7 Major ENFJ Weaknesses & How to Manage Them (2024)
Knowing your weakness allows you to make the right choices in your everyday life. Instead of wasting your time in situations and relationships that don’t make you happy, you can embrace your negative qualities and deal with them accordingly.
The two biggest ENFJ weaknesses are their unrealistic character and utopic approach to life.
ENFJ Weaknesses
1. Unrealistic
A well-known ENFJ weakness is their insistence on taking on more than they can handle. These personalities want to save the world from all its problems without realizing their own limitations.
This ENFJ flaw stems from the intuitive (I) side of their character. These personalities are more concerned about how things could be instead of focusing on how things actually are.
This ENFJ negative trait makes them overestimate their abilities or the likelihood of success. At the same time, they may not consider potential obstacles or challenges. As a result, some of their work projects and relationships end up dissolving.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by setting goals that are achievable within a reasonable timeframe.
- These personalities can avoid this negative quality by taking an honest look at their capabilities and being realistic about what they can achieve.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by being flexible and open to new opportunities that may arise.
2. Utopian
Another weakness for ENFJ is their utopic approach to life. They have very strong principles and ideas of right and wrong and assume the rest of the world shares their views. Therefore, they become very upset when others go against their values.
This ENFJ problem comes from the judging (J) trait of their personality. ENFJs make absolute, logical, and evaluated conclusions and stick to them no matter what.
This lack of flexibility brings problems to their relationships. They refuse to compromise or adjust their plans, even when faced with opposition. As a result, ENFJs sometimes fail to deliver on their promises.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by being realistic about what they can accomplish and the resources available.
- These personalities can avoid this negative quality by listening to others and being open to constructive criticism.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by being willing to adjust their plans and strategies as needed.
3. Patronizing
An ENFJ weakness in relationships is the patronizing way they share their beliefs. These personalities mean well but end up coming across as condescending most of the time. Consequently, they end up pushing others away.
This ENFJ personality weakness also stems from judging (J) side of their character. If ENFJs are sure about something, they struggle to embrace opposite points of view.
ENFJ under stress are more prone to showcase this weakness. In such cases, they speak in a dismissive tone and act as though they are superior or more knowledgeable in a situation.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by practicing active listening and acknowledging other people’s perspectives.
- These personalities can avoid this negative quality by using respectful language and avoiding belittling others.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by asking others to let them know if they come across as condescending.
4. Forceful
Another deficiency that causes conflict in ENFJs’ lives is their overly enthusiastic character. They are highly motivated to work on their self-development journey and overcome the obstacles hindering their progress.
However, they think others should lead the same life, pushing them to change when they aren’t ready. This comes from the intuitive (I) side of their personalities. ENFJs get too excited about how things should be and fail to see other people’s capabilities.
This ENFJ weakness in love causes some upsets. They sometimes become pushy in their desire for the relationship to move forward quickly, pressuring the other person to make decisions or take steps they are not ready for.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by communicating openly with their partner and ensuring they are on the same page.
- These personalities can avoid this negative quality by respecting other people’s boundaries.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by respecting other people’s decisions and values.
5. Overly sensitive
Another negative ENFJ characteristic is their overly empathetic character. They are so concerned about other people’s struggles that they end up taking their problems as their own.
This negative quality comes from the feeling (F) side of their personality. ENFJs can put themselves in other people’s shoes and empathize with them, even if they have not had the same experiences.
This personality weakness leads them to sacrifice their own needs and well-being in order to help others. These situations lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and overwhelming emotions.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by taking responsibility for their own well-being.
- These personalities can avoid this negative quality by setting boundaries with themselves and others.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by cultivating a sense of detachment, which doesn’t mean being indifferent to others.
6. Unable to make difficult choices
Another negative personality trait that has room for improvement is their difficulty in making hard decisions. These individuals don’t want to harm others by the consequences of their actions and, at the same time, fear making mistakes.
This problematic characteristic stems from the feeling (F) and judging (J) sides of their personality. ENFJs are sticklers for structured and formal decisions and fear their choices jeopardize their plans.
This personality trait appears when ENFJs face multiple job offers or the opportunity to change careers. In such situations, these personalities may struggle to decide which path to take.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by seeking advice from people they trust.
- These personalities can avoid this negative quality by identifying their values and priorities. This can help them to make a decision that aligns with what’s most important to them.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by breaking the decision into smaller steps. This way, it’s easier to manage and less overwhelming.
7. Unable to handle surprises
Another potential problem area in the lives of ENFJ personalities is their difficulty in dealing with unforeseen issues.
Even though facing unexpected scenarios could make them achieve personal growth, ENFJs prefer to stick to structured plans and decisions due to their personality’s judging (J) trait.
This negative quality appears when faced with unexpected expenses or changes in income. In such scenarios, ENFJs may struggle with dealing with the situation effectively. As a result, they waste good opportunities to work on self-improvement.
How to Deal With it
- ENFJs can manage this personality weakness by acknowledging that dealing with unexpected events is a normal part of life.
- A good way to overcome this negative quality is by surrounding themselves with people who can help them through difficult situations.
- ENFJ individuals can minimize this problematic trait by learning to bounce back and not dwell on the unexpected events.
FAQ
What is ENFJs weakest function?
ENFJs’ weakest function is their overly idealistic character.
What do ENFJs struggle with?
ENFJs struggle with dealing with unforeseen events.
What do ENFJs fear the most?
What ENFJs fear the most is having to make a difficult decision that may affect others.
What annoys the ENFJs the most?
What annoys the ENFJs the most are people who don’t share their same values and principles.
What is the dark side of ENFJs?
The dark side of ENFJs is their patronizing way of “enlightening” others.
What annoys people about ENFJs?
What annoys people about ENFJs is their overly enthusiastic and pushy character.
What are ENFJs misunderstood as?
ENFJs are misunderstood as too intense when they just want to encourage others to become their best selves.
What stresses out ENFJs the most?
What stresses out ENFJs the most is dealing with the problems of everyone around them.
How to improve ENFJ weaknesses?
The best way to improve ENFJ weaknesses is by practicing active listening and accepting that not everyone shares the same principles, and that’s okay.