the personality types, the ENFJ is often perceived as being the strongest “people person.” They can forge friendships with all personality types, even with more introverted or reticent individuals.
Because of their ability to sense what others feel and affect how people behave, they do have the ability to influence and even manipulate others. This is balanced by their strong value system and desire to help others be the best they can be.
The ENFJ personality is one of the rarest types.
ENFJ Strengths
- Peacekeeping. ENFJs not only work to promote harmony and morale while deflecting potential conflicts, they are also deft in persuading and motivating others to get moving in the same direction
- Communication. One of the many keys to an ENFJ’s success is the ability to communicate proficiently across diverse media. They have a talent for making words out of ideas whether it is in the classroom or in a love letter.
- Persuasiveness. ENFJs are known for their powers of persuasion and are generally effective in getting people to do what they want them to do. But ENFJs are charitable; the motive is not often manipulation or personal gain,
- Leadership. ENFJs have a solid social circle and are likely to be the ones planning events and finding opportunities to get people together. Their leadership skills ensure that others quickly jump on board and are excited about it.
ENFJ Weaknesses
- Leap before looking. Passionate and headstrong, ENFJs tend to dive in head first without fully examining or investigating the endeavor in front of them.
- Over commitment.- They want to say “yes” as much as they can and they want to do it all. As a result, they may later have to pull out of commitments they might have examined more carefully before jumping in, and often end up starting and stopping many things without finishing.
- Struggle to make tough decisions. When making decisions, ENFJs can struggle with information that seems to lack a human element. Hard logic, impersonal reasoning and data-based conclusions can be difficult and even undesirable.
- Too selfless. Because ENFJs prioritize people and the needs of others, they may not be properly in touch with their own needs and can struggle.
ENFJ Growth and Development
In order to reach their full potential, ENFJs should:
- Focus on the details.
- Stick to it. ENFJs love starting projects and new endeavors, but sometimes bite off more than they can chew.
- Get comfortable with conflict. ENFJs do crave amicable rather than adversarial relationships, but growth often happens in the space of tension.
- Live in the now. ENFJs are, by nature, future-oriented and while this helps them to visualize potential, it can keep them from dealing with life in the here and now
- Mind their bottom line. The ENFJ will have to work to keep interpersonal relations and productivity in balance.
The ENFJ at Work
The ideal work environment for an ENFJ is forward-thinking and people-centered, with a clear humanitarian mission and an emphasis on constructive action. The ideal job for an ENFJ allows them to develop and implement ideas that improve the circumstances and well-being of other people.
ENFJs in Love
In relationships, the ENFJ is helpful and enthusiastically supportive. They are motivated to understand their partners and to do what pleases them, and are sensitive the the emotions and reactions of their mates. ENFJs make great cheerleaders, and will encourage their partners to develop and explore their potential. They are engaged and ready to help, and look for opportunities to support their mates in their accomplishments. The ideal mate for an ENFJ appreciates their compassion, support, and dedication to helping others, and makes an effort to understand the ENFJ’s feelings and values.
ENFJs as Parents
As parents, ENFJs take an active and enthusiastic role in guiding the development of their children. They enjoy teaching their children the ways of the world, and set forth clear ideas of right and wrong in a warm and supportive way. ENFJs have high expectations for their children, and often envision bright futures for them. They have an interest in their children’s potential and want to inspire them to develop it. They may take their children’s misbehavior personally, feeling that they have failed to instill their own strong values.
ENFJ Communication Style
ENFJs are warm, compassionate communicators who show enthusiasm for other people and their ideas. ENFJs readily give affirmation and support, making sure that people know that their ideas are valued. They are good at connecting with a variety of people and creative in coming up with solutions that accommodate others’ needs. They are often natural teachers and mentors, showing others the way and helping them to improve themselves.
