ENFJ: The Giver (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging)

ENFJ is often perceived as the most powerful "person" among all the personality types. They have the ability to influence people, even manipulating them due to their ability both to feel others and influence their behavior.

Such people are able to establish friendly relations of all the personality types, even with close or restrained people. All this is balanced by their strong value system and the desire to help others to become the best they can be.

How common is the ENFJ personality type?

The ENFJ personality type is inherent for up to 5 percent of all the population, according to psychologist David Keirsey.

ENFJ - Key Characteristics

People with this type of personality are not only able to inspire others, but also receive personal satisfaction from helping others. ENFJs are strong extroverts. You will enjoy spending time with these people. They have excellent communication skills, being often called supportive, warm and affectionate.

ENFJ can be outstanding leaders, generating enthusiasm in a group that can be both motivating and inspiring. They are also good for reaching consensus among different people.

ENFJ also have a tendency to be too hard on yourself, blaming for something that goes wrong, and not giving credit when things are going well. They are often so interested in devoting their time to others, even neglecting their own needs. In this regard, it is important people with this type of personality regularly allocate time to meet their own needs.

ENFJ are consonant with other people's feelings, often to the point, they ignore their own needs in order to please others. They express this cognitive function through both active social behavior and harmonious social relations.

One of the common myths about ENFJ is that they are always sociable. Despite loving people, they need time both to internalize and organize their thoughts.

How a decision affects others is often a major concern. When making decisions, ENFJ emphasizes both personal and substantive considerations, rather than objective criteria.

ENFJ - Strengths

  • Well-organized
  • Easy-going
  • Warm-hearted
  • Sensitive
  • Wide social circle
  • Encouraging

ENFJ - Weaknesses

  • Approval-seeking
  • Very sensitive
  • Inconclusive
  • Too helpful

Who are some famous ENFJs?

Barack Obama
Dakota Fanning
Jennifer Lawrence
Oprah Winfrey

Personal Relationships

ENFJs are both altruistic and interested in helping others, which sometimes may seem too powerful. They appreciate other people, being supportive, warm and caring in personal relationships. They can be very passionate about other people's problems from time to time. Despite this, they are usually very loved, and people appreciate their sincere care and concern.

As parents, ENFJs are both caring and warm, although they are sometimes accused of being the so-called “helicopter parents”. They are directly involved in the lives of their children, although sometimes they can be quite strict and even harsh. ENFJ should be aware of giving their children space both to explore and express their individuality, especially with teens.

ENFJs are sociable, enjoying spending time with other people. Being in social conditions helps them feel under stress. They are excellent at dealing with others and are known to help bring out the best in people they spend time with. People usually call ENFJ both supportive and fun in friendships and other relationships.

Career Paths

ENFJ can be both great leaders and managers. Such people often do their best in a career where they help other people, spending a lot of time communicating with others. They strive to create harmony in all the situations, and they always seem to know what needs to be done to ease tensions and minimize disagreements.

They organize events well, help each member of the group to reach their potential and resolve interpersonal conflicts due to their strong communication and organizational skills.

Friendships with ENFJs

People with this type of personality enjoy assisting their friends, and it is important to show you both accept and appreciate what they have to offer. One of the best ways to become a good friend for ENFJ is to accept both care and support they offer. However, it is also important for you to offer your support in return. In many cases, it can be very useful just to listen to what they need to share because ENFJs are not always good at asking for help when they need it.

Upbringing

Sometimes the practical approach of ENFJ parents to parenting can both stifle and prevent children from exploring the world on their own terms. ENFJ children may find it difficult to comply with their parents' high exemptions. Parents of ENFJ children must recognize their children are extremely sensitive, sometimes to the extent they may feel overwhelmed by the strong emotions other people elicit.

Parents should encourage their children to take care of others while caring for their own emotional well-being at the same time. These children both give and care, but it may be difficult for them to burden others with their own struggles.

Relations

Your happiness is crucial to the happiness of your partner because ENFJs are so sensitive to other people's feelings. Remember your partner can even put your own needs as a last resort to ensure your needs are met. Tell your ENFJ partner how much you appreciate all the support and care offering, and are willing to provide the same support in return — even if he or she struggles to ask for help.

What are some good careers for an ENFJ?

  • Career Counselor
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Reporter
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Producer or Director
  • Interior Designer