What is the ENFP Personality Type?

Spontaneous, enthusiastic, and creative, people with the ENFP personality type radiate warmth and positivity. Even though they may seem like carefree social butterflies, make no mistake—their lively exterior hides a deep longing for meaningful connections.

While they love meeting new people, they’d rather skip the small talk and discuss life, human nature, philosophy, and everything in between.

Unsurprisingly, ENFPs thrive on exploring novel ideas and possibilities. This, coupled with their insatiable curiosity, helps them keep an open mind and appreciate the differences between people, cultures, and such.

Broad-minded and compassionate, ENFPs are firm believers that everyone deserves equal opportunities in life. Because of this, they are very sensitive to injustice and always stand up for what’s right. Needless to say, ENFPs aren’t called Campaigners for nothing!

What Does ENFP Stand For?

“ENFP” is an acronym for:

• Extraverted. People with the ENFP personality type find socializing invigorating and enjoy getting to know other people.
• iNtuitive. Thanks to this trait, Campaigners are abstract thinkers and have no trouble understanding complex theoretical concepts. Also, they tend to focus more on the future than the present moment.
• Feeling. ENFPs are sensitive and compassionate. They prioritize feelings and values over logic when making decisions.
• Perceiving. People with the Campaigner personality type are flexible, spontaneous, and adaptable, but they may lack organization.

How Rare Is the ENFP Personality Type?

The rarity of the ENFP personality type often surprises people, as Campaigners aren’t nearly as rare as most people expect them to be. In fact, they’re considered to be the tenth-rarest personality type.

More specifically, ENFPs are thought to make up about 8.1% of the entire population.

That said, this personality type is more common among women than men, which is typical for feeling personality types. More precisely, around 10% of women and 6% of men are believed to identify with this type.

5 Fundamental ENFP Personality Traits & Characteristics

The key characteristics of the ENFP personality type are:

Strong People Skills

Warm and charming, Campaigners possess exceptional people skills that enable them to get along with virtually anyone—including those who aren’t very agreeable, mildly speaking.

While they never run out of things to say—after all, ENFPs’ minds are constantly buzzing with ideas—they also make great listeners.

Thanks to their genuine interest in others, people with the ENFP personality type tend to make others feel comfortable in their company. It’s not unusual for incredibly shy people to turn into open books around Campaigners, which speaks volumes about their natural talent for communication.

Not to mention, ENFPs are also very empathetic. Thanks to this trait, they can easily relate and build strong emotional connections with those around them. This often comes in handy both in their personal lives and professional endeavors.

Open-Mindedness

Without a doubt, the ENFP personality type is open-minded personified. Curious to the very core of their being, Campaigners thrive on exploring different ideas, theories, and possibilities.

While some people only accept opinions they agree with, ENFPs enjoy challenging their beliefs. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to change their perspective on things after engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations with others.

However, this isn’t to say that they are impressionable or don’t have strong convictions.

On the contrary, they have a mind of their own, but they believe that everyone—regardless of their religion, political views, and so on—has something valuable to say. Unsurprisingly, their appreciation for differences between people helps them stay open to any possibility of expanding their horizons.

In this sense, ENFPs are eternal students, always looking to learn something new about the world and reconsider their views.

Vivid Imagination

While having a rich inner life is a trait most commonly associated with introverts, it also applies to people with the ENFP personality type.

As outgoing and energetic as they are, Campaigners often enjoy spending some time in their own company, as it allows them to tap into their creativity and explore the depths of their wild imagination.

Thanks to their imaginative natures, ENFPs excel at coming up with original ideas. Since thinking outside the box comes so easily to them, they typically make great problem-solvers. Due to their unconventional mindsets, however, they tend to disdain traditional, time-tested solutions to problems, for better or worse.

Spontaneity

If there’s one thing people with the ENFP personality collectively hate, it’s routine.

Campaigners have a novelty-seeking personality, and they’re as open to new experiences as they are to fresh ideas and perspectives. Needless to say, they aren’t afraid of venturing outside their comfort zone—if anything, trying something new and exciting is their comfort zone!

Since ENFPs often feel imprisoned by routine, rigid plans, and the like, it goes without saying that they’re rather spontaneous and easy-going. While their tendency to wing it and go with the flow can sometimes lead them to impulsive behaviors, lack of follow-through, and disorganization, it also makes them very flexible and adaptable.

Free-Spirited Nature

Independent and unconventional, people with the ENFP personality type derive pleasure from swimming against the current. However, it’s not because they’re particularly rebellious—though some might be.

