ENTJ

ENTJs are logical, assertive, conceptual, and organized. ENTJs enjoy new ideas and planning for the future. They are decisive and efficient, and have a natural ability to lead. ENTJs often take charge of a situation, confidently coordinating people and tasks. They appreciate challenging issues and always push themselves to learn more about the world and its systems.

ENTJs are forward-thinking, constantly working to bring efficiency and organization to the world. Logical and rational, they are inspired by using their intellect to create innovative solutions for improving processes. They are often competitive, driven to achieve their goals and increase their knowledge.

Critical thinkers, ENTJs are always questioning ideas and theories for faulty logic and unsound reasoning. They enjoy discussion, happy to explore new ideas and concepts and often energized by interacting with people. ENTJs are direct, and may challenge others. They typically feel no need to spare people from their critique, and expect the same treatment in return.

ENTJs are independent and assertive, often eager to take control of a group or project, confident that they will be able to coordinate people and tasks effectively. ENTJs appreciate order, and are excellent at delegation. When they give direction, they expect it will be followed, and may be seen as forceful or intimidating. ENTJs are often competitive, eager to demonstrate their abilities and talent. They care more for being known as capable, rather than for being well-liked. ENTJs prefer to be around others who share their capability and skill, and have little patience for incompetence.

ENTJ Type Dynamics

The core of the ENTJ personality type [4] is Extraverted Thinking. This dominant function guides the way ENTJs evaluate information and approach the world around them. Using Extraverted Thinking, ENTJs seek to create logical systems in their environments. They set goals, make objective decisions, and communicate clear plans of action.

The auxiliary function for ENTJs is Introverted Intuition. This mental function supportys their dominant Extraverted Thinking to help them contemplate possibilites and explore systems of thought. Using Introverted Intuition, the ENTJ considers connections and makes sense of patterns, and seeks to develop insight and understanding.

The tertiary Sensing function is less developed for most ENTJs, especially early in life. When this function is not well developed, ENTJs may have trouble thinking through the details and steps required by their plans.

The inferior function for ENTJs, or that function which is least likely to be conscious and well developed, is Introverted Feeling. When this function is not developed, the ENTJ may have difficulty measuring events and outcomes against their personal values.

ENTJ in the Population

ENTJ is one of the least common types in the population, and the rarest type among women (with INTJ [5]). ENTJs make up:

2% of the general population
3% of men
1% of women

Popular Hobbies

Popular hobbies for ENTJs include taking leadership positions in community groups, attending social gatherings or sporting events, and playing competitive sports. Because ENTJs are so often focused on their careers, they may have few interests outside of work, or they may participate in leisure activities that also help to further their careers.

Famous ENTJs

Famous ENTJs [4] include Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates, Napoleon Bonaparte, Carl Sagan, General Norman Schwarzkopf, David Letterman, Douglas MacArthur, Harrison Ford, and Quentin Tarantino.

For more information: Famous ENTJs [6]

Research on ENTJ

Interesting facts about the ENTJ [4]:

On personality trait measures, score as Ambitious, Forceful, Optimistic, Egotistical, Adaptable, and Energetic
Least likely of all types to report stress resulting from work or finances
More likely than average to suffer cardiac problems
Among the least likely of all types to believe in a higher spiritual power
Among top 4 types in college GPA
Among most likely to stay in college
Personal values include Home/Family, Achievement, Creativity, and Learning
Overrepresented among MBA students and small business owners
One of two types most likely to be satisfied with their work

Work & Careers

ENTJ at Work

ENTJ [4]s are drawn to leadership positions that allow them to develop strategies to achieve greater efficiency and productivity. They prefer to be in management or supervisory roles, and want the ability to initiate and lead organizational change.

ENTJs enjoy the challenge of solving difficult problems, and enjoy understanding complex systems so that they can determine where improvement is possible. ENTJs naturally see opportunities to improve systems, and want to lead teams to carry out their vision. They appreciate an environment where innovation is encouraged, and where traditions are not held sacred.

