INFJ vs ENFJ: The Differences

INFJ vs. ENFJ is the age-old dilemma of two similar types that can be quite difficult to distinguish between. Let’s not forget the added bonus of many different types mistyping as the INFJ due to its popularity. (See 6 Types That Mistype as an INFJ). However, the INFJ vs. ENFJ confusion is much more justified, in my opinion, seeing that they share many of the same traits. On top of that, some ENFJ’s truly don’t  know exactly how they are (due to inferior Ti), which can make things even more unclear. If you’re struggling with the INFJ vs. ENFJ dilemma, hopefully this article will help make it easier to clearly distinguish between these two personality types.

INFJ vs. ENFJ: Why the Mistype?

The most common reason why ENFJs mistype as INFJs is due to misunderstandings surrounding extraversion. Cognitive extraversion is not the same thing as social extraversion. We wrote a whole article devoted to that topic called Introversion vs Extraversion, so I won’t go too indepth on it. The bottom line is that Fe users might not see themselves as outgoing enough or social enough to be an extravert. They might get caught on the idea that they have to be a social butterfly, rather than focusing on what cognitive function they place top priority on within their function stack.

Similarly, it is common place for people to mistype ENFJs as INFJs. In addition to the reasons listed above, people have a tendency to label anyone who is the least bit insightful as an INFJ (because they tend to view INFJs as deeper and able to pull answers by simply being in the same room as someone). In short, insightful ENFJs may get mistaken for INFJs, especially if they are not outgoing socialites.

INFJ vs. ENFJ: Cognitive Functions

Before we get into this, I’m going to list the cognitive function stacks for the two personality types below, for your reference.

INFJ = Ni-Fe-Ti-Se

ENFJ = Fe-Ni-Se-Ti

As you can see above, INFJs and ENFJs share the same cognitive functions. These functions just happen to be in a slightly different order. As a consequence of this, the two types will be quite similar, making them hard to tell apart at first glance. The key is to pay attention to where the functions are falling within the stack and how that difference in placement changes priorities and behavior. (See Attributes of the Top 4 Functions.)

INFJ vs. ENFJ: The Differences

1. INFJs prioritize predictability, while ENFJs prioritize connection

Practically speaking, INFJs will have stability and predictability at the top of their mind. They search for patterns within their observations and use those patterns to derive insights and project out into the future. They will naturally gravitate toward talking about their insights, mulling over information, and internalizing information. INFJs do not prioritize the group in the same way that an ENFJ does, due to the difference in their Fe placement. INFJs certainly desire for there to be harmony because the thought of conflict makes them uncomfortable. However, at the end of the day, they are more concerned with being in an environment that they can predict rather than one that they feel deeply involved in. While, on a certain level, INFJs may feel responsible for the emotional well-being of those they involve in their lives, it will not be their overwhelming priority. INFJs will feel more of a need to rehearse conversations over in their head or play out how certain interactions will go before initiating any contact.

ENFJs lead with extraverted feeling. They are dominant extraverted judging types, which means that they prioritize making connections and relating to those around them. They focus on social groups and how they can be a part of them. ENFJs will have a general idea of the impression that they want to leave on those they interact with, and they will approach people with that in mind. They don’t need everything to play out perfectly. They will prefer to adapt to the natural flow of conversation rather than having a rigid template of conversation that they need to adhere to. Tertiary Se gives them the push to act on any current needs they see, and gives them flexibility to be what people need at that moment. This can make ENFJs sometimes come across as more overbearing or overwhelming than an INFJ. This may also make them more prone to misinterpreting what a person may need compared to an INFJ, but they will be better at recovering from those misunderstandings because adapting in the moment is more of a strength for them.

2. INFJs are subjective first, while ENFJs are objective first

Introverted Intuition is a subjective function, just like all the other introverted functions. To the INFJ, their internal perceptions are more important than the objective world. For the ENFJ, the opposite is true. What this means is that INFJs prioritize their perspective on things over the real world. They can be quick to dismiss real time information if it does not align with what they believe will happen or the truth that they have deduced. Often, they will brush away the contradicting information, viewing it as irrelevant or inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. This mindset can make them struggle with being present since their mind often gets lost in what’s coming or some deeper, underlying meaning instead of staying in the moment. If the INFJ does not learn to counteract this tendency, it will cause others to view them as detached and off in their own world.

