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{<b><p16>ENFJ:  Smooth-Talking Persuaders<n><p12> }
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{If you need to sell the impossible to a reluctant buyer and make the buyer like it, then you'll do no better than to call upon an ENFJ. These smooth-talking persuaders are life's salespeople, and once an ENFJ is convinced that you need the product in question, then you will become putty in the ENFJ's hands. He or she will combine the perfect combination of words and rapport to clinch the deal.

Each of the ENFJ's preferences compound to make them a natural convincer. Their energy comes from the outwardly directed, socially oriented, gregarious external world (Extraversion). They prefer to perceive the world as having endless possibilities and meanings (iNtuition), which they use to make subjective, interpersonally based decisions (Feeling). They prefer to live their daily lives in a structured, scheduled, and orderly fashion (Judging). When the ENFJ scans a situation, he or she is often aware of the many interpersonal dynamics that may be taking place. From the start, their iNtuitive preference interprets each party's actions and reactions - who seems stressed, who may need to be motivated, who should be reprimanded, who needs a listening ear -- with their Judging preference providing direction or suggestions as appropriate, at least in the ENFJ's mind. Frequently, their advice is apt, which engenders both gratitude and dependence on the ENFJ. When an individual or group doesn't pick up on the ENFJ's advice, the ENFJ can, in a moment, become bruised and angry at such ingratitude.

ENFJ females tend to fit in well at work. They possess a good sense of propriety, fulfilling a great deal of socially expected <I>"shoulds"<N> and <I>"oughts," <N> not necessarily because they want to but because, as Extraverted-Feelers, they have a high need to please others. Generally they present a pleasant and acceptable image, acting out their natural caring and concern for others. Often, they will be perceived as popular female role models, something they enjoy and espouse. If the ENFJ female has a failing, it may be when her idealism leads her to take a rigid stand on some issue, alienating others in the process. While her male counterparts are equally likely to do this, such behavior seems out of character for women at work. 

ENFJ men, on the other hand, face more serious problems at work. They are confronted with the struggles of all Feeling-type males in the workplace: being perceived as more tender-hearted, nurturing, and even wimpy. Consequently, ENFJ males are torn between imitating a more traditional male role model (an imitation they can do very well) or giving in to their more natural preferences, and risking being labeled as effeminate. If they opt for the macho role, their behavior may be accompanied by guilt and ambiguity about their identity. If they choose the more natural route, their masculinity may be called into question, leading to a variety of sexually seductive games intended to prove their manhood. In either case, it's a serious struggle for the ENFJ male. One way they resolve the struggle is to be drawn to careers involving psychology, theology, and other "people-oriented" issues. These professions are largely male-dominated, with a female aura to them: nurturing, caring, self-extension, martyrdom, sacrifice -- all noble, but largely feminine attributes. 

The overall work style of the ENFJ is upbeat, affirming, and usually marked with an above-average social awareness. Their iNtuition tends to keep them enthusiastic, even when the task may be somewhat dull or routine. ENFJs can appear like cheerleaders in such situations, calling forth from others loyalty, perseverance, humor, or whatever else may be needed when the chips are down. This is done by maintaining a positive outlook and generously affirming others. In fact, if they are not careful, ENFJs can be dubbed superficial by others, who see the affirmations as nothing but cheap talk. When this happens, ENFJs are cut to the quick, because they felt they were doing their best for the good of the cause, only to be shot down. Work should be a team effort, says the ENFJ, no matter what it is. And people need to be happy with one another, caring well beyond their individual job descriptions. It's "Go, team, go" from nine to five, followed by a beer or two together and anything else that will affirm the group and its capabilities. ENFJs have a listening ear for others' troubles, and may even be offended if one isn't willing to bare all. That's what friends are for. 

While all Feeling types prefer a happy, harmonious work environment, the ENFJ has an unusually strong need to be the one who leads the work force to this goal. However, for all their good intentions, they can run afoul of others, particularly other Extraverted-Judgers, who may also be vying to take charge. 

As a Judging type, the ENFJ usually has enough natural need for closure that deadlines get met and production requirements fulfilled, though some immediate interpersonal need or human need may momentarily sidetrack them. This makes ENFJs very promotable within the organizational hierarchy. What usually motivates the ENFJ to climb the ladder, however, is not mere good behavior so much as having a vision that organizations exist to serve people. Inevitably, as they accept promotions, they find themselves at odds with corporate realities: profits, productions, cutbacks, and the like. The more ENFJs rise to the loftier positions within the organization, the more they may be setting themselves up for a struggle between their personal demands and organizational demands. At the higher levels such issues won't go away by themselves, nor can they be swept under the rug, as the ENFJ would prefer to do. For everyone involved, it will be much more productive if an ENFJ could be more in touch with their real drives and motivations, and could consider whether they are realistic in terms of the organization's mission. This could save personal -- and even organizational -- heartburn. 

