ENFJ Personality Type

The Myers-Briggs Personality Test or MBTI gives test-takers information regarding their personality type, including weaknesses, strengths, traits, and characteristics that make them unique.

Among the rarest personalities in the ENFJ, so read on as we examine the characteristics, and traits of this type.

What is ENFJ? (and What Does it Stand For?)

Created in the mid-20th century, the MBTI uses Jungian psychology to determine an individual’s way of interacting in and with the world. This inventory defines the various personality styles as extroversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.

Extroverts are outer-focused and are energized by interactions with others, whereas introverts are inward-focused and derive energy from their thoughts, ideas, and solitude. Sensors are realistic and fact-oriented.

In contrast, intuitive types see the ‘big picture’ and love abstract ideas. Thinkers make decisions based on logical methods, whereas feelers base their decisions on emotions and values. Judgers respect rules or deadlines, while perceivers enjoy improvising and spontaneity.

According to the MBTI, 16 personality types comprise a combination of these traits. ENFJ means extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. Commonly known as ‘the protagonist’ or ‘the teacher,’ an ENFJ is a very rare personality type that accounts for just 2-5% of all people.

ENFJs can often fit into different situations and communicate well with others, regardless of their personality type. For Example, an ENFJ can be friends with a highly introverted person or a very outgoing and social person. Compared to the other personality types, the ENFJ is known for being extremely social and versatile.

ENFJ uses their intuition and feeling function to sense the emotion of others, and their judging function to determine how to behave in a particular scenario. Because of their awareness of the feelings of those around them, this type can be manipulative, getting what they want by playing on their emotions.

Furthermore, an ENFJ has a very strong belief system, and they are overachievers. Their extroversion makes them highly interested in the motives of those around them. Below we will examine some of the more common behaviors of the ENFJ.

Key ENFJ Characteristics & Traits

Extremely extroverted, the ENFJ loves social situations. Their dominant trait is extroversion, so they enjoy interacting with people of every type. An ENFJ person is usually extremely in tune with other people’s emotions and feelings, influencing them on how to help others.

If they sense something is wrong with one of their friends, they will do whatever they can to make them feel better.

Furthermore, an ENFJ will use emotional and personal criteria to decide when compared to data or observations. Yet their judging function tempers that trait somewhat. An ENFJ will weigh all sides before making a decision that can affect others, especially those they care about.

Another unique quality of ENFJ is that they are future-oriented, highly organized planners. They might seem introverted when they are in deep concentration on their abstract ideas, thoughts, or impressions about a situation. Occasionally, this personality type might become too focused on a goal or vision instead of taking steps to get there.

In addition, an ENFJ strives to seek out stimulating scenarios, instead of being in calming environments or routines. Lastly, an ENFJ thrives on factual, structured, and analytical planning. Adhering to a daily schedule and to-do list appeals to the judging aspect of their personality and keeps ENFJ in control and productive.

Remember that ENFJs are feelers and intuitives, too, and as such, they might not have confidence in their reasoning capabilities. An ENFJ might have to learn how to develop this function to feel in control of their world, streamline their decision-making, and stay centered.

ENFJ Examples

Emotional intensity, charisma, and attention to detail make ENFJs successful in many endeavors. Here are some celebrities and fictional characters with the ENFJ personality type.

Famous ENFJs

Patience, altruism, and a commitment to the greater good are common traits of the ENFJ type. As you can see from this list, ENFJs often become politicians, social justice crusaders, or media personalities:

ENFJ Celebrities

This varied selection of performers may seem totally different. But upon consideration, you’ll realize that their intuition, feeling, and judging functions make these celebrities capable of producing great emotion on stage or screen, while their extroversion makes them well-liked by many. See if you can find your favorite actor or singer on this list:

ENFJ Fictional Characters

In-the-know authors often use the MBTI to create their characters. Here are some of the most well-known fictional ENFJs:

  • Love Quinn
  • Morpheus
  • Dr. Jean F. Milburn
  • Mike Wheeler
  • Moana
  • Lily Potter
  • Wonder Woman
  • Peeta Mellark
  • Mufasa
  • Neil Perry
  • Queenie Goldstein
  • Mary Poppins
  • Elle Woods
  • Diana Prince
  • Derek Shepherd
  • Amy March
  • Emma Woodhouse

ENFJ Strengths & Weaknesses

Like every type in the MBTI, ENFJ has a variety of strengths and weaknesses. Here we explore some of the most common:

Strengths

  • Affectionate: ENFJs have great people skills and make others feel welcome due to their supportive, caring, and loving nature.
  • Encouraging: ENFJs will motivate others to reach an end goal. They genuinely get pleasure from helping those in tough situations. ENFJs are solution-oriented problem-solvers.
  • Extroverted: ENFJs are very extroverted and enjoy spending time socializing and networking. Because they gain energy from others, they dislike being alone. They will get depressed if they become isolated.
  • Unselfish: ENFJs are altruistic and want to help others. Sometimes they get too involved in caring for their friends. In doing so, ENFJ people can sometimes be self-sacrificing.

