ENFJ: The Giver

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ENFJ is one of the 16 different personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. People with this personality type are often described as warm, outgoing, loyal and sensitive. Psychologist David Keirsey suggests that approximately two to five percent of all people have an ENFJ personality.

ENFJ Characteristics

The test assesses preferences across four different dimensions: 1) Extraversion and Introversion, 2) Sensing and Intuition, 3) Thinking and Feeling and 4) Perceiving and Judging. As you have probably guessed, the ENFJ acronym represents Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling and Judging.

    • Extraversion: ENFJs have an outgoing personality and enjoy spending time with other people. Being in social settings helps them feel energized.
    • Intuition: ENFJs like to think about the future rather than the present. They may often become so focused on the larger goal that they lose sight of the immediate details.
    • Feeling: ENFJs place a stronger emphasis on personal, subject considerations rather than objective criteria when making decisions. How a decision will impact others is often a primary concern.
    • Judging: ENFJs are organized and enjoy structure and careful planning. Sticking to a predictable schedule helps ENFJs feel in control of the world around them.

Some common ENFJ characteristics include:

  • Prefers harmony to discord
  • Outgoing and warm-hearted
  • Genuinely interest in the feelings of others
  • Often have a diverse range of friends and acquaintances
  • Great at supporting and encouraging others
  • Excellent organizers
  • Seek approval from other people

ENFJs are strong extraverts; then sincerely enjoy spending time with other people. They have great people skills and are often described as warm, affectionate and supportive. Not only are people with this personality type great at encouraging other people, they also derive personal satisfaction from helping others.

Because of their strong communication and organizational skills, ENFJs can make great leaders and managers. They are good at organizing activities, helping each group member achieve their potential and resolving interpersonal conflicts. They strive to create harmony in all situations, and always seem to know what to do to ease tensions and minimize disagreements.

ENFJs are often so interested in devoting their time to others that they can neglect their own needs. They also have a tendency to be too hard on themselves, blaming themselves for when things go wrong and not giving themselves enough credit when things go right. Because of this, it is important that people with this personality type regularly set aside some time to attend to their own needs.

Famous People With ENFJ Personalities

Some experts have suggested that the following famous individuals exhibit characteristics of the ENFJ personality type based on analysis of their lives and works:

  • Abraham Lincoln, U.S. president
  • Sean Connery, actor
  • Dennis Hopper, actor
  • Diane Sawyer, journalist
  • Johnny Depp, actor
  • Oprah Winfrey, TV personality
  • Abraham Maslow, psychologist
  • Ronald Reagan, U.S. president
  • Peyton Manning, football player
  • Barack Obama, U.S. president

A few fictional characters who exhibit ENFJ characteristics include:

  • Steve Keaton, Family Ties
  • Joe Hackett, Wings
  • Jules Winnfield, Pulp Fiction
  • Faye Valentine, Cowboy Bebop
  • Dr. Lisa Cuddy, House

Best Career Choices for ENFJs

ENFJs often do best in careers where they get to help other people and spend a great deal of time interacting with others. The following are just a few of the careers that might appeal to people with this personality type:

  • Counselor
  • Teacher
  • Psychologist
  • Social worker
  • Human resources manager
  • Sales representative
  • Manager