Understanding one’s personality type is crucial for personal and professional growth. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) provides a framework for identifying key traits and preferences, offering insights into how individuals interact with the world and approach challenges. This article explores the alignment with the ENFP personality type, characterized by extraversion, intuition, feeling, and perceiving traits. Through self-assessment and formal testing, the implications of this personality type are analyzed alongside contrasting traits of other types, such as ISTJ, to demonstrate the value of leveraging personality insights for personal development and career success.
This article uses the result of an initial self-assessment of Ms. Elisabeth, a former University of The People student, and the test suggested alignment with the ENFP personality type. This was later confirmed by a formal test, which revealed the following traits: Extravert (88%), Intuitive (12%), Feeling (56%), and Perceiving (31%) (Humanmetrics, n.d.). These results highlight a dominant extraversion preference, moderate tendencies toward feeling and perceiving, and a preference for intuition over sensing.
A subsequent test further corroborated the ENFP classification despite slight variations in percentages. These consistent results validate the initial assessment shared in the discussion forum. The ENFP profile is characterized by a pleasant and friendly demeanor, fostering a positive environment in both academic and professional settings (Humanmetrics, n.d.). This personality type is described as affectionate, demonstrative, and spontaneous qualities that make individuals well-suited for public relations or business development roles, where persuasive communication is essential (Humanmetrics, n.d., para. 2).
In contrast, the ISTJ personality type represents the opposite traits. ISTJs are introverted, sensing, thinking, and judging individuals who value order and meticulousness (Humanmetrics, n.d.). A personal acquaintance, Matthew Carl Smith, exemplifies this type. As a football coach in the UK, his career aligns with his methodical approach, preference for structure, and dedication to his responsibilities. His personality contrasts sharply with the ENFP profile, yet these differences can complement each other. For instance, while he organized and planned meticulously, an ENFP’s social skills could enhance his interpersonal interactions.
Reflecting on past challenges, an understanding of personality traits provides valuable insights. For example, Elisabeth faced a difficult experience during her employment with British Petroleum (BP) involving workplace bullying. Despite efforts to address the issue through dialogue and HR intervention, the situation persisted, ultimately leading to resignation. This outcome underscores the vulnerability of ENFPs to negative interpersonal dynamics, as they are often “victimized by less caring individuals” (Humanmetrics, n.d., para. 11). This pattern of experiences, from school to the workplace, highlights the importance of strategies to mitigate such vulnerabilities.
Another significant challenge occurred during her role as a Business Class galley assistant on a fully booked Boeing 777 flight. A colleague’s criticism triggered an emotional response, reflecting the ENFP’s tendency to overuse feelings. Recognizing this, future situations will be approached with strategies to manage emotional reactions and maintain focus. Additionally, understanding the personality traits of others, such as the potential ENTJ characteristics of the colleague, can improve interactions by anticipating their direct and decisive communication style (The Myers & Briggs Foundation, n.d., para. 16).
The Myers & Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) offers valuable personal and professional growth tools. Understanding one’s personality type can better anticipate future reactions to challenging situations and career paths more effectively align with individual strengths. The following strategies can be implemented:
- Managing Emotional Reactions: Recognize and regulate emotional responses to prevent them from escalating difficult situations.
- Leveraging Strengths: Use persuasive communication skills to create positive impressions and secure opportunities.
- Avoiding Negative Influences: Proactively disengage from individuals who exhibit bullying behaviors to protect emotional well-being.
- Adapting to Diverse Personalities: Approach individuals with different personality types with understanding, using MBTI insights to guide interactions.
- Career Alignment: Focus job searches on roles that align with ENFP strengths and preferences, enhancing job satisfaction and success.
By applying these strategies, individuals can navigate challenges more effectively and align their career paths with their unique strengths and preferences. Furthermore, appreciating the diversity of personality types fosters better collaboration and mutual understanding. Harnessing these insights can pave the way for navigating challenges effectively and achieving long-term success in various life domains.
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References
Humanmetrics. (n.d.). Jung typology test. http://www.humanmetrics.com/personality/enfp-type?EI=88&SN=-12&TF=-56&JP=-31
Humanmetrics. (n.d.). Jung typology test. http://www.humanmetrics.com/personality/istj
The Myers & Briggs Foundation. (n.d.). The 16 MBTI types. https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/the-16-mbti-types.htm