You may have heard the acronym ENFP, but what does it mean? Read on to discover everything you need to know about the meaning of ENFP.
-
Kevin
-
February 12, 2022
-
Common Questions
Your writing, at its best
Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant
Want to know if you’re an ENFP? Simply take a personality test to find out.
Used worldwide to identify your personality type and determine your strengths, weaknesses, personality characteristics, and cognitive functions, the popular Myers-Briggs assessment can help you adapt your interpersonal approach to different situations and audiences.
If you don’t know what ENFP means, read on to learn about this encouraging personality type!
What Does ENFP Mean?
ENFP is an abbreviation for Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving. It is one of the 16 personality traits commonly seen in various models based on the work of prominent psychoanalyst Carl G. Jung in his book Psychological Types.
These models include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Keirsey Temperament Sorter, among many others.
Often referred to as Campaigners, Encouragers, Motivators, or Champions, ENFPs are estimated to make up around six percent of the general population.
- (E) Extroversion: An extrovert enjoys interaction with the outside world and focuses externally instead of internally. ENFPs tend to enjoy a wide circle of acquaintances and many friendships, gaining energy in social situations, whereas INFPs (or introverts) expend energy.
- (N) Intuition: If you’re intuitive, it means you tend to perceive the world through its future possibilities rather than just hard facts. ENFPs are typically more abstract than concrete, often focusing on the big picture rather than the details.
- (F) Feeling: Having a feeling preference means focusing on relationships with other people. When making a decision, an ENFP considers the feelings and emotions of others over logic, often choosing to follow their gut.
- (P) Perception: A person with a perceiving attitude allows them to keep their options open while enjoying flexibility and spontaneity. An ENFP generally dislikes routines and may struggle with procrastination and disorganization.
What Is the Origin of ENFP?
The fundamental concepts that inspired the 16 personality types originated with Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, the founding father of personality typology. This famous psychoanalyst coined the dichotomies of introversion (I) vs. extraversion (E), sensation (S) vs. intuition (N), and thinking (T) vs. feeling (J).
Fast forward to a few decades later, Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers added the judging (J) vs. perceiving (P) dichotomy, which was inspired by Jung’s seminal work.
What Are the Key Characteristics of the ENFP Personality Type?
If you are an ENFP, you are likely driven by a desire to apply your skills and follow your passions to improve humanity. Your personality is warm, enthusiastic, and energetic, with a strong motivation to help others explore and unlock their full creative potential. More often than not, you thrive in situations where you have the freedom to innovate.
Here are a few more key characteristics of the ENFP personality type:
- Adventurous
- Charming
- Charismatic
- Empathy
- Creative
- Fun
- Independent
- Observant
- Passionate
- Spontaneous
- Understanding
- Curious
- Easily bored
- Energetic
- People-oriented
- Risk-takers
- Emotional
- Flexible
- Sensitive
- Friendly
What Are the ENFP Strengths and Weaknesses?
As a social butterfly with the gift of gab, an individual with the ENFP personality type tends to be genuinely interested in others and highly values personal relationships. Most ENFPs strongly need others to like them, which can make those with this personality type come across as a bit insincere or pushy at first.
In addition, due to their big colorful personalities, ENFPs frequently have dramatic changes in emotions and moods. Things revolving around deadlines, micromanaging, and organization will stress the ENFP or cause anxiety. For example, an ENFP will likely become overwhelmed when forced to make an important decision before they are ready or if imposed deadlines interfere with their creative process.
That being said, if you’re an ENFP personality type, there are some things you can do to help balance these uncomfortable feelings of stress, such as:
- Set realistic, manageable deadlines for yourself
- Plan time for experimenting with new projects or ideas
- Be open about your expectations and goals for relationships
Are There Any Famous People With the ENFP Personality Type?
ENFPs approach life with excitement and tend to have an infectious enthusiasm. They are friendly, approachable, and bubbly, which naturally causes people to gravitate to them. ENFPs have strong morals, stand up for their beliefs, and aren’t afraid to go against social norms.
That being said, seeing as those with this common personality type are generally people-orientated creative spirits who excel at motivating others, it makes perfect sense that many famous actors, comedians, and musicians are probably ENFPs.
Who are some of those well-known ENFPs, you ask? Here are a few:
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Kanya West
- Jennifer Aniston
- Ricky Gervais
- Cara Delevingne
- Russell Brand
- Jaden Smith
- Pete Davidson
- Sandra Bullock
- Jim Carry
- Kristen Bell
- Robin Williams
- Chris Pratt
- Gwen Stefani
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Ellen Degeneres
What Jobs Are Best for ENFPs?
When it boils down to work, the ENFP uses their creativity to express themselves and benefit others. With that in mind, here are the top careers where ENFPs are often the happiest:
- Actor
- Musician
- Producer
- Photographer
- Reporter
- Writer
- Fundraiser
- Real Estate Broker
- Sales Manager
- Travel Agent
- Entrepreneur
- Teacher
- Designer
- Social Worker
- Therapist
- Social Scientist
To Recap
ENFP is an acronym for Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceptions. It is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs test. ENFPs are people-oriented, creative, and flexible thinkers who are often social, energetic, and imaginative. They are extremely perceptive in understanding how people function, making them natural team leaders.
Sources:
