ENFP vs INTJ (A Comparative Analysis)

In this article, we will compare ENFP vs INTJ personalities from the MBTI types. We will do that by initially describing both personalities in-depth including their four cognitive functions.  This will follow up by comparing and seeing how these personalities are similar and different from each other. 

ENFP vs INTJ

 If we consider ENFP vs INTJ  and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are conceptual thinkers and have future-oriented thinking. However, they have differences as well. ENFPs like spending time with people, are emotional and prefer spontaneity. Compared to them, INTJs like spending time alone, are logical and prefer following a plan.  

MBTI: Four Cognitive Functions

 Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types, approaches personality to be composed of four cognitive functions that govern how people think, process, and make decisions. The top two cognitive functions play a dominant role in guiding a person’s personality. Whereas, the latter two play less of a role. However, they still have some impact or influence on how a person behaves in certain situations. ENFP and INTJ are two personality types out of the 16 types. Their cognitive functions are discussed in detail as follows.

ENFP: The Champion (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)

The ENFP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a unique personality. It generally describes people who are enthusiastic, imaginative, flexible, innovative, creative, empathic, and value their independence. Up to 5 to 7 percent of people are estimated to have the ENFP personality type.

Four Cognitive Functions of ENFP

Four cognitive functions that guide how ENFP personality type processes information includes:

  • Extraverted Intuition

ENFPs are open to new challenges and possibilities. Their focus is more on abstract ideas rather than concrete ones. So, they mostly try to imagine what the future may hold. Their tendency to understand things in terms of possible ideas rather than how they actually might exist enables them to detect patterns or relationships among people, ideas, and the world.

  • Introverted Feeling

ENFPs put a high value on their emotions and feelings whenever they make decisions. In other words, rationality/objectivity or logic is not their first go-to option when deciding any course of action. Consequently, they try to understand how they and other people feel. This makes them naturally empathic. Furthermore, they prioritize their values and try to make decisions that are in line with it.

  • Extraverted Thinking 

Apart from feelings, ENFPs do try to give due value to logic and thinking as part of their ‘self’. Their focus is on trying to organize, link, and spot connections among ideas. Thus, they may tend to lay out information, so that each of their thoughts is linked to each other. 

  • Introverted Sensing

Whenever they are interacting with people or new things, ENFPs may try to relate, connect, and compare present experiences with past experiences. Their focus is to find any commonalities or patterns between the two. This is because doing so can help them predict or expect what the future may bring. Thus, memories, feelings, and thoughts related to the past play an important role in their life.

INTJ: The Architect/Strategist (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

The INTJ personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who are creative, rational, and analytical. They like theoretical information and are confident in themselves. People find them good listeners, open to criticism and perfectionistic in their approach. Furthermore, since they dislike talking about emotions, they are perceived as insensitive and cold by others. 1-4% of the INTJ personality type exists in the world.  

Four Cognitive Functions of INTJ

Four cognitive functions that guide how INTJ personality type processes information includes:

  • Introverted Intuition

INTJs are able to detect patterns & connections among interlinked ideas and enjoy exploring different possibilities and their meaning. They are focused on impressions rather than details. Furthermore, they can easily read between the lines to figure out the true meaning behind something.

  • Extroverted Thinking

INTJs are very systematic in their approach. They like order and structure as it helps them feel in control. Their decision making is based on logic and they like organizing their thoughts in the form of cause and effect relationships. 

  • Introverted Feeling

INTJs do rely on their feelings but less frequently. If they develop this part of their personality, they can achieve balance, pay more attention to the values & feelings of others, and can also be drawn to other people who share their values.  

  • Extroverted Sensing

This is the weakest part of INTJ’s personality. Nonetheless, it helps them in processing information through their senses, live in the present, and feel in tune with their surroundings in certain situations.  

A Comparison of ENFP and INTJ

Personality: ENFP vs INTJ

ENFP is considered a very imaginative, innovative, energetic, and spontaneous personality. They are always in search of new ideas and are pretty accepting of multiple perspectives. They are considered risk-takers who make use of every opportunity life throws at them. Their approach is people-centered, caring, and empathetic. However, they dislike getting into detail and following through with commitments as they easily get distracted by the next exciting challenge.

