The Giver (ENFJ) Personality Type (Characteristics and Traits)

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The ENFJ personality type describes people who are Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging (ENFJ). ENFJs hold idealist visions for humanity, and actively encourage those around them to pursue personal growth. The ENFJ personality type is rooted in four fundamental attitudes listed below. These originate from Carl Jung’s theory on personality types and form the basis of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

Extraversion (versus Introversion): Extraversion characterizes people who are energetic, oriented outward rather than inward. Extraverts prefer company over spending time alone.
iNtuition (versus Sensing): Intuition allows people to perceive things unconsciously. Combined with the extraverted attitude, this intuition helps ENFJs see the world as it could be rather than as it is.
Feeling (versus Thinking): Feeling is a subjective process through which people assign value to various aspects of life, including life itself. Feelers are generally more empathetic than thinkers.
Judging (versus Perceiving): Judging is a function that leads people to structure their life’s events and seek closure before moving on between tasks. Judgers are more organized and predictable than perceivers.

The ENFJ personality type fits the “The Giver” archetype because of their altruistic attitude, genuine feelings of compassion, and a strong motivation to help others. “The Teacher” is another quintessential moniker for ENFJs, due to their natural ability to share their knowledge effectively and organize their subordinates. The ENFJ personality type is characterized by three fundamental traits. Firstly, ENFJs are outstanding communicators who excel at translating their ideas into words. Secondly, Givers are natural, charismatic leaders, inspiring those in their charge to respect and admire them. Thirdly, ENFJs strive to diffuse conflict and instill harmony among others.

The Giver’s main strength is their ability to persuade others. This persuasive prowess stems from ENFJs’ superior communication skills, charisma, and compassion, and is generally used for a good cause. However, ENFJs also have a significant character flaw: Givers often fail to consider all the details and formulate an effective plan of action before executing a task. This tendency to act before thinking stems from ENFJs deep intuition, which often causes them to dismiss essential details.

Ideal ENFJ careers include jobs in education, counseling, and social work, due to their empathetic world view and innate capacity for leadership and instruction. ENFJs’ compassion and pacifism aligns the Teacher personality closer with the traditional feminine gender role. That said, ENFJ men actually outnumber women.

What does ENFJ stand for?

ENFJ stands for Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging. These are four out of eight possible attitudes identified by Jung, which exist as psychological dichotomies. Extraversion is the opposite of Introversion, Intuition is opposite of Sensing, Feeling is opposite of Thinking, and Judging is the Opposite of Perceiving. It’s this synthesis of sociability, intuition, empathy, and adherence to structure that produces the Giver archetype.

What are the ENFJ traits?

Below are four main traits of ENFJ personality types.

Idealism: ENFJs are optimists and prefers to visualize the best case scenario.
Charisma: ENFJs are charming leaders that inspire others to follow their idealistic pursuits.
Vigor: ENFJs are enthusiastic and have active minds.
Compassion: ENFJs are altruistic and actively work towards a better world.

What are the ENFJ strengths?

ENFJs are known for the following five character strengths.

Excellent communication skills: ENFJs are expert communicators, who are excellent at both expressing their vision in words and convincing others to follow their lead.
Organization: Teachers are capable organizers who are great at coordinating subordinates.
Diplomacy: ENFJs are highly skilled at resolving conflict.
Leadership: People with an ENFJ personality are skilled leaders who thrive in mentorship roles.
Compassion: ENFJs are deeply empathetic and sensitive to the feelings and needs of those around them.

What are the ENFJ weaknesses?

ENFJs exhibit five shortcomings that set them apart from other personality types.

Double standards: ENFJs make decisions based on feelings rather than logic, which others often perceive as biased thinking.
Impulsivity: ENFJs tend to dive into action before reflecting on the task at hand.
Excessive selflessness: Giver personality types are selfless but out-of-touch with their inner selves, which may alienate others.
Overexertion: ENFJs are known to start pursuing more opportunities than they can handle at once.
High standards: People with the Teacher personality set impossibly high self-improvement standards on people around them, and thus come off as overbearing.

