The Persuader – Understanding the ENFJ Personality Type
In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework, personality types represent various approaches to life. Each one is a fascinating study with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. And people have succeeded immensely by understanding them better.
Most people take the MBTI in order to understand themselves. Understandably so. However, this tool is just as useful in understanding others, especially for managers and HR personnel.
There are 16 different MBTI personality types, which might seem like a daunting list to familiarize yourself with. Yet the benefits can be intense.
When we really know who we’re working with, we’re in a much better position to maximize their potential.
The ENFJ, for instance, is often called “The Protagonist” or “The Persuader.” One of the rarer categories, accounting for just 2%-5% of the population by some estimates, it’s known for charisma and influence. This persona takes on significant responsibility for others based on its natural inclinations toward being caring and empathetic.
Want to know what makes an ENFJ tick? Keep reading on…
An ENFJ’s Daily Life
ENFJs live primarily in an external world, constantly observing and responding to it. Their dominant function is extraverted feeling, which causes them to focus on other people’s emotions and needs. This outward orientation allows them to easily understand social dynamics.
On any given day and at any time, an ENFJ may participate in various people-oriented activities that involve such things as giving:
- Support
- Guidance
- Encouragement
That’s because they gain a sense of fulfillment in interactions with other human beings, whether one-on-one or collectively. It’s important to stress, however, that these individuals assume leadership positions not because they want power but rather due to their genuine concern for others’ welfare.
ENFJs are social butterflies and the glue that holds many friendships together. They often host gatherings or check in on friends to ensure everyone is okay. These people are great listeners. And because of their empathy and understanding, they can make wonderful and encouraging advisors.
ENFJ Strengths
One powerful ability that distinguishes ENFJs is their tendency – even drive – to positively influence and flat-out inspire others around them. They’re driven by the purpose of making people’s lives better, and that gives them an automatic appeal.
In addition, they have naturally excellent speaking abilities and are more capable of expressing their thoughts convincingly. It should be no surprise then that many people look up to ENFJs as role models.
ENFJs build meaningful personal relationships characterized by immense compassion toward everyone involved, including those in the professional sphere. This, coupled with organizational capability, allows them to be very effective planners.
Challenges Faced by ENFJs
If that sounds like a golden life to live, don’t get jealous; ENFJs are not without their challenges. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, after all.
For one thing, they have a bad tendency to ignore their own needs and preferences, especially when around others. And this can result in burnout and stress if left unchecked.
Additionally, ENFJs may have difficulty dealing with conflict. In fact, they can be completely conflict-adverse, which can lead to issues worsening further through resentment.
Coaching and Development for ENFJS
When properly coached, some ENFJs can develop certain less visible cognitive functions, such as introverted intuition or extraverted thinking.
Whenever possible, we should strengthen these functions to help them achieve a better balance between personal and professional lives.
For instance, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care can help prevent burnout for ENFJs. They should be encouraged to explore interests outside of work-related contexts and pursue hobbies that bring them joy. This will recharge their energy levels, ensuring their motivation remains high when they are on the job.
Overall, this approach guarantees motivated, energized, and happy ENFJs everywhere!
Learning how to face conflicts is also an important area of growth for this personality type. And they should strive toward achieving better overall self-awareness through lifelong learning experiences that can promote personal/professional development.
ENFJs in the Workplace
Because of their strong tendency to help others – not to mention their great communication skills – coaching and development opportunities can best benefit ENFJs. More often than not, they’re shoe-ins for such roles.
Coaching, in particular, can sharpen their leadership skills by enhancing their strengths, perfecting their boundary management techniques, and helping them develop stress-coping mechanisms. It may also provide tools they can use to better handle conflict and criticism.
Overall though, ENFJs should and do look for careers where they can make a positive impact. They want to do meaningful work and enjoy positions that allow them to see the results of their labor.
A career is not just a job for them; it’s their mission to improve human life.
Potential ENFJ job options include:
- School principal
- Public relations manager
- College administrator
- Training or development manager
- Sales manager
- HR manager
- Health educator