What follows is a brief description of the ENFP personality type, including:
• Natural Strengths
• Common Tendencies
• Interaction Styles
• Stressors and Coping Mechanisms.
• Ideal and Corrupt versions of the ENFP
•ENFP Stack

ENFP Basic

Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. ENFPs are all about “possibilities.” They will “play with” many ideas, regularly alternating between several, sometimes developing them quite extensively, but remain “unattached to them,” letting them go without hesitation. When interacting with an ENFP, it’s important to refrain from “criticizing” or otherwise “ruling out” possibilities (until the ENFP shifts from “daydreaming” to “actually preparing to take action”).

ENFPs are known for their idealism, optimism, and enthusiasm. They often perceive the future as “bright” and “full of wondrous possibilities.” At the same time, they are aware of potential problems, and will often “care for others” by warning them of said “potential pitfalls.”

ENFPs are very reputation and perception focused. They value “being admired” and will often strive to “present themselves well” and “associate with people who are prominent, powerful, and/or attractive. (ENFPs also tend to value the physical comforts that usually accompany power and prominence.)

This emphasis on “perception” also extends to their relationship with “truth.” ENFPs frequently believe that “if enough people believe something, then it must be ‘true,” and that “if you can change enough people’s minds, you can change ‘what is true.” This makes ENFPs very adaptable (particularly in matters of law and rules). ENFPs sometimes prioritize “being perceived a certain way (i.e. good)” more than actually “being a certain way.”

ENFPs struggle with repetitive tasks, restrictions (that narrow the range of possibilities), emotional tension or conflict, and an overemphasis on “work” and “obligations.” At first they respond by brainstorming, looking for a moral solution to the problem. If the problem persists, they become more sensitive, struggle to communicate, and “cling to small tasks” (as a familiar, safe space). They may become obsessed (or depressed). Breaking out of that cycle can involve solitude to clear their head (through meditation, exercise, music, or sensory hobbies), and later (when they’re ready) conversing with a sympathetic listener (who helps them gain perspective).

ENFP Ideal

ENFPs are imaginative, enthusiastic, and very supportive. They share their upbeat energy without reservation, using their passion to lift the spirits of those who are low, or fiercely defend those who have been wronged. They give generously of their energy and strive to help others “believe in themselves” as the ENFP does.

However, ENFPs need to feel secure in their own “means” and “status” before they feel comfortable “giving to others.” The desire to “selfishly seek and hoard” can be an ongoing temptation for them.

ENFP Corrupt

ENFPs are very “idea” and “possibility” driven. They love exploring “new ideas” but (often) need “something” to start with (often a new experience or object). A corrupt ENFP becomes so fixated on the endless joy of “new things” (and the ideas they inspire) that they cease to care about anything else.

People become little more than “another means to continue feeding their ‘appetite.” They will manipulate people to “get what they want” and abandon them as soon as the appeal is lost (or something better comes along).

They never question their own merits, confident that they “could follow through” and fulfill the potential of their ideas (if they chose).

The corrupt ENFP may forget (or ignore) issues of health and “self-maintenance” as they continue to “single-mindedly focus on their ‘never-ending series of stimuli.”

Often the key to “breaking the cycle” is to (somehow) get the corrupt ENFP to “do something for the sake of someone else,” and recognize how that too can “bring joy” and provide “new stimuli.” Once they are sensitized to the emotions of others (and how rewarding it can sometimes be to exercise generosity (instead of selfishness)), the ENFP may (hopefully) “remember” and choose to continue “being generous and charitable.”

ENFP Stack

The stack is essentially “what distinguishes one personality type from another.”

1. Ne (Exploration)
2. Fi (Authenticity)
3. Te (Effectiveness)
4. Si (Memory)

5. Ni (Perspective)
6. Fe (Harmony)
7. Ti (Accuracy)
8. Se (Sensation)

If you would like some basic information about what the 8 skills and 8 roles mean (in general, please click the button below.