For that matter, doesn MBTI say that the third function gets developed between 20 and 30 usually, and used in a healthy way? I'm just curious to know what that looks like, really.
Te usually does get developed in ENFPs as they get older.
But the more we develop skill with Te, the more we need to keep it in check with Fi.
Think about it----What's more dangerous than the ability to organize the environment without a sense of ethics?
That's called "manipulation", in the worst sense of the word, we can be guilty of that.
One use of Te looks like a calm, rational use of organization, logic, and system-building that people notice and respond to in a positive way.
It doesn't look cold and calculating, or insecure and over-the-top.
And it generally doesn't feel manipulative.
I've used Te at work, for example.
Sometimes for better or for worse.
I've convinced bosses and fellow employees to get on board with things they never would have considered otherwise.
But since I'm pretty low on the totem pole at work--I wonder how much of this is just plain manipulation.
ENFPs are good salesmen, promoters, and persuaders---and we often use Te to push our ideas.
But we need Fi to determine what methods are appropriate, and how much is too much.
For me, a better use of developed Te is when I take care of my kids.
My authority is clear and legitimate in that area, and I can confidently organize things to suit my goals as a parent.
Basically, its a double-edged sword, but ENFPs can and do develop Te.
I think my own Te development is the result of two things:
1. Being forced to develop Te, because of the aspects of life more suited to Te.
and even more importantly:
2. A deliberate attention to my own personal values and priorities, which shows in my speech and behavior, and is much more convincing to others than my attempts to be a Te dominant.
I'm not as strong in Te as I am in Ne and Fi. Plain and simple.
I accept that.
It's more authentic and effective for me, as an ENFP, to combine visionary Ne with ethical Fi.
This keeps my overall goals strong and intact, and keeps my conflicting goals well in check.
When I have my top two functions working well together, I feel more confident and empowered, so I can use Te calmly and efficently, rather than as over-compensation.
As ENFPs, Te is our third function, so its certainly not the weakest, but we must use Fi to determine HOW and WHEN and for WHAT PURPOSE we are going to use it.
It must be used to support our overall goals---which are the product of Ne and Fi.
We're Ne/Fi, not Ne/Te.
If we don't keep our inferior Te in check, we will end up being rigid, manipulative, untrustworthy, unstable, and, ultimately, untrue to ourselves.
When our Ne and Fi are working together, we are at our most authentic and effective.
And that is what makes us ENFPs.
