All About the ENFP Personality Type (2024)

What Is an ENFP Personality Type?

ENFP is one of the sixteen personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, creators of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). ENFP stands for Extraversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four core personality traits based on the work of psychologist C.G. Jung.

Each of the four letters of the ENFP code signifies a key personality trait of this type. ENFPs are energized by time spent with others (Extraverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (iNtuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (Feeling), and prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized (Perceiving).

The ENFP personality type is also called the "Champion" because of this type's enthusiasm for helping others realize their dreams. Other nicknames for the ENFP include:

The Imaginative Motivator (MBTI)
The Campaigner (16Personalities)

ENFP in a Nutshell

ENFPs are people-centered creators with a focus on possibilities and a contagious enthusiasm for new ideas, people and activities. Energetic, warm, and passionate, ENFPs love to help other people explore their creative potential.

ENFPs are typically agile and expressive communicators, using their wit, humor, and mastery of language to create engaging stories. Imaginative and original, ENFPs often have a strong artistic side. They are drawn to art because of its ability to express inventive ideas and create a deeper understanding of human experience.

ENFP Values and Motivations

ENFPs tend to be curious about others and preoccupied with discovering the deeper meaning in people and ideas. They want authentic experience and often seek emotional intensity. ENFPs are easily bored by details and repetition and seek out situations that offer an escape from the mundane. Novelty is attractive to ENFPs, who often have a wide range of interests and friends from many backgrounds.

ENFPs prize individuality and often consider the pursuit of happiness to be the highest priority in life, both for themselves and for others. They place great importance on personal freedom and self-expression, and want to be able to go wherever inspiration leads.

How Others See the ENFP

ENFPs love to talk about people: not just the facts, but what motivates them, what inspires them, and what they envision achieving in life. They’ll often share their own aspirations freely, and want to hear others’ in return. The ENFP is unlikely to judge anyone’s dream, and will discuss the most imaginative and outlandish of fantasies with warm, enthusiastic intensity. They love to explore creative possibilities, and nothing deflates them faster than talking about dry facts or harsh reality.

ENFPs often seem unconventional, and may come off as scattered; they don’t tend to be in touch with their physical surroundings. They often overlook the details, as they are more likely to focus on connecting with other people or on exploring their own imagination and self-expression. They have little patience for the mundane and want to experience life with intensity and flair. ENFPs often have an artistic streak, and may be artistic in appearance. Many have developed a distinctive and quirky personal style.

How Rare Is the ENFP Personality Type?

ENFP is a moderately common personality type. ENFPs make up:

8.2% of the general population
10.2% of women
5.8% of men

Famous ENFPs

Famous ENFPs include:

ENFP Quotes

"They may be inspiring teachers, scientists, artists, advertising or salespeople, or almost anything they want to be."

- Isabel Briggs Myers, Gifts Differing

"Their enthusiasm is boundless and is often contagious, making them the most vivacious of all the types, and also inspiring others to join their cause."

- David Keirsey, Please Understand Me II

"ENFPs' ability to empower others is one of their most impressive contributions to the workplace."

- Otto Kroeger, Type Talk at Work

Facts About ENFPs

Interesting facts about the ENFP:

On personality trait scales, scored as Enthusiastic, Outgoing, Spontaneous, Changeable, Impulsive, Energetic, and Understanding
Scored among highest of all types in available resources for coping with stress
ENFP women are less likely to suffer from heart disease
ENFP men are less likely to suffer from chronic pain
Rated by psychologists as among most likely of all types to have trouble in school
Overrepresented among academically talented elementary school students
Personal values include Home & family, Friendships, Creativity, Learning, and Community Service
Commonly found in careers in counseling, teaching, religion, and the arts

ENFP Hobbies and Interests

Popular hobbies for the ENFP include writing, creating and appreciating art, playing musical instruments, listening to music, participating in community theater, and reading fiction.

Molly Owens