Discover an ENFP personality’s strengths and weaknesses

If you’ve ever witnessed someone captivate a crowd with infectious energy and passionate stories, you’ve seen an ENFP personality type in action.

ENFP — or the Campaigner — is one of 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. And understanding where you sit within these categories opens up the opportunity to leverage your strengths and weaknesses professionally — some of which you might not know about. 

If you take the Myers-Briggs test to determine your type and discover you’re more introverted than extroverted, you might better understand why a lot of collaboration tires you. You can then find ways to carve out time for independent projects so you can bring your best self to teamwork. 

And let’s say you make decisions based on your feelings rather than your thoughts. Maybe you’ll take a beat to consider the data a coworker presents to you to balance the scale a little. 

So, what exactly is the ENFP personality type? And if you’re this type, how can you leverage your stronger and weaker traits to gain further professional development?

What’s “ENFP,” or “The Campaigner”?

ENFP stands for extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving. This ENFP meaning stems from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), an assessment that sorts personalities into 16 categories based on where you sit on the spectrum between these eight traits:

• Extroversion (E) versus Introversion (I): If you sit closer to extroversion, you refuel your energy levels via social interactions. And if you’re more introverted, you recharge with alone time. 
• Sensing (S) versus Intuition (N): This determines whether you use your senses or intuition to examine information. 
• Thinking (T) versus Feeling (F): A thinking person prefers making data-driven choices, while a feeling person lets their emotions guide them. 
• Judging (J) versus Perceiving (P): This determines how you approach the world, be it from a more judgmental and structured manner or in a more open-to-change way. 

ENFPs are extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving. This means they enjoy social interactions, let their intuition and feelings guide decision-making, and are more judgment-free and open-minded when interacting with their surroundings. 

This personality type makes up about 8% the population. ENFPs are one of the most popular Myers-Briggs personality types, underscoring their significance in one’s community.

Some other common arrangements are INFPs, ENFJs, INTJs, and ENTPs.

ENFP personality type strengths

ENFP types are called Campaigners because they often use their enthusiasm and persuasion skills to get people behind their ideas, according to Very Well Mind. Here are a few more personality strengths: 

• Enthusiasm and passion: ENFPs are filled to the brim with passion, energizing a room and offering infectious enthusiasm. Their vibrant nature makes them natural motivators, inspiring those around them to see the world through their bright lens.
• Creativity: The ENFP personality type doesn’t stick to traditional methods, using their knack for thinking outside the box to effortlessly concoct creative solutions. From artistic endeavors to strategic problem-solving, they offer a team innovative ideas and unique solutions.
• Open-mindedness: Because ENFPs care so highly about respecting their personal values and autonomy, they want others to do the same. The Campaigner personality type is the first to champion individual rights and isn’t quick to judge. Proponents of change and diversity, they thrive in environments that allow them to explore different perspectives outside their comfort zone.
• Effective problem-solving: Faced with a challenge, ENFPs don’t back down. They’re excited about the challenge, empathetic to the needs of those affected by the problem, and willing to find a unique yet effective solution. 
• Fun and spontaneity: For an ENFP, life's too short for stringent routines and mundane tasks. They’re the epitome of spontaneity, seeking the thrill of new experiences. This love for the unexpected means they're always up for an adventure, making every day unpredictable and exciting.

ENFP self-improvement opportunities

While ENFPs offer enthusiasm and creative problem-solving to their workplace, they can also be highly sensitive to constructive criticism and less detail-oriented than other types. If you’re an ENFP type, here are a few excellent self-improvement areas to focus on: 

• Lacking organizational skills: Because you’re energetic and spontaneous, you might struggle to focus on more mundane and forward-thinking tasks like organizing your workspace or effectively prioritizing your work. Creating to-do lists and time blocking might help you structure your day to stay on track.

• Needing approval from others: You deeply value your relationships, but this might mean you rely too heavily on external validation at times. Recognizing your inherent worth and focusing on intrinsic motivation might reduce your dependence on others’ approval.

• Being emotionally reactive: The emotional depth of your personality type is a double-edged sword. You’re highly empathetic — a personality trait your loved ones appreciate — but you might struggle to avoid toxic empathy.

  And it’s common for ENFPs to react to situations emotionally first before thinking them through more rationally. Practicing emotional regulation, whether through mindfulness practices or journaling, will help you learn more about your triggers and how to calm your nervous system before reacting.

• Struggling to follow the rules: Because you value spontaneity and freedom so highly, you might feel disdain for rigid workplace and industry rules. Gaining a deeper understanding of the purpose behind certain guidelines will help you see their value and importance.

  Sometimes these limitations even offer you more freedom in the future, like if a manager asks you to wait on a certain task because in a couple weeks they’ll gain resources that offer you increased autonomy over your work. 

• Feeling indecisive: ENFPs get so excited about exploring every option possible, which might make you feel paralyzed when you must make a decision. Establishing a decision-making framework and setting time limits encourages forward movement.

