The ENFP Personality Type and Decision-Making

People approach decisions in many different ways. Some people like to consider all of their options meticulously and methodically, sometimes even making spreadsheets or charts to keep track of their thought processes. Others prefer to discuss their ideas with friends or co-workers, changing their minds frequently throughout the process. Sometimes, understanding how and why others make decisions can be challenging, even frustrating, especially in the workplace where tensions can run high. Being aware of your own and your team’s Myers-Briggs® Personality Type (MBTI® Type) can provide some general context and trends, and help build mutual understanding, leading to a smoother workflow and less stressful workplace.

For instance, Extraverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Perceiving (ENFP) personality types tend to reject tradition when they make decisions. They prefer to explore new frontiers and develop new approaches. While they may be overly optimistic about surmounting practical or logistical issues, their passion and energy often drives the teams to which they contribute. This team orientation carries through to valuing and drawing attention to others’ contributions at all phases of decision making, from brainstorming to implementation. That said, ENFPs are vocal and enthusiastic, sometimes to the extent of unintentionally obscuring others’ ideas. As they continue to grow, they should become more aware and conscious of the effects of their effusiveness and realize that sometimes taking a backseat is appropriate for others to share the spotlight. If you are working with ENFPs, it may be helpful to structure the brainstorming process such that everyone has an equal opportunity to express their thoughts.

ENFPs are global, big picture thinkers. They may be able to help others understand the significance and future impact of decisions they make, and are flexible and responsive throughout the implementation process. They are also people-oriented and are great motivators, being sure to give frequent praise to their team to maintain a positive feeling and energy with their teams. At the same time, sometimes this global perspective inhibits ENFPs’ ability to focus on specific options or the immediate impact those options may have on others. It also can make it challenging for ENFPs to execute specific tasks or protocols. On the other hand, from an ENFP’s perspective, everything contributes to the overall picture, so they may overestimate the importance of minor processes.

In general, ENFPs work more effectively and efficiently when others narrow down their options, grounding them and keeping them focused on specific outcomes. They also benefit from having others mediate disagreements, and should keep in mind that respectful disagreement can be valuable for testing ideas and making sure a project is on the right track. ENFPs should also consider all information available within its current context, and carefully consider the logical and practical implications of decisions they might make. This could entail developing and adhering to a strict plan, or creating a projected timeline of expected implications.

As you can see, being aware of MBTI® Personality Type allows you to anticipate how your team makes decisions, and how you and your team can continue to develop as decision makers both in and outside of the workplace.

 

Learn More About the MBTI ENFP Personality Type

• Explore Our ENFP Personality Type Page

Explore additional information that delves deeper into the ENFP Personality Type by examining various personality and career based subjects:

• How the MBTI ENFP Type relates to Innovation
• How the MBTI ENFP Type relates to Project Management
• How the MBTI ENFP Type relates to Emotional Intelligence
• How the MBTI ENFP Type Relates to Leadership
• How the MBTI ENFP Type Relates to Communication

ENFP Careers

Click on one of these corresponding popular ENFP Careers for detailed information including Career Stats, Income Stats, Daily Tasks and Required Education:

Bartender, Counseling Psychologist, Director of Religious Activities or Education,Fitness Trainer or Aerobics Instructor, Hairdresser, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist, Psychiatrist, Public Relations Specialist,Recreation Worker, Rehabilitation Counselor, and Reporter or Correspondent.

Click on a link below to read more about different MBTI Personality Types

ISTJ	ISFJ	INFJ	INTJ	ESTP	ESFP	ENFP	ENTP
ISTP	ISFP	INFP	INTP	ESTJ	ESFJ	ENFJ	ENTJ

References

Introduction to Type and Decision Making. (Hirsh, K., & Hirsh E. CPP. 2007)