Why Would An ENFJ Look More Like An INFJ?

Listen To The "10 Minute Type Advice" Episode: Why Would An ENFJ Look More Like An INFJ?

When you're on a growth journey, you might occasionally encounter an identity shift. That’s what happened to an ENFJ in our community who noticed a curious trend: every time they took a cognitive function assessment, their Introverted Intuition (Perspectives) scored higher than their Extraverted Feeling (Harmony).

At first glance, this seems puzzling. ENFJs are known for their social intelligence and ability to build deep connections. Shouldn’t Harmony be their strongest function? And isn’t Perspectives the signature trait of an INFJ?

This question goes beyond simple mistyping—it reveals how growth, self-awareness, and context influence how we express our cognitive functions. Let’s explore why an ENFJ might appear INFJ-like and what this means for your own growth.

ENFJ vs. INFJ Cognitive Functions

While ENFJs and INFJs share similarities, their priorities differ significantly. To clarify, let’s break down their cognitive functions using Personality Hacker’s Car Model, which describes how each function operates in your mind.

ENFJ Cognitive Functions:

• Driver (Dominant): Extraverted Feeling (Harmony) – Focuses on group cohesion, emotional intelligence, and maintaining social balance.

• Copilot (Auxiliary): Introverted Intuition (Perspectives) – Seeks deep insights, long-term implications, and underlying patterns.

• 10-Year-Old (Tertiary): Extraverted Sensing (Sensation) – Struggles to stay grounded in present-moment awareness. 

• 3-Year-Old (Inferior): Introverted Thinking (Accuracy) – Seeks logical consistency and objective analysis in problem-solving.

INFJ Cognitive Functions:

• Driver (Dominant): Introverted Intuition (Perspectives) – The primary lens through which INFJs experience the world, constantly connecting dots and anticipating the future.

• Copilot (Auxiliary): Extraverted Feeling (Harmony) – A supporting function that helps INFJs navigate relationships and social expectations.

• 10-Year-Old (Tertiary): Introverted Thinking (Accuracy) – Values logical coherence and objective analysis when approaching problem-solving.

• 3-Year-Old (Inferior): Extraverted Sensing (Sensation) – Can struggle with being present and engaged in sensory experiences.

Even though both types have Perspectives (Introverted Intuition) and Harmony (Extraverted Feeling) in their cognitive stack, the order in which they use them makes all the difference. So why would an ENFJ sometimes feel more like an INFJ?

Why an ENFJ Might Appear INFJ-Like

1. The Nature of Assessments

Taking a personality assessment can feel like stepping into an introverted space. Most tests require deep self-reflection, which naturally pulls an ENFJ into their Perspectives function.

Antonia Dodge explains that assessments aren’t always perfect. Even tools like Keys to Cognition by Dr. Dario Nardi provide a snapshot of your mindset at a given moment rather than an absolute truth about your personality. If you’re in a deep-growth phase, you might unintentionally over-identify with your Perspectives function, making it seem stronger than Harmony.

Key Insight: Your test results don’t define you—they reflect how you’re thinking in the moment.

2. The “Fish-in-Water” Effect

Have you ever been so good at something that you don’t even recognize it as a skill? That’s what happens with your dominant cognitive function.

ENFJs use Harmony so naturally that they don’t always notice when they’re using it. It’s how they process social interactions, make decisions, and navigate the world. Meanwhile, Perspectives takes more conscious effort to develop, which means ENFJs may be more aware of when they’re using it—making it seem like their stronger function.

Key Insight: Your dominant function is often invisible because it feels like second nature.

3. Growth and Life Stages

As you grow, your relationship with your cognitive functions evolves. Many ENFJs, especially as they age, lean more into their Perspectives function, developing a deeper, more introspective side.

The ENFJ in the podcast mentioned that they had always tested high in Perspectives, which likely reflects a strong relationship with this function due to life experiences and self-reflection. This doesn’t mean they are an INFJ—it means they’re expanding their growth toolkit.

Key Insight: Growth leads to a more balanced use of your cognitive functions over time.

4. The Influence of Personality Discussions

Talking about personality type naturally activates Perspectives. Typology is all about pattern recognition, deep connections, and understanding hidden meanings—the exact strengths of Introverted Intuition.

Since ENFJs already have Perspectives as their auxiliary function, diving into personality systems can put it into overdrive, making them feel more INFJ-like. But in daily life, their Harmony function is still the one driving their decisions.

Key Insight: Personality discussions naturally bring out your introspective side, making your auxiliary function feel stronger than usual.

5. Environmental and Developmental Factors

Your upbringing and life experiences can shape how your functions develop. If you grew up in an environment that encouraged deep thinking, abstract ideas, or visionary insights, your Perspectives function may have developed earlier than usual.

Likewise, if life circumstances led you to prioritize introspection over social harmony, your test results may skew toward an INFJ-like cognitive pattern.

Key Insight: Your environment influences how and when your cognitive functions develop.

What This Means for ENFJs

If you’re an ENFJ who resonates with this experience, take it as a sign of growth. You’re expanding your self-awareness and integrating different parts of your personality—an essential part of your overall development.

How to Maintain Balance:

• Embrace Your Harmony Function – Continue using your natural ability to build connections and navigate social dynamics.
• Develop Perspectives Thoughtfully – Leverage your growing intuition to make wiser, more strategic decisions.
• Stay Present with Sensation – Engage with the physical world to stay grounded in the moment.

Your Harmony + Perspectives combination is what makes you a dynamic, insightful leader. By balancing both, you become an even more powerful force for growth in the world.

Final Reflection

Understanding your personality type isn’t about strict labels—it’s about growth. The fact that you’re even asking these questions means you’re on the path to deep self-awareness and intentional development.

So, what about you? Have you noticed shifts in how your functions show up over time?

Drop a comment below and let’s talk about your growth journey. And if you want to dive even deeper, check out our Growth Programs at Personality Hacker.

Unlock your full potential by embracing both your natural strengths and your evolving insights.