ENFJ is a personality type identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which outlines 16 different personality types. There are specific characteristics to each personality type, but each type has four main cognitive functions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts.
This article examines ENFJ functions and how they compare to other personality types. Read on to learn more about the ENFJ Myers-Briggs personality type, including its functions and what careers and hobbies best suit each.
Primary Functions of the ENFJ Personality Type
The four functions of ENFJ are Extraverted Feeling, Introverted Intuition, Extraverted Feeling, and Introverted Thinking. People with the ENFJ personality type are nicknamed the “protagonist” personality type. They are described as givers or teachers and are known for being warm, affectionate, supportive, loyal, and driven.
Each function in the ENFJ personality type serves a purpose. To better understand these, it helps to break each one down and look at the specific roles and characteristics of each. To understand each personality type better, the functions are then broken down further into their dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior roles.
| Function | Role |
| Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Dominant, Leading |
| Introverted Intuition (Ni) | Auxiliary, Supporting |
| Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Tertiary, Relief |
| Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Inferior, Aspirational |
Extraverted Feeling (Fe) Characteristics
Extraverted Feeling is the primary function, focused on helping or benefiting others. It determines how ENFJs interact with the world and make decisions based on instincts that are heavily influenced by others and the impact their decisions will have on them.
It is also characterized by the ability of ENFJs to be very in tune with the feelings and needs of others.
Introverted Intuition (Ni) Characteristics
Introverted Intuition is an internal background function that processes information and becomes a thought or idea. It has to do with the preference of ENFJ to think about the future and bigger goals instead of the present.
This function is more instinctual and is used to nurture and protect others.
Extraverted Sensing (Se) Characteristics
The Extraverted Sensing function is responsible for taking in the present moment and gathering details and other sensory information from one’s surroundings and environment.
It causes ENFJs to seek exciting experiences and be aware of their current environment. It can sometimes make ENFJs feel impulsive or distracted and is also known as a vulnerable area.
Introverted Thinking (Ti) Characteristics
The Introverted Thinking function is responsible for the enjoyment of structure and control and the struggle to narrow a lot of information into an impersonal and critical perspective.
ENFJs feel a sense of control in having structure and a regular schedule, but because of its inferior status, this function is one that ENFJs may not have high confidence in and may require more work to develop.
Shadow Functions of the ENFJ Personality Type
The four functions described above are the primary processes used in the ENFJ personality type, but other functions, known as “shadow functions,” can be prevalent in ENFJs. These are not primary functions but can influence the thoughts and actions of ENFJs.
Shadow ENFJ functions include:
- Introverted Feeling
- Extraverted Intuition
- Introverted Sensing
- Extraverted Thinking
Introverted Feeling (Fi)
This opposing personality is the opposite of the dominant ENFJ function. It is more focused on the individual, more subjective, and prioritizes personal values and goals rather than those of others, which ENFJs usually struggle with, even at the cost of their own needs and feelings.
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
This “strict parent” function is described as being self-critical, limiting, or becoming that way towards others.
It contradicts the planning and organization side of the auxiliary function Ni and can cause feelings of irritation or being overwhelmed.
Introverted Sensing (Si)
This is described as the trickster function. It opens up different options and can create disorganization or disorder in an attempt to protect the ego.
It can also cause a feeling of extreme responsibility or constriction.
Extraverted Thinking (Te)
This function carries terrible emotions, and it is given the name “the demon.”
It is focused on objective facts to achieve goals. It is responsible for creating logical order and is not always a preferential function but is also necessary to meet other goals.
Characteristics of the ENFJ Personality Type
People with the ENFJ personality type only comprise about three percent of the population, making it one of the rarest of the 16 personality types. They are similar to the INFJ personality type, which is also one of the rarest types, though the two are pretty different.
Known for being very outgoing, talkative, persuasive, warm, energetic, and charismatic, ENFJs are great at encouraging, helping, and supporting others. They are better than most at reading other people’s emotions and feelings. ENFJs are also driven by a sense of empathy for others.
ENFJ Careers
The traits of the ENFJ personality type can be utilized in many areas of life, including some specific careers. Because ENFJs tend to work in cooperative environments where they can help and support others, they often choose leadership or mentor roles that allow them to help others improve.