ENTJ [4]s want structure in their work. They prefer that their work and that of their colleagues be evaluated based on a set of clear guidelines. They appreciate an environment that is businesslike and fair, where performance is evaluated objectively and rewarded generously. ENTJs are typically motivated and hardworking, and want to be recognized for their efforts with money, power, and prestige.

An ideal organization for an ENTJ values competence and logical thinking, and includes coworkers who are intelligent and ambitious. An ideal job for an ENTJ is one that challenges them to address complex problems with strategic planning and clear goal-setting.

Popular Careers for the ENTJ

Top careers for the ENTJ [4] include:

Executive [7]
Sales Manager [8]
Corporate Trainer [9]
Project Manager
Sales Engineer [10]

Relationships

ENTJ Communication Style

ENTJs are direct and commanding communicators, often with a clear idea of what needs to be done and and a take-charge attitude toward organizing people and projects. ENTJs are organized and strategic in their thinking. They communicate their vision and their plan to implement it in a logical, task-oriented way. ENTJs see flaw in ideas and plans quickly and give critique freely. They enjoy analyzing ideas, but are ultimately oriented toward action; they want to integrate information, formulate a long-term plan, and then move forward.

ENTJs as Partners

In relationships, the ENTJ is a commanding and challenging partner. ENTJ [4]s have high expectations for themselves and for their partners, and want a mate who will put in the time and effort necessary to create a successful life together.

ENTJs prefer to have their homes and lives structured and organized, and may be domineering in imposing this structure on others. They tend to have a clear idea of how things should be done, and may feel that others should follow.

ENTJ [4]s are enthusiastic and analytical problem-solvers, and will approach conflict head-on. They are unemotional in sorting out issues, and weigh perspectives with a logical detachment. They may neglect to attend to their partner's feelings, preferring to arrive at conclusions with objective logic. They can also have trouble listening patiently, because of their strong desire to problem-solve.

ENTJs are typically ambitious and may spend a lot of time at work or otherwise pursuing career success. They often need a partner who is independent and supportive of their goals. ENTJs value a partner who respects and appreciates their competence, intelligence, and effectiveness.

ENTJs as Parents

As parents, ENTJs are in control of their children and their households. ENTJs set clear expectations and see that their rules are followed. They tend to be consistent and rational disciplinarians by setting clear consequences for misbehavior, and usually elicit obedience from their children.

ENTJs often have a strong focus on career, and so may spend limited time at home and with family. However, they place great importance on the task of being a competent and effective parent. They often ensure that what time they do spend with their children is well used, and allows them to instill values of hard work, productivity, and achievement.

For more information: Please Understand Me II [18]

Dynamics

ENTJ Under Stress

ENTJs may become stressed when dealing with people who are very emotional or irrational. Typically analytical and candid, ENTJs tend to offer criticism freely, and may be stressed when other people react emotionally to their critiques. ENTJs want others to behave rationally and efficiently, and can become frustrated if they are required to work with people who are incompetent or unmotivated. They want to take charge and organize a plan of action, and when this drive is thwarted by others’ irrational personal issues, ENTJs often find themselves stressed.

Stress reactions in ENTJs often manifest as a loss in productivity, as the ENTJ loses sight of important goals and becomes preoccupied with insignificant tasks. Because the ENTJ’s inferior function is Feeling, they will often find themselves consumed with unfamiliar emotions when under stress. They may become hypersensitive to criticism and feel unappreciated or excluded. Because the ENTJ is typically ruled by logic, the sense of being driven by emotions is unfamiliar; they may feel embarrassed that they cannot stay in control. They will tend to try to keep their difficulties private, but may experience emotional outbursts when they are no longer able to contain their feelings.

For more information: Was That Really Me? [19]

To read more about the ENTJ, visit the ENTJ page at Truity.com [20].