INTJs are patient, quiet, logical, determined, and visualizers of the future. They like intellectual discussions, especially on abstract ideas. Additionally, they have an internal world of their own where they spend most of their time contemplating complex information. Socializing or being surrounded by a lot of people drains their energy. So, they prefer spending time in their own company. 

Workstyle: ENFP vs INTJ

Both ENFP and INTJ personalities have different working styles in their workplace.

Due to their good interpersonal skills, warm attitude towards others, and good people reading skills, ENFPs contribute a new perspective and creative problem-solving to the office team. If they are elected as leaders, they are caring and thoughtful but not good at devising work systems or dealing with bad news. They also don’t like rules and regulations or strict structures in work proceedings which explains why they dislike being controlled by the management.  They prefer flexibility, innovation, stimulation, and avoid tasks that are repetitive or monotonous.

In the workplace, INTJs like complex problems and figuring out their solutions. They get excited by such challenges and move on to the next when it becomes too boring for them. They work best on their own or in cooperation with like-minded individuals. Routines and monotony drain their energy. So they avoid it. Other people find them hardworking, creative, perfectionists, and open to possibilities and ideas. 

Conflict: ENFP vs INTJ 

Attitude towards conflict and its management by both personalities can vary.

ENFPs usually avoid conflict and try to resolve the matter peacefully and warmly. They dislike injustice/ unfairness and strive for harmony. Their language during conflicts is emotionally loaded. Furthermore, they can easily open up about themselves in such situations.

INTJs are private people who like to engage in intellectual debate. They don’t see them as conflicts rather a chance to have a discussion.  They work more at a logical level than at an emotional level. For them, resolution of conflicts and concluding is part of the process which they ensure to reach so that they can move on to the next thing. 

Interpersonal Skills: ENFP vs INTJ

The interpersonal skills of both ENFP and INTJ are similar in some respects and different in others. Particularly, the manner of relating to others, perceiving other people, and how others perceive them is distinct for both personalities.

ENFPs are usually outgoing, happy, positive, and hopeful in the presence of others. At times, they can be sensitive and take criticism seriously. They may have a need to be liked and approved by others. People perceive them as likable, genuine, and fun to be around. They are usually emotionally expressive and can be found at the center of dramatic situations. However, they try to keep the environment light for other people to feel comfortable. They can be future-oriented, open to possibilities, and driven to care about other people in many situations. 

On the other hand, INTJs are serious, reserved, and scientific in their approach. They are unable to understand things at an emotional level which makes them seem cold and insensitive to others. They like analyzing complex problems based on conceptual and abstract data compared to trying to understand the emotions and feelings of people. 

 FAQs: ENFP vs INTJ

Are ENFP and INTJ compatible?

Yes. ENFPs and INTJs are compatible, ideal partners and can have a healthy relationship. They share a similar love for an intellectual connection, abstract communication style, and passion for innovation. Yet, their differences in the preference for socialization, value vs logic, view of relationships, and preference for organization may need to be worked upon.

Who should an INTJ marry?

INTJ should marry ENFP or ESTP. This is because their dominant introverted intuition can be matched well by the dominant extroverted intuition of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well. 

Who should an ENFP marry?

ENFP should marry an INTJ or the INFJ. This is because their dominant function of extraverted intuition can be matched well by the dominant introverted intuition of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well. 

What are INTJs attracted to?

INTJs are attracted to people who are sincere, direct, and confident in themselves.

Conclusion

In this article, we compared ENFP vs INTJ  personality types and found that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are conceptual thinkers and have future-oriented thinking. However, they have differences as well. ENFPs like spending time with people, are emotional and prefer spontaneity. Compared to them, INTJs like spending time alone, are logical and prefer following a plan. 

I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊

Citations

https://www.verywellmind.com/enfp-an-overview-of-the-champion-personality-type-2795980#:~:text=The%20ENFP%20personality%20type%20is,charming%2C%20energetic%2C%20and%20independent.

https://www.verywellmind.com/intj-introverted-intuitive-thinking-judging-2795988

https://personalityatwork.co/types/enfp/vs/intj

https://www.crystalknows.com/personality-type/relationship/intj-enfp#:~:text=INTJs%20and%20ENFPs%20are%20both,desire%20a%20sense%20of%20spontaneity.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!