Myers-Briggs Personality Type: ENFP "The Crusader"
Do you consider yourself a “free-spirit?” Are you often the “life of the party?” Are you more interested in making social and emotional connections with others, rather than doing things just for the hell of it (i.e. for the excitement or pure thrill of it)? Lastly, do others (i.e. friends, romantic partners, co-workers, bosses, and acquaintances) find you charming, energetic, understanding, and/or independent? If so, you might just have an ENFP personality. What does that mean? Well, it means that you are a “crusader.”
Wow! Really? Yes, really! If you have this personality, you have the awesome ability to read between the lines and catch things that others often overlook, dismiss, or ignore. You also tend to be highly energetic and curious. You most likely view life as one big complex jigsaw puzzle; therefore, you spend a lot of your time trying to figure out this thing called “life.” In addition, you truly believe that everyone and everything in the universe is connected. You also value independence and creativity.
It is important to note that your self-esteem is connected to whether or not you can come up creative ideas to problems, but in order to come up with these fabulous ideas, you need to know that you have a platform to express them. What happens if you do not get the freedom you need to be innovative? Well, then you lose your patience quickly, and become bored. In other words, when you are stressed or overwhelmed, you feel trapped in your current situation.
A strength - ENFPs are proficient at switching from an enthusiastic, determined optimist in the workplace to an artistic and vibrant free-spirit on the dance floor, often with a quickness that startles even their closest friends and family members. These individuals firmly believe that everyone should express their feelings of compassion and empathy towards others, so that the world can be a better place. A weakness – ENFPs tend to be highly sensitive and emotional, so when they hurt someone’s feelings, it keeps them up all night – filled to the brim with regret and sadness. In addition, these individuals sometimes misinterpret what others are trying to tell them, leading them to make things (i.e. planning an event) more difficult than need be.
What does the abbreviation ENFP mean?
E - Extroversion N - Intuition F - Feeling P - Perception
How common is this personality type?
Higher than some of the other personality types, ENFPs account for 7% of the general population. Moving on up! Higher percentage means that there are more people – JUST LIKE YOU! Awesome!
Do people with ENFP personalities do well at work?
Actually, ENFPs do rather well at work. In fact, there are two things that an ENFP must have at the workplace, in order to be successful and productive – a chance to explore new ideas and offer new suggestions, and an opportunity to work with others who share his or her excitement and passion, when it comes to improving the workplace. ENFPs do not particularly like hierarchy systems, and would prefer if everyone was on an even playing field.
A strength – ENFP personality types are dynamic listeners. They are also warm, open-minded, and creative individuals, who tend to shine when given process-improvement projects. Managers tend to rely on these individuals to boost morale in the department, and motivate employees to do their best. ENFPs are also highly adaptable and growth-oriented. They are always willing and eager to learn a new skill. They also have the ability to quickly analyze situations and understand the perspectives of others.
A weakness – ENFPs do not do well with micromanagers. If a manger tries to micromanage an ENFP, he or she will simply stop working out of frustration. To an ENFP, the manager only needs to tell him or her, what he or she wants, so that the ENFP can complete the task. The manager does not need to “stick around” to watch him or her. When this occurs, it annoys the ENFP. Freedom is the key with ENFPs. In addition, ENFPs are known to “slip” when it comes to dotting every “i” and crossing every “t,” so it is necessary for them to have a low level of supervision.
Do people with ENFP personalities have good relationships?
Yes! People with ENFP personalities tend to have good relationships with others. In fact, when it comes to relationships, especially romantic ones, there are no people on earth more excited about sharing their lives with their long-term partners. ENFPs love sharing their ideas with loved ones, and jump at the chance to create thrilling experiences for their partners. They want to experience everything that life has to offer. And, to ENFPs, love, dating, and relationships are special – joyous aspects of life that consist of mutual imagination, exploration, and a connection with someone special. ENFP personality types take their relationships very seriously. And, they are best known for their unrestrained and firm devotion to those, who have stolen their hearts. Moreover, ENFP personality types tend to be irresistible to others, especially romantic partners. Why? Well, because they are warm, fun, exciting and simply enchanting.
ENFPs also make good partners because they will do whatever is necessary to prove to their partners that they are indeed loving, supportive, committed, and devoted people. ENFPs also make good friends. Why? Well, because they tend to be cheerful, optimistic, supportive, loyal, dependable, open-minded, warm, sincere, and empathetic. Moreover, they have a knack for drawing people out of their shells; therefore, they typically have a lot of friends. ENFPs also make good friends because they view “friendships” as opportunities to connect with others in the universe, and to “better” themselves and the world around them.
ENFPs are GREAT parents! Why are they so GREAT? Well, because they appreciate all things- old and new, ugly and beautiful. It is this wonder that these parents share with their growing children every day. And, ENFP parents provide their children with a stellar combination of unconditional love and support, and an unfettered environment surrounded by freedom, independence, and creativity. Don’t get me wrong ENFP parents would NEVER leave their children unsupervised; however, the do provide their children with opportunities to explore the world around them, and develop their own perceptions and beliefs. Lastly, ENFP parents tend to be playful and nurturing. They love-love-love watching their children learn, play, and develop. They also love seeing the excitement in their children’s eyes when they discover something new.
What types of jobs are best suited for those with ENFP personalities?
ENFPs do best in jobs that allow them to express their creativity, and challenge them to learn new things (i.e. cross-training). These individuals are most successful as psychologists, counselors, engineers, teachers, politicians, diplomats, and detectives. They also do well in human service positions, and as reporters, writers, and/or analysts.
Do any famous people have an ENFP personality?
Yes! Listed below are respected ENFP personalities:
Robert Downey, Jr.
Robin Williams
Carol Burnett
Sandra Bullock
Meg Ryan
Andy Rooney
Alicia Silverstone
References:
16 Personalities. (2015). ENFP Personality (“The Protagonist”). Retrieved from http://www.16personalities.com/enfp-personality OPP. (2015). ENFP: MBTI® personality profile. Retrieved from https://www.opp.com/en/tools/MBTI/MBTI-personality-types/ENFP The Myers-Briggs Foundation. (2015). The 16 MBTI® types. Retrieved from http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm
