ENFP is one of 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. The term ENFP is an acronym based on four personality preferences: extraversion (E), intuition (N), feeling (F), and perceiving (P). The fundamental concepts and theory for the 16 types originated with psychiatrist Carl Jung who is rightly viewed as the founding father of personality typology. Jung coined the dichotomies of introversion (I) vs. extraversion (E), sensation (S) vs. intuition (N), and thinking (T) vs. feeling (J). A few decades later, Myers and Briggs added the judging (J)-perceiving (P) dichotomy, which can also be traced back to Jung’s seminal work.
ENFP Extraversion (E) & Intuition (N)
For Jung, the meaning and definition of extraversion involved the direction of one’s attention outwardly, that is, away from the self. But Jung also insisted on the importance of knowing which function was being extraverted. For ENFPs, it is their intuition function that is extraverted, which Jung referred to as Extraverted Intuition (Ne).
Ne is a highly creative function, rapidly seeing new patterns, associations, and possibilities. It goes a long way in explaining why so many ENFPs are artists, writers, comedians, or entrepreneurs. ENFPs are deeply creative and gravitate toward careers that allow them to generate new ideas. Moreover, because of the extraverted nature of Ne, they are invigorated by discussing and brainstorming ideas with others.
ENFP Feeling (F) & Perceiving (P)
ENFPs also prefer feeling (F) over thinking (T). When their feeling teams up with their intuition, they may develop a strong sense of idealism (NF). This motivates them to work toward a cause or mission that inspires them. This is why David Keirsey dubbed the ENFP as the “Champion” type.
ENFPs’ preference for perceiving (P) refers to their predilection for keeping their options open. Rather than latching onto a single idea or perspective, they feel compelled to explore a breadth of perspectives. Indeed, ENFPs are among the most open-minded of all types, contributing to their talents as journalists and counselors. They love entertaining new perspectives and doing so in a receptive and non-judgmental way. This allows others to feel comfortable revealing more intimate parts of themselves to the ENFP.