What are the career paths for ENFJ?

The best career paths for ENFJ tap into their passion for spreading positive change. Below are four jobs that fit The Giver’s character traits.

Teacher: ENFJs make perfect teachers thanks to their natural tendency to instruct, share their world vision, self-organize, and encourage self-development in others.
Human resources manager: ENFJs are natural leaders who excel in a human resources manager role because they enjoy pushing their subordinates to live up to their full potential.
Social worker: ENFJs have the right combination of empathy and convincing skills to guide people through challenging times.
Sales representative: If they believe in their product, ENFJs will dedicate every bit of energy and use their superior communication skills to convert potential buyers.

These are not the only options for ENFJ, however, which you determine with a career personality profiler.

How does an ENFJ prepare for a job interview?

An ENFJ can prepare for a job interview by following the four steps below.

Prepare well in advance: ENFJs should ignore their natural instinct to “wing it” for the best chance to ace an interview.
Make sure the job fits: An ENFJ candidate should find out as much as possible about the role and see if it aligns with their worldview and interests.
Research common interview questions: A Giver candidate should anticipate the questions that the interviewer may ask and prepare their answers.
Highlight strengths: ENFJs strengths are highly sought after by employers. Givers should be ready to discuss their leadership skills and compassion for others during a job interview.

Are ENFJs good employees?

Yes, ENFJs are great employees in roles that capitalize on their gregarious, organized character strengths. Crucially, an ENFJ should feel that their employment has a deep humanitarian purpose; without it, they will quickly lose interest in their jobs. Also, an ENFJ will perform well in a structured environment rather than a disorderly setting. Finally, ENFJs are bound to stay motivated at work if the people in their charge respond to their instructions.

What career paths should ENFJs avoid?

The career paths below are examples of professions ENFJs should avoid.

Laborer: ENFJs would struggle in any role with a narrow focus, but especially one where they’re not the ones in charge, or one where they don’t get to put their communication skills to good use.
Chemist: ENFJs often act before reflecting on the assignment, which is the opposite of the scientific method used by chemists in their research.
Mechanic: Givers feel stifled in roles that seemingly serve no greater purpose.
Attorney: ENFJs won’t effectively represent the interests of a person or business entity unless they’re aligned with their world vision.

What are the statistics for ENFJ personality types?

Statistics for ENFJ personality types show that Givers represent 5.7% of the population. On a global scale, these proportions would translate to roughly 450 million people. Since ENFJs are idealistic, communicative, and deeply focused on the personal development of others, large quantities of Givers are found in teaching professions, human resources, and social work. Their intuitive nature and preference for seeing the big picture means you’ll seldom find ENFJs in jobs where attention to detail is paramount. Traditionally feminine characteristics dominate the ENFJ personality type. That said, there are fewer ENTJ women than men, accounting for 7.6% and 5.2% of each gender, respectively.

Who are the ENFJ celebrities?

ENFJ celebrities are famous Teachers and Givers from many walks of life, including politicians, entertainers, writers, psychologists, and criminals. The best known famous ENFJ people are as follows.

Barack Obama (US president)
Maya Angelou (American memoirist)
Oprah Winfrey (American host)
Malala Yousafzai (Pakistani activist)
Mikhail Gorbachev (Former President of the Soviet Union)
Joseph Goebbels (Third Reich propaganda minister)
Michael Moore (American filmmaker)

What are some ENFJ quotes?

The five ENFJ quotes below capture the essence of the Teacher and manifest typical ENFJ passions, such as thirst for justice and personal growth.

“Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.” — Barack Obama
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” — Oprah Winfrey
“The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.” — Maya Angelou
“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” – Malala Yousafzai
“I think there are few things more patriotic than taking the time to make your country a better place.” – Michael Moore

What are the ENFJ subtypes?

