The ENFP Personality: Key Traits, Strengths, Weaknesses + More

According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), each of us falls under one of 16 personality types. And of all 16 personalities, there are few more energetic or enthusiastic in terms of expressing themselves than the ENFP type.

These folks love to try or share new things, from ideas to experiences, but they can have some difficulty with follow-through. And Segovia adds that they're also likely to feel overwhelmed or have a sudden change in emotions if they're forced to make a decision before they're ready for it.

ENFPs have an unmistakable enthusiasm in their approach to things, from a new passion project to meeting new people. "They are enthusiastic instigators of projects, but may become bored, or excited by another new idea, and leave things unfinished," Hackston tells mbg.

This type also enjoys variety, spontaneity, and having a "go with the flow" attitude—hence the difficulty with staying on track. "They love sharing new ideas and possibilities with other people [and] looking for adventures and novel experiences," Hackston explains.

Hackston notes that ENFPs are also creative thinkers, with a focus on the big picture. They can think abstractly and have a strong capacity to create, though they don't always catch important details. "They may see new connections that others do not, helping them to be more aware of what is going on around them—however, they may occasionally see links that do not actually exist, seeing a hidden agenda where nothing of the sort is intended," Hackston explains.

ENFPs have a charisma about them that makes them naturally inspiring and motivating to be around, according to both Hackston and Segovia. "People who have ENFP preferences are natural motivators, enjoy new challenges, and inspire others either in their professional setting or in their personal life," Segovia says. They are also guided by a strong core of personal values, Hackston adds.

One last telltale trait of an ENFP is their ability to adapt and be flexible in a variety of scenarios, or with all kinds of people. As Segovia explains, this type is often described as adaptable to change, "and they like to keep their options open."

Statistically speaking, research has shown that people who have intuition and feeling in common have a greater than 70% chance of compatibility. That means an ENFP will be most compatible with an ENFJ, INFJ, INFP, or another ENFP.

ENFPs like the freedom to follow their own process, so deadlines can be stressful for them. Because of this, ENFPs may find themselves interested in entrepreneurship, Segovia tells mbg. And as Hackston adds, they're also attracted to jobs where they can motivate and inspire others, combine innovation with teamwork and their values, and of course, be creative or even artsy.

And lastly, according to Segovia, its important ENFPs remember to honor who they are first and foremost, "while learning how to flex to the opposite side of your preferences when the situation calls for it" (i.e., tapping into your logic or "thinking" when the "feeling" side is running the ship).

Every Myers-Briggs type has its strengths and weaknesses, and ENFPs are no exception. They're spontaneous, inspiring, and creative forces to have in your life—just don't be surprised if they tend to overthink, gloss over details, or become easily overwhelmed.