Ideal Careers for ENFJs
The superior problem-solving ability and strong Intuition of ENFJs can also be used in specific careers. ENFJs are vital assets as team members or leaders due to their ability to manage conflict and encourage cooperation. They also thrive at promoting positive growth through teamwork.
Some of the many careers well-suited to ENFJs include:
| Health educator | Marriage or family therapist | School or career counselor |
| Social worker | Editor, reporter, or author | Interpreter or translator |
| PR specialist | Teacher or principal | Childcare center worker |
| HR manager | Real estate broker | Training and development |
| Actor, producer, or director | Designer | Cosmetologist |
| Fitness trainer | Anthropologist/archeologist | Psychologist/sociologist |
| Historian | The lawyer or legal mediator | Chiropractor |
| Dental hygienist | Dietitian or nutritionist | Nurse practitioner |
| Physical therapist | Health services manager | Customer service rep |
Careers for ENFJs to Avoid
Regardless of your personality type, given the right amount of effort, skill, and motivation, it is possible to do well in almost any career. That being said, just like some careers are more well-suited to certain personality types, some jobs may be more difficult or less enjoyable for certain personality types.
Some careers that ENFJs may want to avoid:
- An electrician or electrical engineer
- Carpenter or mechanic
- Factory supervisor
- Power plant operator
- Systems analyst
- Medical records technician
- Auditor
- Pathologist
- Computer programmer
- Engineering technician
- Chemical engineer
ENFJ Hobbies
The outgoing, energetic, and social tendencies of the ENFJ personality type also mean that they like to keep themselves busy, and many prefer exciting or recreational activities in their free time. Several activities and hobbies are particularly fitting for ENFJs:
- Sports and exercise
- Mentally engaging pastimes
- Giving back to others and the community
From sports, exercise, and other physical activities to mentally engaging pastimes, there are various pastimes that ENFJs will enjoy spending their free time on. Below is a list of five of them.
Swimming or Hiking
Both activities are highly physical, making them perfect hobbies or recreational choices for ENFJs. They can be done alone or with others, which satisfies the desire of ENFJs to interact and socialize with other people and their enjoyment while working with and helping others.
Additionally, both are outdoor activities (though swimming can also be done indoors), which is another aspect the ENFJ personality type seeks when choosing a hobby.
Reading or Writing
Though reading and writing are usually solitary tasks, they can also be relaxing while also engaging the brain, which is a plus for ENFJs.
- Reading lowers stress
- Reading helps to improve concentration
- Reading allows you to use your imagination
- Reading will enable you to improve your writing skills
Writing, on the other hand, is an excellent method of self-expression. It allows creativity and has endless possibilities, from journaling to blogging to writing a novel. Both also provide opportunities to connect with others through a book club or blogging online.
Music
Whether it is listening to songs or playing an instrument, the music itself is something ENFJs may enjoy much. Most people enjoy music, which many people are passionate about.
Learning an instrument or sharing new music you like with friends are some ways to incorporate music into your life.
Volunteering or Event Organizing
Giving back to others, working to improve the world, and helping others grow and succeed are all critical characteristics of the ENFJ personality type. This makes things like volunteering at or organizing social or local events excellent activities for ENFJs.
Many communities need local volunteers, so if you are unsure where to start, research your community’s organizations, clubs, and events to find out where you can help. It is a way to give back and allows you to meet and interact with people, which benefits everyone. Look into the following local organizations:
- Commercial Club
- Rotary Club
- Lions Club
- Schools
- Churches
- Food shelters
- Neighborhood service centers
All of these offer several volunteer options to choose from, along with some national volunteer organizations.
Cooking or Grilling
While these are two activities, they are good hobbies for ENFJ personality types. No matter how much experience you have with cooking already, there are always new recipes to learn, new techniques to master, and different dishes to try.
Grilling also takes practice and time to perfect, with plenty of opportunities to learn and improve while making tasty food. Both activities can also be done with other hobbyists, for special events, or to pass the time.
By engaging the mind, requiring focus and skill, and the potential social aspect of these hobbies, cooking, and grilling can make for great hobbies for those with the ENFJ personality type.
