ENFP - Idealist: the Champion/Inspirer
(Extroverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving)
Champions are rather rare, say 2-3 % of the population. They consider intense emotional experiences as being vital to a full life. Champions have a wide range and variety of emotions, and a great passion for novelty. They often can’t wait to tell others of their extraordinary experiences. Champions can be tireless in talking with others, like fountains that bubble and splash. And usually this is not simple storytelling; they often speak (or write) in the hope of revealing some truth about human experience, or of motivating others with their powerful convictions. Champions use words to paint pictures to inspire others to meet new challenges and go beyond that which is easy.
Fiercely individualistic, Champions strive toward a kind of personal authenticity, and this intention always to be themselves is usually quite attractive to others. At the same time, they have outstanding intuitive powers and can tell what is going on inside of others, reading hidden emotions and giving special significance to words or actions. In fact, Champions are keen and probing observers of the people around them, and are capable of intense concentration on another individual. Their attention is rarely passive or casual. On the contrary, Champions tend to be extra sensitive and alert, always ready for emergencies, always on the lookout for what’s possible.
Champions are good with people and usually have a wide range of personal relationships. They are without question filled with love and good will. Champions are the very soul of kindness; they believe in giving of themselves to help others. Champions are warm and full of energy with their friends. They are likable and at ease with colleagues, and handle their employees or students with great skill. They are so spontaneous and dramatic that others love to be in their company. Champions are positive, exuberant people, and often their confidence in the goodness of life and of human nature makes good things happen.
Love and Romance:
As a romantic partner, Champions need to talk about what’s going on in their life. They are strong supporters for their partners’ efforts to grow and change and be happy; and need to feel that same support. Expressive, optimistic, and curious, the Champion is eager to enjoy new experiences with their partner, whom they wish to be a confidant and soul mate, as well as play mate. They desire someone with whom they can bond emotionally and spiritually, sharing their deepest feelings and their complex inner worlds.
Champion [women] may wholeheartedly throw themselves into a new relationship, later discovering that they aren’t suited to each other at all. Their tendency is to have very intense relationships which burn out quickly. Champions should learn to slow down and take time to get to know the other person.
Champions are uncomfortable sharing negative emotion, though, and tend to withdraw from confrontation and process their feelings privately. They feel most loved when their partner appreciates their creativity, accepts their uniqueness, and sees them as the compassionate person they are. The Champion need to hear their partner tell them how much they mean to them and would love if they did thoughtful spontaneous things to demonstrate it.
Stress:
The Champion is usually a bundle of energy, but they can become exhausted if they are overloaded with work. They also will experience stress if their values and principles are violated and they see others in the company being hurt by policies that kill the human spirit. Then they become hypersensitive to what is going on around them. Facts become exaggerated. They have feelings of paranoia and may withdraw. Experiencing great stress can also cause muscle or sensory problems. To regain their equilibrium, meditation will help. Kindness and support by others, but not patronization, will help them get back to normal.
