ENFJ

The Teacher

The ENFJ personality type is Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, and Judging, which means ENFJs are energized by time with others, focused on how they can help others grow, led by their deep empathy and altruism, and natural team builders. Expressive, social, and supportive, ENFJs are genuinely excited about life and eager to help leave the world in better shape than they found it. They see the best in people and thrive as teachers and mentors. However, in their desire to build and maintain their relationships, they can struggle with overcommitment, making impersonal, data-based decisions, and speaking up about their own needs.

What Is an ENFJ Personality Type?

ENFJ is an acronym used to describe one of the sixteen personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers. It stands for Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging. ENFJ indicates a person who is energized by time spent with others (Extraverted), who focuses on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (iNtuitive), who makes decisions based on feelings and values (Feeling) and who prefers to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging). ENFJs are sometimes referred to as Teacher personalities because of their interest in helping others develop and grow.

ENFJ in a Nutshell

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. They are focused on values and vision, and are passionate about the possibilities for people.

ENFJs are typically energetic and driven, and often have a lot on their plates. They are tuned into the needs of others and acutely aware of human suffering; however, they also tend to be optimistic and forward-thinking, intuitively seeing opportunity for improvement. The ENFJ is ambitious, but their ambition is not self-serving: rather, they feel personally responsible for making the world a better place.

ENFJ Values and Motivations

ENFJs are driven by a deep sense of altruism and empathy for other people. They have an intuitive sense of the emotions of others, and often act as an emotional barometer for the people around them. However, their compassion not reserved for the people close to them: they are often humanitarian in nature, and may feel genuine concern for the ills of the entire human race. They tend to personally experience the feelings of others, and feel compelled to act when they see people suffering.

ENFJs want close, supportive connections with others, and believe that cooperation is the best way to get things done. They like to be liked and are very sensitive to feedback, both positive and negative. They expect the best not just from themselves, but from others as well, and may find themselves disappointed when others are not as genuine in their intentions as the ENFJ. ENFJs work hard to maintain strong relationships, and strive to be valuable members of their families, groups, and communities.

How Others See the ENFJ

ENFJs are natural teachers, often found organizing people to take part in some educational activity. They tend to take charge of a situation, and guide a group towards those activities and experiences which will help them learn and grow. They intuitively see the potential in people, and with charisma and warmth, they encourage others to pursue greater development of their strengths. They are typically dynamic and productive, and are often visibly energized when leading others to discover new knowledge. ENFJs are typically good communicators, talented at using words to connect with others. They are perceptive about people and enjoy talking about relationships. They often enjoy helping others solve personal problems and like to share their insights about people, their emotions, and their motivations. They are empathetic sometimes to the point of being overinvolved, and can become exhausted if they are surrounded by too much negative emotion.

How Rare Is the ENFJ Personality Type?

ENFJ is one of the less common types in the population, especially for men. ENFJs make up:

2.2% of the general population
2.8% of women
1.4% of men

Famous ENFJs

Famous ENFJs include:

Oprah Winfrey
Pope John Paul II
Maya Angelou
Meghan Markle
Michael Jordan
Reese Witherspoon
Margaret Mead
Ralph Nader
Abraham Maslow
Dr. Phil McGraw
Martin Luther King, Jr.

ENFJ Quotes

"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, Gifts Differing

"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, Please Understand Me II

"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, Type Talk at Work

Facts About ENFJs

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

ENFJ Hobbies and Interests

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

Molly Owens

Molly Owens is the founder and CEO of Truity. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley and holds a master's degree in counseling psychology. She began working with personality assessments in 2006, and in 2012 founded Truity with the goal of making robust, scientifically validated assessments more accessible and user-friendly. Molly is an ENTP and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she enjoys elaborate cooking projects, murder mysteries, and exploring with her husband and son.