Type Analysis: INFJ or ENFJ?

Since INFJs and ENFJs share the same functions, it’s reasonable to conclude that INFJs who near the extroverted side of the scale may mistype as ENFJs.

If you strongly identify as an introvert, it’s unlikely that you will mistype as an extroverted personality type. However, those who identify with both introverted and extroverted personality traits, also known as ambiverts, may have a hard time deciding if the INFJ or ENFJ description fits them best.

Other than the I and the E, what is it that sets INFJs apart from their extroverted counterparts? First, let’s take a look at the function stack for INFJs and ENFJs:

INFJ: Ni Fe Ti Se
ENFJ: Fe Ni Se Ti

Because the two types share their first extroverted function, Fe (also shared with ISFJs and ESFJs) they may at first impression seem very similar. However, the difference in dominant function (Ni or Fe) is what sets them apart from one another the most.

Ni is a perceiving function and Fe is a judging function. Personality Junkie explains the differences between these dominant functions well:

“Since their Ni is dominant, INFJs are best understood as dominant Perceivers. Their primary purpose is to take in the world and understand it, rather than trying to shape or control it. ENFJs, by contrast, use Fe as their dominant function. Their foremost objective is not to understand the world, but to change or influence it (typically this occurs through their influence on people).”

Since ENFJs’ Fe and Se are higher in their function stack than they are for INFJs, ENFJs tend to be more action-oriented (external) whereas INFJs are more idea-oriented (internal). In Please Understand Me II, Keirsey calls ENFJs the Teachers and INFJs the Counselors. It is a teacher’s job to lead, motivate, and inspire his or her students. These are the biggest strengths of ENFJs. It is a counselor’s job to listen, understand, and advise. These are the biggest strengths of INFJs.

Due to their dominant Fe, ENFJs are more likely to open up about their feelings than INFJs. Both types feel the need to talk out their emotions, but INFJs are more likely to hold something in longer if they don’t feel the time is right to discuss it.

Although extremely empathetic, ENFJs are less perceptive than INFJs, as well as more vocal about their opinions on people and situations, which can make them come across as bossy or judgmental. INFJs dominant Ni serves as a filter for their Fe, which makes them less likely to voice an opinion or concern unless they are confident that it’s the right thing to do.

Both INFJs and ENFJs are warm, empathetic, and often well-liked personality types. Due to their similarities, these types often get along well as close friends and companions.

About The Author

Megan

Megan is an introvert and INFJ personality type who enjoys reading, researching, and writing about personality psychology and human behavior. As the founder of this blog, Megan wants to help other INFJs better understand their personality to improve their personal and professional lives.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Carol Ostrouch | 19th Nov 14

    That’s pretty accurate of hubby and I. I call him (ENFJ) the drill Sargent when he barks out orders, but we can joke around and have patience with each other when we know where the other is coming from because we both operate from the heart of good intentions. In many ways it is a good match. We balance each other with our strengths and help each other with our weak spots. We are willing to go the extra mile to help each other out. ENFJ may not have dominant intuition, but it is strong enough for them to get radar signals from those they are close to. We actually have a lot in common for two differing types. ENFJ could potentially overshadow INFJ in public only because they are so much more outgoing and the limelight is often their drug of choice. The ENFJ’s in my life handle constructive criticism quite well and really do aim to please. Make sure you are honest with each other though as both have BS detectors. Egos take a back seat in this match. Dependability and trustworthiness are favored.

  2. danyalzia | 5th Jun 15

    If an INFJ is passionate about something or about helping someone, then he can really act like an ENFJ in implementing his idea and controlling the environment. It’s just naturally ENFJ has more drive than INFJ.

  3. Paul Thomas | 21st Oct 17

    What if someone were right down the middle between INFJ and ENFJ, wouldn’t that make them a different personality type altogether ?

    • Lisa | 4th Dec 17

      I feel that way, too. Reading detailed descriptions of both types, I will find both of them to be partially true. If I could create a new type: ANFJ (ambivert), and pick qualities from both INFJ and ENFJ, there would finally be a type I could fully relate to.

  4. Kiki | 4th Mar 18

    I have identified as INFJ, and yet… being an INFJ I often retake the test and somehow end up either INFJ or ENJF. I think It stems from PASSION in life.
    I believe when an INFJ has a strong PURPOSE they are more extroverted than statistically perceived.
    I have grown up happily in a volunteer lifestyle, and due to that lifestyle I am far more extroverted than I am comfortable being *and at the same time comfortable being* it’s the curse of the INFJ I THINK?!….
    I grew up thinking “surely I have a split personality or soemthing?!” Always:
    “I feel SO much about XYZ and now I’m EXAUSTED from helping in XYZ situation but I have such satisfaction from doing XYZ”
    or worse still:
    “Oh no! They need help ACTIVATE HELPING POWERS… *inner mind: you fool what are you doing?! you need rest and that person/place/thing doesn’t even care about you why are you bending your back to help them… aww LOOK! they are happy… now I’m happy… and exhausted”
    ITS A VICIOUS CYCLE!!
    When exhausted, my INFJ-ness is so strong and I want to enjoy the Natural Introvert that I am… but my Cultivated Extrovert rarely lets me *sigh*
    So looping back…I THINK INFJs tend to be classified as introverts but I the “oddness” of an INFJ is that they naturally are introvert, whilst symbiotically (and sometimes unsymbiotically) the strength in their passions force them to be extrovert.
    The solution? Rest .
    Give an INFJ rest and they will be your greatest ally. They will sacrifice ALL of themselves for you, and really not feel resentful about any of it- because they love you more than you love them-trust me-but they WILL feel tired due to all that they take on emotionally. Let them rest, recharging INFJs are comparable to a sleeping grizzly bear, let them REST and they will wake up ready to protect their cubs *you* at all cost! But LET THEM REST!
    That’s my two cents anyways… maybe a dime, ‘tis a long comment;)

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