Productivity tips for ENFPs

A key shortfall for the ever-energetic ENFP is productivity, since their love of spontaneity might make them struggle with time management and task organization, according to 16 Personalities, an organization that offers the Myer-Briggs test. But with these tips, you can channel your enthusiasm to work smarter, not harder:

• Create to-do lists: A clear list provides direction when you’re unsure of what to do next. And breaking down projects into actionable and less daunting steps increases the chance you’ll complete each item, which offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
• Take breaks: ENFPs thrive on a balance between social interaction and self-reflection. Set aside alone time, especially in nature or quiet spaces, to protect your energy. 
• Eliminate distractions: With a tendency toward spontaneity, distractions are a common hindrance for ENFPs. Learning to avoid interruptions and designing a workspace free from unnecessary distractions will help you focus better and channel your energy productively.
• Batch similar tasks together: Leveraging energy bursts is a great way to maximize productivity. Handling related tasks in succession maximizes an ENFPs cognitive functions and reduces the mental stress of switching between different activities.
• Seek new experiences: Routine tasks stifle an ENFP’s motivation. Integrate new learning opportunities and change your work environment to stay engaged and focused. If you work remotely, you might head to a café to answer emails, completing project work at home. And if you’re in-office, you could oscillate between an empty meeting room and your desk. 

7 of the best ENFP career options

While jobs come in all shapes and sizes, some fit the lively ENFP personality like a glove. With a natural ability to understand and connect with people, you’ll thrive in roles that allow you to socialize while offering the autonomy for some independent and self-reflective work. 

Here are seven career paths that let ENFPs stand out and make a difference.

1. Psychologist

Because you’re an empathetic people-person, you’re always looking to learn more about the human psyche, making psychology a fitting field. You love sharing your thoughts, are comfortable with yours and others’ feelings, and are a fantastic problem-solver — all traits you can apply when helping individuals navigate mental health challenges. 

2. Journalist

If the world's mysteries beckon you and ignite your innate curiosity and drive to communicate the truth, you’d make an excellent journalist. You’ll offer well-rounded stories that include both the facts and the human element behind the headlines.

3. Actor

The stage and screen provide ample playgrounds for you to express yourself. And since you’re so empathetic and interested in interpersonal connections, you might find it easier to relate to others to bring various characters to life. Plus, your extroverted nature ensures you shine in the limelight, connecting with the audience in every role.

4. TV anchor/reporter

Because of your enthusiasm, confidence, and persuasion skills, you’re naturally charming, which makes you an excellent fit as a TV anchor. And because you’re empathetic, you’ll deliver the news sensitively while connecting with viewers on an emotional level to make yourself more relatable. 

5. Writer

From novels to screenplays, the imaginative prowess of ENFPs is a treasure. Your knack for crafting compelling narratives springs from your deep introspective and observant nature. Whether it's a fantastical world or a commentary on society, your words will draw readers into the heart of the story.

6. Coach

You’re a natural motivator who wants to empower everyone to stand behind their values to live their best life, making you an excellent fit for a coaching career. This industry offers so much autonomy over your work, since you can choose from a wide range of specialties, like life coaching and executive coaching, and organize your schedule to suit your needs. 

7. Event planner

Because you care about others, enjoy having control over your work, and like being in the spotlight, you might find an event planning career rewarding. You’ll leverage your creativity and impeccable interpersonal skills to ensure your clients have the best experiences during important events like weddings and anniversaries. 

Tips for interacting with ENFPs

Talking with an ENFP is a journey. With their deep feelings and lively spirit, chatting about thrilling adventures and thought-provoking topics is commonplace. Here are a few ways to navigate your relationships with ENFPs: 

• Provide emotional support: Emotions guide ENFPs, and that might mean they feel overwhelmed and mentally fatigued sometimes. When they're going through a challenging time, offer a listening ear, genuine comfort, and understanding to help them level out.
• Bring excitement: The Campaigner personality type thrives on spontaneity and new experiences. Whether it's a surprise outing, a unique gift, or just a break from routine, they'll appreciate the thought and the adventure.
• Engage in deep conversations: Surface-level chat isn’t for ENFPs. Dive deep into topics, explore ideologies, and share personal stories. They value connections built on meaningful dialogues and mutual understanding.
• Appreciate their creativity: Recognize the innovative spirit of ENFPs. Whether it's a fresh solution they've proposed or an artistic endeavor they've embarked on, celebrate their creativity. It not only validates their efforts but also fuels their motivation.
• Be open-minded: Unique perspectives and ideas attract ENFPs, so approach them with an open heart and mind. Respect their views, even if they diverge from yours, and you'll enjoy richer and more fulfilling conversations.

Embracing the Campaigner's world 

If you’re an ENFP personality type, congrats: you offer your community care, enthusiasm, and a judgment-free space. And if you’re a close friend or coworker of an ENFP, you can feed off their energy to enjoy more professional growth.

But whatever your type, the best part about learning more about different personality systems is that it offers you the opportunity to better understand yourself. You can then strategically use your strengths and improve upon your weaknesses to enjoy further growth in every area of your life.