One of the strengths of ENFJs is their capacity to inspire others. ENFJs have been called "life's teachers." To the degree that teaching, leading, and working with others to accomplish something involves understanding others' needs, finding the exact words to inspire, and the appropriate affirmations along the way, ENFJs are naturals: Their Extraversion focuses the attention on others; their iNtuition can prove inspirational and encouraging, especially when things may be going badly; their Feeling serves as a constant barometer, sensitive to the people and the situation; and their Judging keeps the entire process task-oriented so that upon completion, everyone will have a sense of accomplishment. Generally people can face difficult moments with an ENFJ as a support and end up not only reaching a goal handily but coming to enjoy the process of getting there. 

Another strength of ENFJs is their interpersonal skills. At their best, they can keep any number of people, issues, and events moving toward happy conclusions. ENFJs are good psychologists, with or without training, and generally listen well to others' problems. They can also conciliate stressful situations that may be blocking productivity. (They are usually better at this conciliation when they are not personally involved.) All of this serves to make ENFJs natural sounding boards for just about everyone in the organization, a position that most ENFJs readily enjoy. 

Still another strength of ENFJs is their ability to present organizational values for both the work force and the public in such a way that all parties benefit. ENFJs are political animals whose mission it is to define life's values, and provide leadership in shaping those values. More often than not, those values will be centered around interpersonal issues: making the world a safer place to live, making the workplace more congenial, having the organization do well by doing good. Hence, when an ENFJ is present, no matter what the product or mission, the people involved will be important and the human dynamic made a central part of the process. ENFJs often become the organizational conscience. 

One of the drawbacks of ENFJs is the facility with which they can over-personalize negative reactions to their ideas and ideals. "If people are not motivated by me or not open with me, then somehow I have failed," the ENFJ believes. The ENFJ can then become filled with a sense of inadequacy and can be almost incapable of proceeding. An individual who shares a personal problem or experience with a group could lead an ENFJ to wonder, "Why didn't she share it with just me? Doesn't she like me?" In the ENFJ's mind, because the individual in question had previously shared other personal issues, her failure to do it this time reflects the ENFJ's personal failure. This can lead the ENFJ to distrust her, perhaps even projecting that distrust onto others. 

Another ENFJ weakness is the almost demonic character they can assume when their values are questioned or worse, assailed. Should one question or challenge the validity of an ENFJ's motivations, the ENFJ will likely see that as a questioning of integrity and trustworthiness. And it's downhill from there. It's almost as if the values had been formed by some force greater than the ENFJ, and to go against them is to go against the universe, in the ENFJ's mind. For example, should a group of co-workers reject the ENFJ's promotion of teamwork as a necessary part of the workplace -- "We don't have to like each other to get the job done," might be their rationale -- the ENFJ would probably feel personally attacked and redouble his or her efforts. These people can become unbelievably rigid, admonishing others, "You are not only going against me on this. You're undermining the moral fiber of the whole organization." It is this overreaction that can lead others to consider the ENFJ fanatic, extremist, or simply overemotional. 

A third ENFJ weakness can be a sense of guilt, inadequacy, or failure that can plague them for no apparent reason. ENFJs can be loved and revered by colleagues and staff and yet feel undeserving of such accolades or guilty over unreached goals. When this behavior gets in the way, ENFJs distort issues badly and can move through mood swings that range from "People are no damn good and no one can be trusted" to "I've got to try harder and harder to get them to love me and my cause." 

When such weaknesses can be kept in check, ENFJs can be infectious and inspirational at any level and in almost any job. To the degree that there is a need for teaching, interpersonal concern, and the bringing in of moral values is the degree to which ENFJs will rise to the occasion -- and to various levels of leadership and responsibility within the organization.

<b>Workplace Contribution:<n>
Personally inspires and motivates all to work harmoniously for the common good

<b>Pathway to Professional Growth:<n>
Must learn that not all situations need rescue and that disagreements are not personal attacks

<b>Leadership Qualities:<n>
Empowers others to accomplish what needs to be done by nurturing relationships and making personal appeals

<b>Team Spirit:<n>
Teams are good, people are good, and work is good when togetherness drives the task}