ENFJ Strengths and Weaknesses
There are several strengths to the ENFJ personality type. Some of these include ENFJs’ superior ability to work with and support others, their intuitive nature that drives their selfless decisions, and their warm, affectionate, loyal, caring, and energetic character. However, there are also some weaknesses to this personality type.
Below are some of the strengths and weaknesses of the ENFJ personality type:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Perceptive/in-tune with the thoughts, motives, feelings, and emotions of others | Can be unaware of what is socially acceptable |
| Good verbal communication skills | Can be manipulative or controlling |
| Ability to encourage, work with, and bring out the best in other people | Tend to ignore their feelings and needs |
| Caring, warm, affectionate, supportive, and loyal to others | Inflexible in some areas due to extreme values |
| Optimistic, energetic, often have a good sense of humor, and are fun to be around. | Inclined to blame themselves when things go wrong/do not take credit when it is due |
| Committed, preferring severe and long-term relationships | Can be overprotective or smothering with loved ones |
| Driven by a desire to help others | Tend to be critical of thoughts and opinions that differ from their own |
ENFJ Compatibility
Personal relationships are significant to those with the ENFJ personality type. ENFJs tend to put much effort into and be heavily invested in their relationships. Their ability to help others be the best versions of themselves makes them great friends, colleagues, mentors, role models, and partners.
As parents, ENFJs take their role as seriously as they consider their other relationships and hold their responsibility to their children in high regard. This can make them strict with high expectations, but they are also hot, supportive, and encouraging.
Due to their strong values, specific interests, and overall perspective on life, ENFJs can be selective about whom they spend their time with. They are usually good at understanding and getting along with all personality types, but certain personality types tend to clash with ENFJs.
Some personality types that are compatible with ENFJ include:
- INFJ
- ESFJ
- ENFP
- Fellow ENFJs
ENFJ and INFJ
The shared traits of INFJ with ENFJ make this one of the most compatible pairs, as the only differing function is the first of extraverted versus introverted. The world perspectives and approaches to life are likely to have many similarities, and an ENFJ/INFJ relationship has great potential to be very caring and close.
However, due to the opposite nature of the first functions of each, some problems may arise. By being aware of each other’s feelings, preferences, and needs, these problems can be avoided or managed successfully. Thanks to the tendency of each to be mindful of others’ feelings, conflict is not likely.
ENFJ and ESFJ
A relationship between ENFJ and ESFJ is one with great potential to be rewarding and eye-opening. Due to the different ways each thinks and views the world, spending time with one another can lead to new perspectives and ideas that can help each grow and learn.
However, these differences can also lead to disagreements or conflict. Where ENFJs believe in working toward change and personal responsibility in bettering oneself or the world, ESFJs value stability and prefer to keep things consistent. This is an area where conflict may arise, but also a place with the potential for growth on both sides.
ENFJ and ENFP
ENFJ and ENFP personality types are warm, energetic, and enjoy being around others and helping others benefit themselves. They tend to have similar perspectives and ways of thinking due to their intuitive functions, making them a good match for personal relationships.
The goals and ideals of ENFJ and ENFP personality types are very similar, focusing on helping others and bettering the world. This can make for a strong bond and a lasting relationship between the two. The potential for conflict or disagreements between these personality types is also relatively low.
ENFJ and ENFJ
ENFJs tend to have good relationships with fellow ENFJs due to the shared perspectives and values each individual is likely to have. Such a relationship has the potential to be close and long-lasting, with a high level of commitment and effort on both sides contributing to the relationship in a positive way.
Owing to their similar main functions, the shared characteristics of two ENFJs reduce the potential of conflict or disagreements, as a difference in worldview or opinions is less likely. Overall, ENFJs are likely to be drawn to other ENFJs due to their similar natures.
Conclusion
ENFJs are among the rarest personality types known for their people skills, warmth, loyalty, and strong values. They desire to help others improve themselves and promote positive growth and change. They make great teachers, leaders, and mentors, as well as vital members of a team.
ENFJs tend to be drawn towards engaging and exciting activities, and they gain personal fulfillment from helping others, giving back, and making the world a better place. However, sometimes their tendency to focus on the needs of others leads them to ignore their own needs, and they can also be very set in their ways.