Where's ESFJ?

 

ESTP, ENTP, ENTJ, INFJ, and ENFJ

 

ENFJ>ESTP=ENTP>ENTJ=ENFP.
INxJs can be surprisingly manipulating when needed.
ESFPs are not manipulators.Personally I know a few ESFPs and all of them are hot-headed and sensitive,which are not traits of manipulation.

 

ESFP, ESTP, ENFJ, ESFJ stick out the most, especially ESTP and ESFP, they frustrate me with how manipulative they can be. Im not sure about the fifth type. Maybe xNFPs, INFPs have a tendency of using sob stories for manipulation

 

The most manipulative person I know is my dad and he's an ESFJ. He's constantly guilting others for his mistakes, manipulating emotions and feigning hurt to get what he wants and for the most part it works. He's made a marriage out of it.

He undoubtedly embodies the stereotype that ESFJs are tyrants.

Like said above, I've seen a trend of INFPs playing the victim as their mode of manipulation which works well. INFJs/INTJs are no exception to being manipulative too as many people look up to these types and are inspired by them, leading them to take advantage of the power they hold over others. But of course, these are all types at their worst/most unhealthy.

 

Hmm.. I would debate whether that's just more due to willingness to manipulate, rather than ability or potential. I suppose it depends how you look at it.

As an ENFP, I take a hit to my self-image whenever I cross the line in manipulating which is why I avoid it. However, I can say hands down that I am the best liar I know if necessary, and if the moral centre of my brain were switched off I would probably be the best manipulator I know. It's fair to say I'm quite a good poker player.

INFJs are similar. The "INFJ wall" is so impervious precisely because of their level of insight into others, and they can therefore effortlessly not give anything away by adjusting their behaviour to deflect others' expectations. INFJs subtly and positively manipulate people all the time too- they do innocuous things that have a big impact.


This is impossible because it depends on what type of manipulation you're talking about, and willingness vs ability.. but if I were to put something down anyway:

1. ENFJ
2. ESTP
3. INFJ
4. ENFP
5. ENTJ

All for varying reasons though.

 

I would say ENTP's are capable if they don't find it boring. How capable? So effective you don't even know it happened in order to put it on a list.

 

@lavendersnow


Yeah, I tried to address positive and negative manipulation. As well as the willingness x ability.

Hence why ENFJs are top- I think of ENFJs as being no.1 in positive manipulation, and no.2/3 in overall willingness as well as in the top 4 or so for ability. I think INFJs are maybe no.1 for ability but they tend to be very genuine in their manipulation like ENFJs, and ENFPs are no.2, and we're around mid-range for willingness. I think ESTPs are easily the most willing manipulators, since they are the most conscious of the effect that they have- think James Bond.


All of this of course being "on average" and in general- individuals vary greatly.

 

I would say that ENFJs are the clear-cut winner, followed by INFJs, ENTPs, ENTJs and ESTPs.

 

From my experience, ENFJ and ESFJ are masters of manipulation. Manipulation-benders!

 

Dom and aux Fe types can be very good at manipulating people because extroverted feelers are good at connecting with people's emotions and thoughts.

Fi could possibly also be manipulative, but it would depend on whether it goes against their values or not. If it doesn't, then they could possibly be even better at it than Fe types.

 

What ENTPs lack in being heartfelt, we make up for in creativity. Even when people see through our manipulation, they might just go along to see how far we go.

ENTP Manipulation: Full of shit, but you love it!

 

ESTPs and ENTPs by a mile.

That middle Ti/Fe axis is the perfect storm for manipulation as stronger Ti is very logical, goal-driven and free from emotional bias, while the weaker, but still effective Fe taps into the other person's feelings to appeal to them. ISTPs and INTPs also have that same axis, but given that they are introverted and their Fe is repressed, it'll prove to be more difficult for them to manipulate.

Although it should be noted that manipulating for one's own benefit at the expense of others is usually the work of an unhealthy individual, regardless of type. So in that sense, mature and healthy ESTPs and ENTPs will most likely not resort to it and rather use that Ti/Fe axis for good (i.e motivating people and so on).