ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T: What’s The Difference?

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If you are an ENFJ, then you should be quite pleased. The ENFJ is often called the protagonist or the champion. They are the ones always championing people’s rights and goals. They motivate people to be the best they can. However, confusion often occurs when you notice there are two types of ENFJs. The ENFJ-A and the ENFJ-T.

If you are an ENFJ, then you probably have an A or T at the end of your typology. In this article, I’m going to tell you what that means and what you can expect.

Understanding the Difference

First, you should know that A stands for assertiveness while T stands for turbulence. Just like the words mean, the Assertive ENFJ generally will be more outgoing than the Turbulent ENFJ.

However, that is really just one small way to actually compare both personality types.

As you most likely already know, the ENFJ leads by extroverted feeling (Fe), Introverted Intuition (Ni), Extroverted Sensing (Se), and Introverted Thinking (Ti).

These cognitive functions simply refer to the way the ENFJ takes in and processes information. So, these four cognitive functions are present in the ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T. This is not where the difference is.

The differences can be found in their everyday life. The A and the T often indicate how these types respond to emotional and psychological issues such as stress or anger.

To draw the line between these personality differences, I will break them down into the various situations an ENFJ might find themselves in. Then, we’ll look at their likely responses based on the last letters on their typology.

ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T: Emotions

The first place you are likely to see a difference is in the way they show or hide their emotions. The ENFJ-A will be very willing to show their emotions when they are unhappy about something.

ENFJs will usually love to be patient with people around them. After all, they are the people’s champions. However, when the ENFJ-A explodes, then you are more likely to see a big reaction.

With the ENFJ-T, they will usually have a lesser reaction even when they are angry. They will talk calmly and generally be quiet. However, this does not mean that they will not express how they feel.

Even if they are turbulent, they are still ENFJs in the end.

ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T: Stress

The ENFJ is a very charismatic personality type. However, all personality types must go through some bouts of stress. However, the ENFJ-A and the ENFJ-T are going to respond very differently to stress.

Generally, the ENFJ-A will respond more positively than the ENFJ-T. They will approach the task giving them stress with zeal and confidence.

This motivation might be missing from the ENFJ-T. This might lead to them struggling to deal with the issues. Because they are more withdrawn than the normal ENFJ, they might not scale through as fast as their counterparts.

ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T: Confidence

The ENFJ simply oozes confidence. That is not even up for debate. ENFJs are known to lead people and inspire confidence in others.

However, their confidence levels might dramatically change depending on the A or T status. While both personality types are born leaders, you are likely to notice the charisma and confidence of the ENFJ-A first before the ENFJ-T

The ENFJ-T will often have that confidence underneath. However, their road to expressing that quality is way longer than that of the ENFJ-A

ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T: Dealing with self-image

The turbulent ENFJ is more sensitive to matters in general. This extends to self-image. The turbulent ENFJ will want to be viewed in a certain way by the public.

The ENFJ-A also wants to be viewed in the same light. However, they are more likely to be less interested in how others view them than the turbulent ENFJ.

This can be a good thing for the ENFJ-T. Protecting your self-image can prevent a lot of issues in the future.

ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T: Opinions

The ENFJ is a very opinionated personality type. This means that they will often not seek other people’s opinions before they make a decision. This stems from their need to be free and independent.

That certainly resonates with the ENFJ-A. They are confident about their choices and decisions in life. Thus, it will be very unlikely to see the ENFJ-A seeking second opinions about an important decision.

While that possibility is still low here, it is more likely to happen with the ENFJ-T. They will often want to hear the opinions of others that they respect. This can be a good thing as the ENFJ-T will be able to make better choices.

Career Choices

The ENFJ-A and ENFJ-T will have very similar career choices. However, the main differences in the career options between these two types will be the circumstances around them.

Assertive ENFJs will usually do well with more tedious and stressful jobs. Turbulent ENFJs can do as well but might be better off with jobs that are much more people-oriented.

Here are some of the career options that are open to these types.

ENFJ-A Career Options

Lawyer
Fitness trainer
Advertising manager
Public relations Manager
Reporter
School principal
Sales representative
Actor

ENFJ-T Career Options

School counselor
High school teacher
Writer
Preschool teacher
Photographer
Real estate broker
Flight attendant

In the end, the ENFJ is really still an ENFJ regardless of their assertiveness or their turbulence. The most important thing is to use your strengths to the best of your abilities.