ENFJ:Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging

(File Last Modified Tues, Oct 29, 2002.)

• ENFJ (5% of the American population)
• Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging
• Possible Blind Spots

ENFJ (5% of the American population)

Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging

ENFJs are people-lovers. They place the highest importance on people and relationships and are naturally concerned about others. They take a warm approach to life and feel personally connected to all things.

Because they are idealistic and live by their values, ENFJs are very loyal to the people, causes, or institutions they respect and admire. They are energetic and enthusiastic, as well as responsible, conscientious, and persevering.

ENFJs have a natural tendency to be self-critical. However, because they feel responsible for the feelings of others, ENFJs are seldom critical in public. They are acutely aware of what is (and isn't) appropriate behavior, and are gracious, charming, personable, and socially adept. Even-tempered and tolerant, ENFJs are diplomatic and are good at promoting harmony around them. They are natural leaders, popular and charismatic. They tend to be good communicators, and usually use their expressive gift verbally.

ENFJs make decisions based upon how they feel about a situation, rather than how the situation actually stands. They are interested in possibilities beyond what is already obvious, and in the ways these possibilities might affect others.

Being naturally orderly, ENFJs prefer an organized world and expect others to be the same way. They like to have matters settled, even if someone else is making the decision.

ENFJs radiate sympathy and understanding and are nurturing and supportive of others. They read people well and are responsible and caring. Since they are idealists, they generally look for the good in others.

Possible Blind Spots

ENFJs are so empathetic and caring that they can become overly involved with the problems or feeling s of others. Sometimes they choose causes that aren't worthy of all the time and energy they pour into them. when things don't work out well, they can become overwhelmed, disappointed, or disillusioned. This can lead them to withdraw, feeling they weren't appreciated. ENFJs need to learn to accept their own limitations as well as those of the people they care about. They also need to learn how to ``pick their battles'' and how to maintain realistic expectations.

Because of their strong desire for harmony, ENFJs can overlook their own needs and ignore real problems. Because they avoid conflict, they sometimes maintain relationships that are less than honest and equal. ENFJs are so concerned about the feelings of others that they can be blind to important facts when the situation involves criticism or hurt feelings. It's important that ENFJs learn how to accept and deal with conflict as a necessary part of relationships.

Because they are enthusiastic and in a hurry to get on with their next challenge, ENFJs sometimes make incorrect assumptions or make decisions too quickly, without gathering all the important fact. They need to slow down and pay closer attention to the details of their projects. By waiting until enough information is known, they can avoid making mistakes.

ENFJs focus on emotions to the point that they can fail to see the logical consequences of their actions. Trying to focus on the facts, not just the people involved in their decisions can be helpful.

ENFJs respond well to praise, but are easily hurt by criticism, which can make them appear touchy. They take even the most innocent or well-intentioned criticism personally, and they often respond by becoming flustered, hurt, or angry. Their responses can be illogical to the point that they appear downright irrational to others. ENFJs do well to stop, take a step back, and try to see a situation objectively before reacting. Trying to be less sensitive will enable an ENFJ to hear the important and helpful information that is contained in constructive criticism.

ENFJs are so idealistic that they tend to see things the way they wish they were. They are vulnerable to idealizing relationships, and they tend to overlook facts that contradict what they believe. ENFJs who don't learn to face facts they find disagreeable end up ignoring their problems instead of finding solutions for them. In general, ENFJs need to try to keep their eyes open as well as their hearts.