There are four main ENFJ subtypes: ENFJ Leader (ENFJ-A+), ENFJ Fighter (ENFJ-A-), ENFJ Pleaser (ENFJ-T+), and ENFJ Follower (ENFJ-T-). All four subtypes manifest the four broader traits (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging). However, the four ENFJ types’ behaviors have minute, yet discernable differences.

ENFJ-A+: The Leader ENFJ

The Leader ENFJ is passionate, demanding, but approaches life’s successes and failures with a sense of humor. The ENFJ-A+ subtype is typically strong-willed and adamant about reaching their lofty goals. Thus, Leader ENFJs set high expectations for both themselves and their peers. ENFJs of the Leader subtype aren’t afraid of failure, seeing it as a learning opportunity above all else. However, ENFJ-A+ people are so dedicated to the greater good that they often neglect their own needs. This dismissive attitude toward themselves often leads others to misunderstand Leader ENFJs or to perceive them as disingenuous.

ENFJ-A-: The Fighter ENFJ

The Fighter ENFJs are independent, strong, dismissive of social norms they find unacceptable, and intensely self-critical. People with an ENFJ-A- subtype are more aggressive, and like to stand up and fight for their beliefs. ENFJ-A- subtypes also like to work on their own, despite their extraverted nature. Like ENFJs of all types, ENFJ-A- subtypes are driven by passions that have a higher purpose than self-interest, and often feel a sense of duty to fulfill their mission. ENFJ-A- personality types have one major flaw, Assertive ENFJs’ self-criticism often gets in the way of seeing the big picture and learning from mistakes. This self-deprecating quality also often makes ENFJ-A- types feel defeated in the face of failure.

ENFJ-T+: The Pleaser ENFJ

Pleaser ENFJs are friendly, buoyant, and often pursue less altruistic goals, like popularity and financial success. ENFJ-T+ personalities easily fit into any social setting and possess a great deal of charisma. Outwardly, ENFJ-T+ subtypes handle stress well, always retaining their composure and projecting an image of positivity and contentedness. However, ENFJ-T+ subtypes are in constant need of approval, although this people-pleasing behavior is not always evident. While projecting a calm exterior, ENFJs often feel discouraged at the slightest criticism and start doubting themselves if they feel a lack of approval from others.

ENFJ-T-: The Follower ENFJ

Follower ENFJs are insecure perfectionists that work to please other people, even at the expense of their own enjoyment. ENFJ-T- personalities are social and go out of their way to help other people. Externally, ENFJ-T- subtypes are eager to help and willing to adapt to any situation. Internally, ENFJ-T- subtypes concern themselves with others’ wants while disregarding their own. ENFJ-T- subtypes are critical of themselves for their failures and with such perfectionist ideals, they perceive any error as a failure of self.

How do ENFJs view other types?

ENFJ view other personality types in a complex manner, preferring people who have a high degree of compassion, adhere to a structure, and don’t challenge the ENFJ’s authority. ENFJs tend to dislike personality types who are overly irrational, those that embrace spontaneity, and those who are condescending. Givers are especially distressed by personality types that lack empathy, such as ENTJ, as they expect everyone around them to be as compassionate as they are. ENFJs are drawn to the logical ISTJ personality, and view their rational thought as a learning experience for themselves.

Can a Person Be Both INFJ and ENFJ?

No, a person cannot be both INFJ and ENFJ. The two personality types share many parallels, but have one defining distinction between them. INFJs prefer to experience life as it takes place around them, while focusing inward in search of answers. On the other hand, ENFJs crave control over situations in which they find themselves, and thrive on structure and definitive conclusions.

How to communicate with an ENFJ personality person?

To communicate with an ENFJ personality person, you can employ the five strategies below.