It all boils down to the two core values most Campaigners share: freedom and authenticity. Believing in the importance of staying true to yourself at all times, they strive to express their individuality and live memorable, extraordinary lives.

But even though they aren’t typically concerned with social conventions, people with the ENFP personality type tend to seek other people’s approval. Some are also no strangers to people-pleasing.

Because of this, Campaigners often feel torn between the desire to embrace their authenticity—even if it means breaking social norms—and a craving for social acceptance.

Clarification of ENFP Personality Type Cognitive Functions

First introduced by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, cognitive functions are psychological processes that describe how people make decisions and gather information. These functions laid the foundation for Jung’s psychological type theory.

Based on this theory, there are 16 distinct personality types, each of which is defined by a unique set of cognitive functions.

Every personality type, including ENFP, has four cognitive functions. These are organized in hierarchical order—dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, and inferior—based on how strongly they shape the personality.

Extraverted Intuition

Extraverted intuition is the dominant ENFP cognitive function. Thanks to it, Campaigners can immediately spot connections between seemingly random ideas and events.

Not only that, but it also makes them focus on the future—especially in terms of possibilities—rather than the present.

However, since ENFPs can effortlessly identify new opportunities, they may struggle with indecision. Understandably so, given that where others have just two options, Campaigners see multiple choices and alternatives!

As dominant extraverted intuition users, ENFPs also have a knack for analyzing things from different perspectives. Because of this, they are not only open-minded but also great at generating novel ideas and innovative solutions.

Introverted Feeling

Introverted feeling is the auxiliary ENFP cognitive function that primarily impacts their values and decisions. However, it also makes Campaigners attuned to their emotions, which in turn helps them empathize with others.

Essentially, Campaigners have strong moral convictions and strive to ensure that their life choices align with their beliefs. In other words, rather than relying on facts and logic, they count on their feelings and values to help them make the right decision.

Also, introverted feeling is closely related to authenticity, which is why ENFPs value it so much. At the end of the day, they’d rather look weird to others than betray themselves to fit in.

Extraverted Thinking

Since extraverted thinking is the tertiary ENFP cognitive function, Campaigners usually find it easier to organize their thoughts when they share them with others. This cognitive function also helps them find direction in life, achieve goals, and define the most efficient ways of doing so.

That said, ENFPs don’t develop this cognitive function until later in their lives, which may be one of the reasons why they tend to struggle with organization, indecisiveness, and follow-through. As they—and their extraverted thinking—mature, however, they typically learn the value and importance of leading a structured life.

Introverted Sensing

Although introverted sensing is the inferior ENFP cognitive function, it still plays an important role in their lives by supporting their dominant extraverted intuition.

Simply put, this cognitive function helps Campaigners sort through the ideas their extraverted intuition generates. By helping them compare new ideas to their past experiences, introverted sensing encourages ENFPs to learn from their experience. It also helps them work out which ideas are worth pursuing.

Besides that, inferior introverted sensing also manifests as a lack of attention to detail. Nonetheless, it’s not unheard of for ENFPs to display perfectionistic tendencies once they’re really passionate about something.

How ENFP Personality Types Can Grow & Develop: 5 Expert Tips

To let their strengths flourish, overcome their weaknesses, and lead fulfilling lives, people with the ENFP personality type should:

#1. Practice Self-Love

First and foremost, ENFPs should learn to pay less attention to what others think of them and shift their focus inward. By practicing positive self-talk, setting healthy boundaries, and cultivating self-love in other ways, ENFPs can learn to self-validate instead of seeking approval from others. Needless to say, this can be very liberating!

#2. Follow Their Passion

People with the ENFP personality type want to do a million things at once, yet they often end up doing nothing at all. Unfortunately, such a lack of direction in life can cause them to compare themselves to others.

Instead, Campaigners should identify one or two things they enjoy doing and focus their energy on mastering them—as hard as it may be, it’s certainly worth the effort!

#3. Get Organized

You read that right—personal growth for ENFPs can’t be achieved without organization. Making to-do lists, breaking down large tasks into smaller ones, and so on can help ENFPs develop their extraverted thinking function. In turn, this can help them become more goal-oriented and, consequently, fulfill their potential.

#4. Add Excitement to Boring Tasks

People with the ENFP personality type have a talent for making anything fun, so why not utilize it to bring some life to boring everyday tasks?

Something as simple as trying out a new laundry detergent or making a special Spotify playlist for laundry day might be enough to make chores more bearable—or even fun!

