ENFJ: The Teacher

ENFJs make up 2.5% of the US population.

ENFJs are idealist organizers, driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity. They often act as catalysts for human growth because of their ability to see potential in other people and their charisma in persuading others to their ideas. Talkative and expressive, ENFJs are adept communicators and are motivated to understand and please other people. They enjoy talking about relationships and sharing their insights about people, their emotions, and their motivations. ENFJs like to be liked and are very sensitive to feedback, both positive and negative; they take criticism quite personally. They expect the best not just from themselves, but from others as well, and tend to idealize relationships. ENFJs often play host or hostess, energetically engaging everyone in the group and making sure that a good time is had by all. They are very responsive to the emotional state of others; while their empathy is often an asset, engaging with others can also become overwhelming for the ENFJ. More than other Extroverted types, they need time alone, away from the demands of serving and caring for others.

Popular hobbies for the ENFJ include organizing social events, reading, the arts, museums, storytelling, listening to music, writing, and gourmet cooking.

At work, the ENFJ is motivated to organize others to implement positive social change. ENFJs are often found in leadership roles; they enjoy being able to use their creativity to develop innovative initiatives with a humanitarian goal, and they want to have the organizational resources to put their ideas into action. They are enthusiastic problem-solvers, especially when they can put their strong intuition about people to good use. They strive for cooperation and work best in a harmonious environment where they can encourage the growth of others. 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.

In leadership posiitons, ENFJs are enthusiastic, supportive, and action-oriented. They are strong leaders with clear ideas about how to improve organizations to better serve the needs of people. Although they are confident in their mission and goals, they are also concerned with cooperation, and are dedicated in pursuing the support of the people involved. They want others on board, in action and in spirit. ENFJs often take on a mentorship role; they want to help their colleagues develop as workers and as people. Although ENFJs are natural leaders, they can become discouraged in environments with ongoing conflict. They have a strong need to be liked and can become drained and ineffective in positions where they are not able to elicit support for their ideas and values.

Popular careers for an ENFJ include:

journalist/writer politician interior designer psychologist career counselor teacher dean of students social worker librarian

copywriter magazine editor public relations specialist community service director nonprofit organization director public health educator human resources recruiter customer relations manager corporate trainer

entertainer craft artist graphic artist minister chiropractor nutritionist speech pathologist event planner travel agent

In relationships, the ENFJ is helpful and enthusiastically supportive. ENFJ partners want harmony above all else, sometimes at the expense of their own needs. They make every effort to understand their partners and to do what pleases them. Conflict is upsetting to ENFJs; they are very sensitive to criticism and can become highly emotional and even punishing when their feelings are hurt. However, they have great insight about people, emotions and motivations; they are often able to put this talent to use in resolving things. 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.

Good matches for an ENFJ include other Intuitive Feeling types (ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFP). Intuitive Feelers paired together have one of the highest couple satisfaction rates of all possible combinations. ENFJs also have high satisfaction rates when paired with ESFJ and ISFJ partners.

As parents, ENFJs take an active and enthusiastic role in guiding the development of their children, setting forth clear ideas of right and wrong in a warm and supportive way. ENFJ parents are clear in their expectations and consistent in reinforcement. Because ENFJ parents have such a clear idea of proper behavior, they can take their children’s misbehavior personally, feeling that they have failed as parents; children who perceive this can take on feelings of guilt at not meeting their parent’s expectations.

Famous ENFJs include Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln, Pope John Paul II, Margaret Mead, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, Ralph Nader, Abraham Maslow, Dr. Phil McGraw, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Interesting facts about the ENFJ:

• On personality trait scales, scored as Active, Pleasant, Sociable, Demanding, Impatient, Appreciative, and Compromising
• Most likely of all types to cope with stress by exercising
• Most likely of all types to believe in a higher spiritual power
• Ranked by psychologists as among least likely to have trouble in school
• Personal values include Friendships, Education & Learning, Creativity, and Community Service
• Among types highest in job satisfaction, but also among most likely to report plans to leave their jobs
• Commonly found in careers in religion, teaching, and the arts

Recommended resources:
Famous ENFJ People

Sources:
MBTI Manual, Third Edition, Briggs Myers et. al.
Introduction to Type and Careers, Hammer
Just Your Type, Tieger and Barron-Tieger
Please Understand Me II, David Keirsey
Do What You Are, Tieger and Barron-Tieger
Quick Guide to the 16 Personality Types in Organizations, Berens et. al.

©2007 by Molly Owens.