Weaknesses

  • Indecisive: ENFJ has difficulty with decision-making. They want to make everyone happy. Moreover, their heightened feelings and intuitions make them prone to overanalysis. They often are uncertain if they should use facts (judging) or how they feel (intuition) to make a decision
  • Overprotective: Since ENFJ people love so deeply and want to help others reach their goals, they can become overprotective of people they care about. An overactive judging function is a cause. Judgers desire to protect those they love, and they crave order and stability. ENFJ needs to realize that they can’t control others, even when their actions are well-meaning.
  • Manipulative: ENFJ individuals can sense another person’s emotions, so they are more likely to use these emotions to get what they want. Although ENFJs typically seek to help others, they can also use this insight to get a person to act the way the ENFJ would prefer.
  • Approval Seeking: ENFJs are extremely social and they desperately need to be liked. They want to be surrounded by their friends most of the time. That can sometimes lead to miscommunication with more introverted individuals.
  • Self-blaming: ENFJs are very hard on themselves. They demand perfection and want to prevent things from going wrong. If something does not go as planned, they can be too hard on themselves, which can lead to negative self-talk.

ENFJ Compatibility – Who are ENFJ Compatible With?

Emotional sensitivity, refined intuition, and organizational skills make ENFJs perfect for mutual friendships and relationships. Here we will explore which type is the ideal match for ENFJ.

ENFJ Relationships

ENFJs typically form close bonds with other people who are very nurturing, caring, loving, warm, and affectionate. This type of person will enjoy being with someone who is supportive and wishes the best for them in a friendship or relationship.

However, this co-dependence can sometimes cause ENFJs to become too consumed with what others are thinking, and they might become too involved in their friend’s happiness.

An ENFJ is altruistic and enjoys doing things for others. Yet this caring nature can sometimes come across as being too intrusive or ‘stuffy’ when it comes to friendships or parenting.

Overall, an ENFJ is very outgoing and enjoys socializing with others. They are generally socially skilled and supportive of their friends. ENFJs are adept at empathizing, and they bring out the best personality traits in others.

ENFJ Partner

ENFJ people enjoy dating but are interested in finding a long-term and mutually-beneficial relationship above all. When an ENFJ is searching for a partner, they will enjoy the dating scene but they prefer to avoid casual flings.

An ENFJ is very empathetic, so they will use their intuition and empathy to care for their partner. The ideal partner for an ENFJ would be an INFP or ISFP. An ENFJ person will seek a romantic partner that encourages a deep relationship, personal freedom, emotional expression, affection, and appreciation. An INFP or ISFP will return the right level of intimacy and verbal expression of emotion that an ENFJ is after.

Moreover, INFPs devote quality time to their relationship with an ENFJ personality type to create a deep emotional bond. They share empathy and value emotions, which ensures they are on the same page. While ISFP seamlessly integrates with an ENFJ due to their empathy, adoration for one another, and mutual kindness.

ENFJ Love Language

An ENFJ likes to show affection towards their friends and partners. An ENFJ favors showing their love language through statements, quality time, affection, and acts of service. Plus, an ENFJ enjoys support in return for their caring nature and efforts. This personality is not very good at asking for help, so being in tune with an ENTJ is crucial to pick up on any cues they might be struggling with.

Furthermore, ENFJ is extremely sensitive to their partner’s emotions and will do whatever they can to ensure they are happy. Sometimes they put their partner’s needs above their own. Because of this, an ENFJ’s significant other needs to let them know how much they appreciate their efforts and be willing to give in return.

Lastly, an ENFJ is very romantic, and they enjoy loving interactions and intimacy. ENFJ is passionate and affectionate toward their partner.

Best Jobs & Careers for ENFJ

Since ENFJ is very organized and scheduled, they frequently pursue work in leadership or management. Furthermore, since this personality type thrives on being around others and in social situations, they do well in a friendly and busy workplace.

ENFJ Career List

Careers where ENFJ can help others, solve conflicts, create a peaceful working environment, organize schedules or activities, and resolve disagreements in the workplace appeal to them. Here are some jobs made for ENFJ:

  • Management
  • Social work
  • Teaching
  • Sales
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Consulting

Careers for ENFJ Females

Many female ENFJs excel in nurturing or service-oriented professions thanks to the feeling and intuitive function. Below is a list of some of the best careers for female ENFJs:

  • Teacher
  • Sales or HR Manager
  • Accountant
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Insurance Salesperson
  • Flight Attendant
  • Social Worker
  • Human Rights Lawyer

Careers for ENFJ Males

Male ENFJs are often sensitive and organized. As such, they thrive in careers with lots of social interaction blended with technical work. These are some of the perfect jobs for male ENFJs:

  • Fundraiser
  • Head coach
  • Personal trainer
  • Event manager
  • Personal assistant
  • Social worker
  • Event manager
  • Electrician
  • Mechanic
  • Factory Supervisor
  • Medical Records Technician
  • Auditor

ENFJ Careers to Avoid

There are some careers ENFJs should avoid based on their personality type, characteristics, and traits:

  • Chemist: Professions that limit contact with others is not good for an ENFJ. As such, a job as a chemist, scientist, researcher, programmer, or technician is not a good option for ENFJs.
  • Laborer, Warehouse Worker, Bank Teller: Monotonous and routine work can be extremely boring to an ENFJ, and can make them deeply unhappy and unsatisfied.
  • Security Guard: any job that requires an ENFJ to lay down the law and sternly interact with others is not a good match.
  • Office Work: Depending on the office job, an ENFJ might find that the office culture can lead to toxicity and drama, which they do not enjoy.

Summary

An ENFJ is a very rare personality type who is affectionate, social, outgoing, and adaptable. Their empathic tendencies make them the ideal and loving partner who seeks a partner who can give that type of love in return.

Understanding an ENFJ and their compatibility with others can help you figure out the perfect partner, learn to form meaningful relationships, and find common characteristics. This rare personality type makes a great friend and a devoted spouse. If you are an ENFJ, you’re intuitive and rule-oriented, and you should celebrate your uniqueness.

Discover Your Personality Type Today →