Distinguishing ENFP and ENFJ

This section Distinguishing ENFP and ENFJ is to help users of the personality test verify their type in case they are unsure after doing the personality test and reading the profiles of both types.

ENFPs and ENFJs are very similar personalities. According to David Keirsey’s Temperament Theory, both the ENFP and the ENFJ belong to the Idealist (NFs) type personality.

However, there are still subtle differences that can help you distinguish the two personalities.

ENFPs are more likely to be energized by new ideas and projects than ENFJs.

ENFPs are energized by possibilities and are often seen starting new projects or ideas like learning a new instrument or starting a new business. ENFPs may start many of them, but once they lose the energy that was sparked off by a new idea, they tend to lose interest and move on to the next thing.

ENFJs tend not to have the same behavior. While they enjoy ideas and possibilities as well, they are less prone to starting new enterprises on a whim. Usually, they will consider many other factors as well and will seem to keep more focus than the ENFP.

ENFJs are often gravitate to jobs or careers requiring use of their strong language skills whereas ENFPs often gravitate to jobs that empower or develop people.

Most ENFJs (not all of them) possess strong language skills. One will normally find them in a media-related industry or a job that requires them to use their speaking and writing skills like hosting, public relations, corporate communications and other similar roles. They are precise with their language and tend not to allow themselves to say unnecessary fillers.

ENFPs tend to be more spontaneous in their use of language. They don’t have the same discipline in its use and therefore may use fillers or may speak much more than what is necessary.  They also tend to gravitate to jobs that allow them to empower or develop people like human resource, corporate training, personal coach and other similar roles.

ENFJs are more likely to be deemed to be overbearing than ENFPs.

ENFJs can be very opinionated once they decide on something. They have clear expectations of themselves and others and do not hesitate to tell others about these expectations. As a result, others can view them as overbearing.

ENFPs can be just as opinionated about issues that they believe in; however, they tend to live by ‘to each his own’. They want others to respect their opinions, and they reciprocate by respecting the opinions of others. They find it acceptable to agree to disagree.

These differences should be sufficient for distinguishing ENFP and ENFJ. While there are other more subtle differences, the above-mentioned points are the most observable differences in behaviour.