Idealist Portrait of
the Champion (ENFP)
Like the other Idealists, Champions are rather
rare, say two or three percent of the population, but even more
than the others 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 see life as an
exciting drama, pregnant with possibilities for both good and evil,
and they want to experience all the meaningful events and
fascinating people in the world. The most outgoing of the
Idealists, Champions 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, spilling over
their own words to get it all out. And usually this is not simple
storytelling; Champions often speak (or write) in the hope of
revealing some truth about human experience, or of motivating
others with their powerful convictions. Their strong drive to speak
out on issues and events, along with their boundless enthusiasm and
natural talent with language, makes them the most vivacious and
inspiring of all the types.
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, Champions
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 constantly
scanning the social environment, and no intriguing character or
silent motive is likely to escape their attention. Far more than
the other Idealists, 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 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 good in
public and on the telephone, and 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.
Joan Baez, Phil Donahue, Paul Robeson, Bill Moyer, Elizibeth
Cady Stanton, Joeseph Campbell, Edith Wharton, Sargent Shriver,
Charles Dickens, and Upton Sinclair are examples of Idealist
Champions