#5. Stop Overthinking Everything

With great imagination comes great responsibility, and ENFPs know this all too well. If they let their imagination run wild, they’ll inevitably end up overthinking their entire existence. To find inner peace and avoid reading too much into things, ENFPs should learn to notice when they’re entering the danger zone and redirect their thoughts.

What Are the Best and Worst Career Paths for the ENFP Personality Type?

Generally speaking, the right path for ENFPs is one that provides them with enough challenges and opportunities to hold their interest.

Besides that, ENFPs place a lot of emphasis on workplace culture. In fact, the idea of working a typical 9–5 job can be daunting for these free spirits. Likewise, rigid workplace hierarchies, inflexible company rules and regulations, and no room for autonomy can make even the most perfect job a nightmare for them.

To unleash their creativity and genuinely love their jobs, ENFPs should ideally work in flexible, non-traditional work environments with a casual workplace culture.

Best Careers Paths

Thanks to their vivid imaginations and strong people skills, Campaigners typically excel at jobs that require creative thinking and communication with others.

Some of the best career paths for ENFPs are:

• Actor
• Art Therapist
• Comedian
• Copywriter
• Entrepreneur
• Flight Attendant
• Fundraising Manager
• Graphic Designer
• Human Resources Manager
• Journalist
• Marketing Manager
• Mental Health Counselor
• Photographer
• Producer
• Psychologist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Reporter
• Retail Manager
• Social Worker
• Sociologist
• Teacher

Careers to Avoid

Since ENFPs embrace change and enjoy challenging themselves, they should avoid monotonous jobs and solitary or detail-oriented tasks.

For this reason, ENFPs rarely, if ever, pursue the following careers:

• Accountant
• Administrative Assistant
• Auditor
• Bank Teller
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Data Entry Clerk
• Dentist
• Editor
• Engineer
• Medical Coder

ENFP Personality Types Work Perception

People with the ENFP personality type are brimming with ideas, which makes them perfect for creative careers. However, this can also make it difficult for them to hold down a job. It’s not unusual for ENFPs to make multiple career changes over their lifetime, as they get bored easily and often want to try themselves in different roles.

Needless to say, if the job-hopping phenomenon had a personality type, it’d probably be ENFP.

Nonetheless, once Campaigners find a job that aligns with their values and allows them to build on their natural gifts, such as creativity, they often become key players in their organizations. Original ideas, eagerness to learn, and a people-centric mindset are just a few of the many invaluable things they bring to the workplace.

ENFPs as Leaders

People with the ENFP personality type generally make energetic, egalitarian, and inspiring leaders.

Striving to foster creativity and collaboration in their teams, ENFP leaders tend to give their team members rough guidelines instead of clear directions and commands. However, some may find this lack of structure and expectations confusing or demotivating.

Although ENFP leaders excel at motivating their team members to innovate and grow as professionals, they might struggle with the practical side of leadership. More often than not, meeting deadlines and business goals comes second to them to establishing close connections with their team members.

ENFPs in Teams

As extroverts, ENFPs love working in teams, especially if their teammates are no less creative and innovative than they are. They quickly jump on any opportunity to collaborate with others, as it gives them a chance to connect with people and make their working day more enjoyable and fun.

In particular, ENFPs excel at encouraging their colleagues to think outside the box, consider unorthodox solutions, and analyze problems from different angles.

In an ideal scenario, most ENFPs would choose to generate ideas and leave their execution to others, though they also enjoy solving problems as they arise. In other words, ENFPs have a natural talent for brainstorming, but they may need to push themselves harder to implement them in practice.

ENFP Personality Strengths & Challenges in Relationships

Relationships—whether they’re romantic or platonic—play a very significant role in the lives of people with the ENFP personality type.

Above all else, they strive to form deep, meaningful connections with others. As such, it’s only natural that they invest a great deal of time and energy into fostering their romantic relationships, friendships, and other bonds.

ENFPs as Romantic Partners

People with the ENFP personality type make enthusiastic, supportive, and expressive romantic partners. They don’t hold back from showing their significant others just how much they love them and typically expect their partners to shower them with attention and affection in return.

Although ENFPs have fun-loving personalities, they crave emotional depth in relationships. They want to know their partners inside out, and they aren’t afraid of being vulnerable with them—even though they tend to keep their innermost feelings to themselves.

While some people see dating as a necessary evil, Campaigners genuinely savor the initial stages of relationships. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating to them as getting to know another person on a deeper level and starting to fall for them. And when they fall, you best believe they fall fast and hard!

However, taking their relationship to the next level can prove to be quite a challenge for ENFPs.

