In this guide, we will answer the question “Are ENFJ Intelligent?”. We will delve into understanding the ENFJ intelligence and other interesting aspects of this personality type.Are ENFJ Intelligent?

Are ENFJ Intelligent?

People belonging to the ENFJ personality type tend to rank high on emotional intelligence and intuitive intelligence. These enable them to relate better to people, often making them very suitable for certain career paths. They also have a logical bent to their thinking.

The ENFJ Intelligence

It is important to understand that every individual has a unique type of intelligence. Very often, the term “intelligent” paints an image of an academically bright individual, effortlessly grasping the mumbo-jumbo of complex mathematical equations. 

According to Robert Sternberg, intelligence can be defined as “the mental abilities which are necessary for adaptation to, as well as shaping and selection of, any environmental context”.

Over the years, many theories of intelligence have paved the way for recognizing the different types of intelligence. 

Psychologist Howard Gardner developed the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. According to this theory, there are eight different types of intelligence. Every individual possesses one or more types. Harnessing these different types of intelligence can help a person develop their ability to adapt to the world around them. These eight types are :

• Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence
• Visual-Spatial Intelligence
• Interpersonal Intelligence
• Intrapersonal Intelligence
• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
• Naturalist Intelligence

Hence, as we delve into understanding intelligence in the ENFJ personality type, we need to keep in mind the broader definition of intelligence. Each one of us is unique, possessing different types of intelligence. It is important to recognize this and draw on our strengths accordingly.

ENFJ essentially stands for Extraverted(E), Intuition(N), Feelings (F), Judgement (J). It is considered to be one of the rarest among the sixteen personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. 

For the ENFJ person, intelligence is valuable. Typically, they are recognized for their deeply emotional nature. They can comprehend the emotions within themselves and others. Consequently, the ENFJ person is inclined to have higher emotional intelligence.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence loosely translates to the ability to understand, interpret emotions. An emotionally intelligent person is able to comprehend their own emotions and that of others.

Individuals belonging to the ENFJ personality type are deeply emotional. This enables them to be receptive to the feelings of others. They are able to understand the people around them better. While others may miss it, the ENFJ personality type can easily sense something going downhill. They are sensitive to the needs of people around them, which helps them to navigate through the complexities of human emotions far more than others. Empathy is a word that is commonly associated with the ENFJ person. This makes them very compassionate towards people. However, sometimes this empathic nature can back-fire. Their understanding of people may lead to the ENFJ person feeling emotionally drained. They have an innate desire to make people around them happy. This may result in the need to constantly please people. 

Conventionally, this ability may not be considered to be a definition of intelligence. However, for the ENFJ person, this deep emotional understanding of themselves and people can help them excel in their careers and workplaces. In professional situations that require one to connect with people and navigate through the many complexities of human connections, the ENFJ person is likely to succeed.

Sometimes, this quality of emotional intelligence can back-fire for an ENFJ. The emotionally intelligent ENFJ is drawn towards resolving conflict in situations. However, when another individual involved in a conflict does not feel the need to resolve it, the ENFJ person is likely to become discouraged and overwhelmed.

Sometimes, this sensitivity towards others leads to the ENFJ person becoming deeply involved in the problems others are facing. While care and understanding towards another person is a beautiful quality, the ENFJ person may sometimes prioritize the problems of others over their own.

Hence, it is important for the ENFJ person to focus the spotlight inwards and towards their own life.

Intuitive Intelligence

The ENFJ person is intuitive in nature. At first, this quality may not be the first thing you notice about them. However, it is a very important part of this personality type. They rely on their intuition to make decisions. Their intuitive intelligence acts as a compass to guide their direction. The ENFJ person relies on this intuition to help them connect with people and care for those around them. The ENFJ person’s emotional nature leads to an intense need to support and care for people close to them. This intuitive intelligence enables them to take steps in that direction. They value their intuition and its role in helping them make choices. It allows them to pick up different pieces of information and make predictions for future outcomes. When an ENFJ person is aware of their intuitive strengths, they are capable of making choices easily.