In contrast, ENFJs lead with Extraverted Feeling, which is an objective function rather than subjective (See Objectivity vs. Subjectivity.) Objective functions connect the user to the outside world. As extraverts, ENFJs will inherently be more in tune with the external world, leading them to interact with it more. For instance, while INFJs may perceive a need that someone has, they’re more likely to freeze up, and not react fast enough for that insight to matter. ENFJs will be better at reacting now and being present with the people they are with. They will be more in tune with current needs and not just future ones. They will be more likely to prioritize the needs of the present, even if it means modifying their goals or changing their projections of the future.

3. INFJs focus on their insights, while ENFJs focus on others

INFJs practically speaking will prioritize observation over most everything else. They want to observe patterns and attribute meaning to those patterns so they can apply them to future situations. They will naturally gravitate toward talking about what they think may happen or the insights that they have discovered. Furthermore, INFJs will often speak to others from a detached, observer point of view unless they feel personally connected to the individual or the topic.

ENFJs, on the other hand, will have other people mainly on their mind. They will naturally gravitate toward talking about others and their experiences with them. People will be the main thing they think about, and that will show when they are controlling the flow of conversation. Unlike the INFJ, the ENFJ has a greater likelihood of feeling close to more of the people they interact with. This will lead them to speak of others in a much more personal way. Since these types are driven to relate to others, they’ll feel connected to most of the people they talk about. In other words, they won’t feel detached from the subject, but will sound as if they are talking about a friend.

4. INFJs will use Fe in service to their Ni, while ENFJs use Ni in service to their Fe

Because the dominant function for the INFJ is Ni, Fe will work to support Ni’s priorities. In practice, it looks like this: The INFJ will form relationships in service to their perceptions. They will allow their vision of the future to dictate what kind of relationships they forge and who they forge relationships with. All these actions will be in accordance with how the INFJ sees their future playing out. (For the record, unhealthy INFJs will feel the need for future vision, but may struggle to create one. In these situations, they will be effectively paralyzed. They will struggle with forging relationships until they can clearly see their path ahead.)

Because the dominant function for the ENFJ is Fe, Ni will work to support Fe’s priorities. In practice, it looks like this: The ENFJ will create perceptions that are in service to the relationships they have formed. Instead of just having a vision of where their personal path will take them, they use others as a starting point, projecting out to where that person’s current path may take them. They may then take that information and use it to nudge those people in a certain direction as a way to guide them down what the ENFJ perceives as a better path. These perceptions are used in service of navigating relationships. What the ENFJ desires from the relationship shapes what kind of perception is developed. (For the record, unhealthy ENFJs may struggle with forming relationships and connecting with other but will desire strongly to do so. They will be effectively unable to perceive the paths of others because they have yet to feel connected enough to someone to allow those perceptions to form.)

5. INFJs struggle to incorporate themselves, while ENFJs need to be actively apart of the lives of those around them

INFJs can struggle with how to interject themselves into the lives of other people. While they certainly appreciate the feelings of belonging that come from a close knit group, they can struggle with how best to involve themselves. INFJs are more likely to stay silent and be less involved until recruited or sought out to help. They won’t seek out the positions within a group, but may feel a sense of responsibility to fill the void if no one else is.

ENFJs will feel more compelled to be involved in the group planning and direction. They are typically more expressive, giving and taking feedback, and using it to adjust either themselves or the dynamics within their social circle. They will feel much more driven to find where they fit. Discovering that place is an active process for them. ENFJs may even struggle with imagining themselves outside of the context of their relationships with other people.

Conclusion

When it comes to telling these two types apart, really the most important thing to ask yourself is what their main priority is. What is the single most important thing that drives them? Are they proactive in their relationships? Do they need to be connected to and be apart of people’s lives? Or are they more prone to observing others and keeping some distance until someone else pulls them in? Is being mindful of their observations the most important thing to them? If you can nail down their top priority you are well on your way in distinguishing which one you are dealing with. As always, we hope you found this article helpful.

If you have any thoughts, feel free to share in the comments!