Myers-Briggs® (MBTI® Test) ENFJ Personality Types and Leadership

Today’s fast-paced working environment is more complex and more challenging than it has ever been in the past, and it’s only getting faster (Richmond, 2008). The more aware leaders are of their strengths, the more effectively and efficiently they can guide their teams to success. This week’s blog explores Extroverted-Intuition with Feeling-Judging or more simply put the MBTI® ENFJ personality type. We will discuss how they can help their teams adapt and cope with today’s ever-changing workplace.

People often talk about how important it is to “play to your strengths” as a leader. This used to mean trying different strategies and tactics until you found one that worked. Fortunately for us, leadership development and analysis has come a long way. Methods like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI) have been helping leaders understand themselves and their teams in order to make informed decisions about organizations, employee retention, and more. ENFJ’s are known for their warmth and ability to inspire other members of their team. They understand the impact of individuals in the workplace, and take the time to recognize their contributions, making the workplace more pleasant. However, because they are so personally invested in their company and the people with whom they work, they sometimes have a tendency to take criticism personally, or to view workplace problems and challenges as personal issues. They also avoid conflict whenever possible. While this can be a good thing—it’s never good to make mountains out of molehills—it can lead to ignoring difficulties that need to be discussed. For this reason, Richmond (2008) suggests that ENFJs try to distance themselves from challenges and consider them more objectively, perhaps by discussing them with a friend or colleague who is not directly involved. They should then address the problem in the same day, rather than hoping it will resolve itself.

Another unexpected (and undesired) side effect of ENFJs’ contagious positivity is miscommunication. Richmond (2008) points out that ENFJs can err on the side of diplomacy and politeness, even when more direct communication is needed in order for team members to understand what is expected of them, or what needs to change. This causes the need for clarification or repetition, which decreases efficiency. ENFJs can optimize their workplace functions by giving more specific instructions to their co-workers and team members, so they can more effectively meet their projects and company goals.

By measuring your feedback and directness, as well as developing strategies for conflict resolution, you will be able to function even better in the workplace and will be able to build stronger, more productive teams.

               

Reference

Introduction to Type and Leadership (Richmond, S. CPP. 2008)

Learn More About the MBTI ENFJ Personality Type

• Explore our MBTI ENFJ Personality Type Page

ENFJ Careers

Click on one of these corresponding popular ENFJ Careers for detailed information including Career Stats, Income Stats, Daily Tasks and Required Education: Child Care Worker, Clergy, Customer Service Representative , Dental Assistant,Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant, Health Educator, Host or Hostess, Instructional Coordinators, Interior Designers, Loan Counselors.

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

• How the MBTI ENFJ Type relates to Innovation
• How the MBTI ENFJ Type relates to Emotional Intelligence
• How the MBTI ENFJ Type relates to Project Management
• How the MBTI ENFJ Personality Type relates to Communication Style

Click On Your Personality Type Below & Read About Your Leadership Style:

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

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