The Working of the Inner Mind

The ENFJ person has a deeply emotional side. Their emotional intelligence accelerates their ability to understand the people around them. Along with an emotional side, the ENFJ person also has a logical bent of mind. They are continuously analyzing and processing information that comes their way. Their minds are a landscape of different ideas and imagination. It is a place they often like spending time in. 

This intense thinking often fuels their love for reading and seeking new information. They enjoy learning about new subjects and topics. From literature to the sciences and every theory under the sun; the ENFJ person will gladly explore new territories of learning. This helps them evade mental stagnancy. For an ENFJ person, a stagnant mind is an unpleasant place. It may leave them feeling emotionally drained. The wheels of their seeking mind need to be constantly oiled with new information that helps them become more aware.

ENFJ individuals use Introverted Intuition (Ni). This aspect of their personality type allows them to identify patterns, meanings, symbols, and predict outcomes for the future. They can easily read between the lines. They can identify hidden agendas and motives with ease. The ENFJ person’s ability allows them to go beyond face value and understand situations with greater depth. As mentioned earlier, the ENFJ person relies heavily on their intuitive thinking to make decisions. They constantly play out the “If I do this, then this will be the result”, thought in their mind. They swing forth between possibilities so frequently, before settling down on a choice. They are very adept at this process. The ENFJ person can readily synthesize the potential outcomes of the future based on the information at hand.

The ENFJ person also has a valuable quality of strategic thinking. They often diplomatically use their intuitive abilities. It enables them to strategically craft means to make a difference in the world and move people towards a common goal.

It is the Extraverted Feeling element of the ENFJ personality that allows them to be highly sensitive towards people. They are able to understand their emotions and motivations. They can readily identify emotions, needs, and desires that one may not speak of. This ability caters to their suitability in professions that are embedded in human connections. The ENFJ person can make for an inspiring leader and teacher. Many ENFJ personality type individuals are found in professions like the arts, counseling, and religious occupations. This quality in the ENFJ person drives them to work towards making a difference in society, inspiring people towards harmony and progress.

According to an article in psychologyjunkie.com, here are some interesting elements that constitute the ENFJ intelligence

• Interpersonal
• Linguistic
• Experiential
• Collaborative
• Like projects, simulations, peer teaching
• High goal-orientation
• Connected
• Abstract
• Conceptual
• Holistic
• Innovatively Creative
• Methodical
• Participant learners
• Like drill and teaching games
• Structured
• Post-conventional decision-makers

Why is this blog on “Are ENFJ Intelligent?” important?

Typically, we associate the term “intelligence”, with the idea of someone who is book smart. This blog post delves into understanding the intelligence of the ENFJ person. The ENFJ person is likely to stand out with respect to their emotional intelligence, intuitive intelligence, and logical thinking. The information summarized in this article will help you understand yourself better if you’re an ENFJ. Or even if you’re someone interested in understanding the intelligence of your ENFJ person, this might help!

Conclusion

This blog post answered the question, “Are ENFJs Intelligent?”. We explored the many aspects of the ENFJ intelligence, understanding what constitutes their intelligence.

FAQs : Are ENFJ Intelligent?

References

ENFJ Intelligence: How ENFJs Are Smart https://personalitygrowth.com/enfj-intelligence-how-enfjs-are-smart/

Here’s How You Are Clever, Based On Your Personality Type

https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2018/09/12/heres-how-you-are-clever-based-on-your-personality-type/

The Unique Intelligence of INFJs, INTJs, ENFJs and ENTJs

https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2018/10/24/the-unique-intelligence-of-infjs-intjs-enfjs-and-entjs/

Intelligence: Definition, Theories and Testing

https://www.simplypsychology.org/intelligence.html

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence-2795423