While they crave to share their lives with someone they love, they’re often scared of getting trapped in a routine. That said, Campaigners should never diminish the power of their creativity—it’s all they need to keep the spark alive for decades to come!

ENFPs as Friends

People with the ENFP personality type often consider themselves more introverted than most extroverts, and it’s not that hard to understand why.

Not only do they sometimes like to spend some time alone, but they also usually prefer to have a few very close friends to a bunch of acquaintances. They long for meaningful friendships, so surface-level friendships just don’t cut it for them.

Although ENFPs usually like to keep things light and fun, they strive to form authentic connections with their friends. As such, they couldn’t imagine a fulfilling friendship without deep conversations with their buddies, whether these are emotional or philosophical in nature.

Most importantly, Campaigners tend to hear their friends out without any judgment, which makes it easy for others—even hardcore introverts—to open up to them. This, coupled with their empathy, goofy jokes, and genuine interest in people, makes ENFPs remarkable friends and helps them cultivate long-lasting friendships.

ENFPs as Parents

Open-minded and compassionate, people with the ENFP personality type tend to make rather flexible, adventurous, and nurturing parents. More than anything, they want their children to experience all the wonderful opportunities life has to offer.

As such, they tend to encourage their kids to be curious and explore the world freely—as long as they don’t hurt themselves or anyone else.

More often than not, they treat their children as equals, taking their opinions into consideration and respecting their individuality. Since their children know that they won’t be judged or punished, they tend to be very open with them.

Above all else, however, Campaigner parents want their kids to know that they’ll always be there to support them and that they trust them to make good decisions in life.

Although Campaigners make wonderful parents that foster their children’s creativity, self-expression, and uniqueness, they have one major weak point—lack of structure.

Oftentimes, they simply don’t have the heart to tell their children “no” or set rules for them. Luckily, over time, most ENFPs learn to discipline their children in a soft, loving way.

ENFP Compatibility With Other Personality Types

Thanks to their outstanding people skills, open-mindedness, and easy-going natures, Campaigners tend to get along with just about everyone.

In fact, their appreciation for differences and individuality makes it rather easy for them to connect even with those people who are vastly different from them.

Nonetheless, ENFP personality type compatibility isn’t the same with all personality types. While they are naturally drawn to some types, they may find themselves bored or frustrated with others.

ENFP Best Matches

ENFPs are abstract thinkers who thrive on meaningful conversations. Because of this, they enjoy the company of other intuitive personality types more than that of sensors.

Some of the best matches for ENFPs are:

• INTJ. INTJs and ENFPs usually complement one another extremely well. Since they both enjoy intellectual stimulation, they find each other’s company very satisfying—even though they share more differences than similarities.
• INFP. INFP cognitive functions are the same as those of the ENFP personality type, meaning that they tend to understand each other intuitively.
• INFJ. ENFPs and INFJs both possess humanitarian values and a yearning for authentic connection, which makes a great foundation for a fulfilling relationship.

ENFP Worst Matches

While there may be exceptions, ENFPs usually need to put in more effort to connect with sensing personalities, such as:

• ISTJ. While ENFPs ache for emotional depth, ISTJs are very comfortable with it.
• ESTJ. ENFPs may find ESTJs’ love for rules and structure off-putting.
• ISFJ. ISFJs and ENFPs usually have clashing values and communication styles.

What Interests ENFP Personality Types?

Curious and enthusiastic, people with the ENFP personality type usually have a wide range of interests, which may vary greatly from one Campaigner to another.

It’s also not unusual for them to be interested in somewhat obscure or unusual things, such as alternative lifestyles or conspiracy theories. After all, they are not only inquisitive but also rather open-minded!

That said, they tend to lose interest in activities once the sense of novelty wears off. For this reason, most ENFPs try their hand at many different things without necessarily committing to them.

On that note, here are some of the most popular hobbies and interests among people with the ENFP personality type:

ENFP Celebrities & Famous People

Lively and creative, ENFPs are pretty much born to be in the spotlight. Unsurprisingly, quite many celebrities are thought to belong to the Campaigner personality type, including:

• Jim Carrey. Like a typical ENFP, Jim Carrey has dabbled in all sorts of artistic activities: acting, comedy, painting, sculpting, you name it!
• Kanye West. Kanye West may be polarizing, but whether you love him or hate him, it’s undeniable that he’s innovative and authentic.
• Robin Williams. Robin Williams was (and still is!) beloved not only for his acting talent but also for his warmth, sense of humor, creativity, and generosity.