The ENFJ Personality Type: Key Traits, Strengths, Weaknesses & More

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, aka the MBTI, categorizes people into one of 16 personality types. And of all 16 MBTI types, few are more personable than ENFJs. Whether you're an ENFJ yourself or you've got someone in your life who is, here's everything you need to know about the type, from strengths and weaknesses to relationship compatibility and more—according to experts.

John Hackston, head of thought leadership at the Myers-Briggs Company, echoes this point, explaining that ENFJs are often so concerned with others' values, they may try to "correct" other people. "They can sometimes be a little too forceful—and can take criticism very personally, even when a comment wasn't intended to be critical," he says.

One of the main things to know about ENFJs is they are extremely friendly, and they have no problem making new friends and connections. "Do you know those sorts of people that attract attention so easily that make you scratch your head? Probably an ENFJ," Hackston notes.

Along with being friendly, these folks are also incredibly considerate. Segovia notes they're always making decisions that take others into account, looking for win-wins for everyone in their personal and professional relationships. "An ENFJ will always think about walking in someone else's shoes and take people's values very seriously," Hackston adds.

ENFJs are very community-oriented, always considering the needs of the group. "They can bring very different people together and create a community. They are community-minded and are always ready to mediate conflicts, actually disliking friction from the bottom of their hearts," Hackston explains.

ENFJs are so good at accommodating everyone thanks to their ability to zoom out and see the big picture. Segovia explains that their decision-making process involves taking time to explore the big picture, and think about future-focused ideas that benefit everyone.

And last but not least, ENFJs have a trademarked extroverted personality that won't go unnoticed. While all the personality types exist on an individual level of extroversion versus introversion, most ENFJs are going to be pretty social. "They are the kind of fun, talkative, and personable folks that not only make friends very fast but also sincerely care about others," Hackston says.

Overall, according to Hackston, ENFJs want a partner they feel a connection with, who will show them appreciation. "They are likely to find this with other extroverted feeling (EF) types—especially INFJs and other ENFJs, but also ISFJs and ESFJs."

"These types can make natural leaders and are great team players, keeping their focus on people and encouraging co-workers to make positive changes," Hackston says. They may feel uncomfortable, undervalued, or even guilty if they feel underappreciated or get a bad review from co-workers, he adds.

As Segovia explains, this type thrives in environments where they can make a meaningful impact on people's lives. "If you [are an] ENFJ, you may want to seek environments and relationships in which you can make a longer-term impact on the people you work with and the customers you serve," he says.

ENFJs have a natural inclination toward helping others, but according to Hackston, sometimes people need to do things their own way. "Be aware of people's boundaries. Sometimes ENFJs overstep people's boundaries without noticing. Remember that you can't help everyone all the time."

Lastly, Hackston notes that ENFJs tend to rely on presenting information in a big-picture and future-possibilities way, and when stressed, can get sidetracked with too many what-ifs and indecision. As such, they do well to remember not to get carried away by too many possibilities.

ENFJs are friendly social butterflies and helpful friends to have—even if they can have a tendency to be too helpful. Whether you're an ENFJ or someone you know is, understanding this type's preferences, strengths, and weaknesses can lead to greater harmony and ultimately, better relationships.