Focus on the task. ENFJs prize efficiency and dislike distractions, even though they make an effort to build cordial work relationships. There’s no need to avoid small talk altogether, but do limit it in favor of the primary purpose of your conversation.
Be ready for compromise. People with an ENFJ personality type don’t like leaving unresolved conflict, so if a difference of opinion arises, do your best to reach a compromise.
Put yourself in their shoes. Givers often give in to subjective, feeling-driven reasoning. It’s a tendency you should anticipate and respect to communicate with ENFJs effectively.
Tone down your criticism. ENFJs are highly sensitive to criticism, so always choose a subtle means of delivering your disapproval. ENFJs will understand your point and be grateful for the opportunity to save face.
Don’t diminish ENFJs’ beliefs. Givers are passionate about their ideals, and take offense when others belittle them. To avoid conflict with ENFJs, stay away from comments that may challenge their most-cherished beliefs.

How does ENFJ behave in a relationship?

In a relationship, ENFJs behave by attuning themselves to the needs of their partner, often at their own expense. ENFJs are highly supportive partners, who go out of their way to encourage their other halves to rise to their full potential. ENFJs work hard to avoid conflict in a relationship, even if it means giving in to their partner in times of disagreement. ENFJs are sensitive to criticism, and are quick to let their emotions get the better of them in an argument where they feel belittled. Although ENFJs are ready to compromise in the name of harmony, they will not go as far as to renounce their core beliefs.

“Love is union with somebody, or something, outside oneself, under the condition of retaining the separateness and integrity of one’s own self.” — Erich Fromm

How is the ENFJ personality in parenthood?

In parenthood, ENFJ personality people are supportive, warm, and demanding. ENFJ parents instill their children with the concept of right and wrong from an early age. ENFJs also take an active role in helping their kids develop, warmly guiding them as they explore their interests and learn how the world works. Despite their affection for their children, ENFJs set high standards for them. When ENFJs’ kids don’t live up to their expectations, their Teacher parents feel a profound sense of disappointment. ENFJs may even feel hurt if their children fail to measure up to their idealistic standards.

“Teachers expect the very best of those around them, and their enthusiasm inspires action in others and the desire to live up to their expectations.” — David Keirsey

How productive are ENFJ business people?

ENFJs business people are highly productive as long as the nature of their enterprise is aligned with their world vision. Givers are hard-working, efficient, and well-organized, with a penchant for getting tasks done quickly and smoothly. ENFJs are also charismatic leaders, who motivate their subordinates to perform well through positive reinforcement. ENFJs’ drive to achieve their goals translates into a certain appetite for risk and a lack of fear of challenging tasks. However, ENFJs often dive right into a project without patiently considering all its details, a practice that can lead to complications and even failure. When things don’t go according to plan, ENFJs often blame themselves for the setback and become deeply stressed over others’ criticism.

“When an ENFJ is present, no matter what the product or mission, the people involved will be important and the human dynamic will be made a central part of the process.” — Otto Kroeger

How efficient are ENFJ science people?

ENFJ science people are efficient in human sciences, such as psychology, medicine, biology, and sociology. This aptitude stems from the Giver’s deep interest in the human condition and their innate desire to make the world a better place. Some of the most well-known psychologists and humanists were ENFJs, including Abraham Maslow, Alfred Adler, and Erich Fromm.

ENFJs generally take less interest in physical sciences which is caused by two factors. Firstly, the Givers’ deep compassion for all creatures draws their interests towards studying (and helping) living organisms. Secondly, ENFJs’ disdain for minutia and lack of patience makes it difficult for them to immerse themselves in the complex processes of the physical world. ENFJs that study physics, chemistry, or cosmology tend to thrive in a social environment rather than a lab. Astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson is a prime example of an ENFJ scientist who likes to engage with an audience.

“ENFJs are likely to have a gift of expression, but they may use it in speaking to audiences rather than in writing.” — Isabel Briggs Myers

What are ENFJs like as kids?

As kids, ENFJs already exhibit the classic adult Giver traits of idealism, amiability, and a desire for harmony. Children with an ENFJ personality develop and cherish their world outlook early in life. Little Givers make friends easily, and are generally popular among other kids. In their interpersonal relationships, ENFJ kids take care not to offend their peers, thus fostering a harmonious environment.

“A child wants some kind of undisrupted routine or rhythm. He seems to want a predictable, orderly world.” — Abraham Maslow

How are the genders of the ENFJ personality?

The male and female genders of the ENFJ personality are compassionate, outgoing, and caring. ENFJs of both genders can lead effortlessly, and are generally admired by their peers. However, the ENFJ personality type is more closely associated with traditional female gender roles. That’s why female ENFJs often feel more comfortable in their skins than their male counterparts.

How is the ENFJ female personality?

The ENFJ female personality is quite comfortable in her skin, often occupying matriarchal roles in their social circle. ENFJ females’ nurturing, sensitive, and empathetic nature aligns well with traditional female gender roles. Thus, people tend to see female ENFJs as more genuine “Givers” than their male peers.

How is the ENFJ male personality?

The ENFJ male personality is charming, thanks in part to its ability to intuitively judge people’s emotions on the spot. Their sociability and interest in developing new friendships often passes male ENFJs as flirtatious and disingenuous in their intentions. Male ENFJs’ overt sensitivity and intuition often turns off romantic partners, especially during their early years. Because of these misperceptions, ENFJ males sometimes find themselves misunderstood by others.

What are the strongest signals that someone is ENFJ?

Below are the five strongest signals that someone is an ENFJ.

They are outgoing: ENFJs are energetic and sociable, easily striking conversations with strangers and engaging audiences without an afterthought.
They are idealistic: People with an ENFJ personality type have a deeply rooted system of beliefs, and they’re not shy to discuss it with others.
They expect others to do good: ENFJ people hold high expectations for anyone in their life and feel let down when someone shows a lack of compassion.
They get things done: ENFJ may be caring and warm, but they take their tasks seriously and expect full cooperation from everyone involved.
They thrive on recognition: ENFJs like being acknowledged for their accomplishments and generally don’t take criticism well.

How to understand whether you are an ENFJ or not?

To understand whether you are an ENFJ or not, see if you agree with the five statements below.

You see potential in everyone: You can see goodness in everyone you meet, and don’t believe that there are people who are entirely hopeless.
You share your beliefs with others: You want others to embrace your idealistic vision of the world.
You find it hard to say no: Refusing a request is difficult for you, even if your rational mind tells you that saying yes could have negative consequences for you.
You read others’ emotions easily. You don’t need to try hard to understand how people around you feel at any given moment.
You like structure: You feel comfortable in an orderly environment and seek closure in all events in which you partake.

In addition to self-assessment, there are several personality type tests you can take to better understand your MBTI classification.

How to classify personality types for ENFJ communication?

You can classify personality types for ENFJ communication into four primary classes.

Kindred personalities: People with these personalities have a similar, compassionate world view to that of ENFJs. This quality makes it easy for ENFJs to get along with these personality types, even if the acquaintance fails to develop into a long-term relationship.
Friendly personalities: These personality types may have differing views than ENFJs and not establish an immediate rapport with Givers, but they’re likely to be friendly with them.
Different personalities: These personalities have a common fundamental trait with ENFJs — intuition. Thanks to this characteristic, ENFJs may find these personalities intriguing, even if their world views differ.
Opposite personalities: ENFJs are most likely to clash with these personality types, as they are fundamentally different from Givers in almost every way. However, if the pair overcomes their differences, both personality types can learn from one another.

What are the main similarities of other personality types to ENFJ?

There are three main similarities between ENFJs and other, like-minded personality types. Firstly, ENFJs are deeply humanistic, sharing this trait with the INFJ personality type. Secondly, ENFJs and ENFPs share a common desire to help others achieve their potential. Thirdly, Givers are just as keen as Providers (ESFJs) about sharing their world vision with the people who surround them.

What are the kindred personality types for ENFJ?

