ISTJ
ENFP

ISTJ and ENFP
Relationship

Learn about 16-Personality types and relationships

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ISTJ

What is an ISTJ Personality Type
(The Investigator)?
People with an ISTJ personality type tend to be reserved, orderly, and practical in their behavior. They are self-sufficient and work hard to meet their obligations. They prefer to be alone or in small groups of close friends and may be quiet and reserved in large group settings.

ENFP

What is an ENFP Personality Type
(The Encourager)?
People with an ENFP personality type tend to be energetic, adaptable, and inventive in their behavior. They like to think up new, creative ideas and love sharing them with other people. They thrive in group settings and enjoy meeting new people.

Communication

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Communication

How can ISTJ and ENFP types communicate effectively with each other?

Though ISTJs and ENFPs do not share any personality traits, their differences can help them grow and develop into a well-rounded team. ISTJs prefer to spend time alone, focus on details, process logically, and follow a plan, while ENFPs usually draw energy from others, consider hypotheticals, express themselves emotionally, and desire a sense of spontaneity. ISTJs should avoid being overly critical of ENFPs, while ENFPs should allow ISTJs to take personal space to process a situation.


Resolving Conflict

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Conflict

How can ISTJ and ENFP types resolve conflict?

ISTJs are logical thinkers and prefer to discuss issues by addressing facts, while ENFPs generally prefer to address the emotional aspects of an issue.

ISTJs should be conscious of ENFPs’ need to express how they feel by listening attentively and remaining patient.

ENFPs should avoid overly emotional phrases when resolving issues and offer ISTJs space to think and recharge.  


Building Trust

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Trust

How can ISTJ and ENFP types build trust?

ISTJs are likely to trust ENFPs who can follow-through on commitments and provide ISTJs with emotional space; ENFPs should consciously offer ISTJs privacy in stressful situations.

ENFPs tend to trust ISTJs who take the time to get to know them and listen to their ideas; ENFPs will feel connected to ISTJs who can learn to be vulnerable or emotionally expressive.

Working Together

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Working Together

How can ISTJ and ENFP types work together?

ISTJs offer a logical, balanced mindset, attention to detail, and a drive to achieve in a work environment, while ENFPs offer empathetic decision-making, creative problem-solving, and adaptability.

ISTJs can help ENFPs commit to long-term goals and make well-thought-out decisions; ENFPs can help ISTJs adapt to new situations and consider how their decisions will impact others.


Dealing with Change

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Change

How can ISTJ and ENFP types deal with change?

ISTJs are likely to have a difficult time facing new situations, as they are very focused on their personal goals and tend to plan ahead. ENFPs tend to have an easier time adapting to change. ENFPs should be supportive of ISTJs as they process transition. Once ISTJs find a new path to their goals or create a new plan, they will adapt more easily to change.


Managing Stress

ISTJ and ENFP types need to seek to understand what brings stress to the other type and should try to avoid causing it when possible.

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Managing Stress

ISTJ types are easily stressed by...

  • Lack of structure in a work environment
  • Large groups of other people
  • Expressing personal feelings to others
  • Maneuvering interpersonal conflict
Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Managing Stress

ENFP types are easily stressed by...

  • Spending too much time alone
  • Lack of independence or freedom
  • Facing interpersonal conflict    
  • Idealistic expectations not being met

ISTJs should avoid pressuring ENFPs to commit to a rigid routine or schedule, which may make them feel trapped.

ENFPs should be considerate of ISTJs’ energy levels, offering them space to be alone when needed.


Encouraging and Motivating

ISTJ and ENFP types can encourage and motivate each other in their personal and professional lives.

Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Motivations

ISTJ types are motivated by...

  • Accomplishing goals and tasks
  • Time by themselves to recharge
  • Discovering a practical solution to a problem
  • Stability and security in personal life
Myers-Briggs ISTJ & ENFP Motivations

ENFP types are motivated by...

  • Discussing new, creative ideas with others
  • Connecting emotionally with those around them
  • Participating in unique experiences
  • Dreaming about an exciting future

ISTJs can motivate ENFPs by attentively listening to them when they express how they’re feeling, while ENFPs can encourage ISTJs by granting them privacy


16-Personality Test

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