Below are the four kindred personality types for ENFJs.

INFJ: INFJs are kindred personalities for ENFJs because they are equally empathetic and focused on making the world a better place. Their main difference is that INFJs are reserved while their Giver counterparts are outgoing.
ESFJ: ESFJs are kindred personalities for ENFJs because they are just as outgoing, emotional, and organized. Their main difference is that ESFJs prefer to focus on finer details rather than theories and concepts.
ENFP: ENFPs are kindred personalities for ENFJs because they are also sociable, interested in learning how the world works, and have firm principles. Their main difference is that ENFPs are not as organized as Givers, preferring to live in the moment over having a rigid structure.
ENFJ: other ENFJs are kindred personalities for Givers, because they share all of the same fundamental attitudes.

What are the most friendly personality types to ENFJ?

Below are the four most friendly personality types to ENFJs.

ISFJ: ISFJs are friendly personalities to ENFJs because they share deep-rooted values over which they can relate. Their main difference is that ISFJs are far less outgoing than Givers.
INTP: INTPs are friendly personalities to ENFJs because they also enjoy solving problems and develop a sincere affection for people close to them. Their main difference is that ENFJs make their decisions based on values and feelings whereas INTPs rely largely on logic.
ESTJ: ESTJs are friendly personalities to ENFJs because they are equally good at organizing people and tasks. Their main difference is that ESTJs’ decision-making process stems from logic, while ENFJs largely follow their hearts instead of their heads.
ESFP: ESFPs are friendly personalities to ENFJs because they also enjoy forming relationships with new people. Their main difference is that ENFJs like to think in the long term while ESFPs tend to live in the moment.

What are the main differences of other personality types to ENFJ?

There are three main differences between ENFJs and other personality types. First, ISFPs live entirely in the moment, while ENFJs are motivated by their vision for a better version of the world. Second, ISTJs defer to past traditions and widely-known principles, whereas ENFJs like to push the envelope and embrace new ways of thinking if they align with their ideals. Third, ISTPs prefer the rationality behind systematic processes rather than human sentiments. ENFJs, on the other hand, strive to understand why humans behave the way they do.

What are the opposite personality types to ENFJ?

Below are the four opposite personality types to ENFJs.

ISFP: ISFPs are the opposite personality types of ENFJs because of how they approach life. Their main difference is that ISFPs like to go with the flow while ENFJs prefer to structure their tasks — and those of people around them.
ISTJ: ISTJs are the opposite personality types of ENFJs because of their approach to processing information and thinking. Their main difference is that ISTJs like to focus on details and think logically whereas ENFJs think strategically and use their value system as the basis of their decisions.
ISTP: ISTPs are the opposite personality types of ENFJs because all their four attitudes are completely opposed to those of ENFJs. Their main difference is that ISTPs like to work with machines and tools whereas ENFJs prefer to work with people.
ESTP: ESTPs are the opposite personality types of ENFJs because of their approach to life. Their main difference is that ESTPs like to embrace the present moment and expect immediate results, whereas ENFJs think long-term and are willing to wait to see the fruits of their labor.

What are the most different personality types for ENFJ?

The personality types below are most different from ENFJs.

INTJ: INTJs are the most different personality types from ENFJs because their decision-making process is vastly different. Their main difference is that INTJs arrive at conclusions through rationalization, whereas ENFJs defer to their set of principles to make decisions.
INFP: INFPs are the most different personality types from ENFJs because they approach social interactions differently. Their main difference is that INFPs are calm and reserved, while ENFJs thrive on socializing.
ENTP: ENTPs are the most different personality types from ENFJs because of their preference for spontaneity. Their main difference is that ENTPs are highly impulsive and eccentric whereas ENFJs are more predictable.
ENTJ: ENTJs are the most different personality types from ENFJs because they seldom take the time to understand people’s feelings. Their main difference is that ENTJs see people for their worth in any given task while ENFJs are more attuned to people’s feelings.

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