ENTJ: The Fieldmarshal

ENTJs are strategic leaders, motivated to organize change. They are quick to see inefficiency, conceptualize new solutions, and enjoy developing long-range plans to accomplish their vision. They excel at logical reasoning and are usually articulate and quick-witted. ENTJs are often very motivated by success in their careers and enjoy hard work. They tend to be decisive, blunt, and knowledgeable. Driven to get things done, they can sometimes be critical or brusque in the pursuit of a goal. They are friendly and outgoing, although they may not pick up on emotional subleties in other people.

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.

At work, ENTJs 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 positions, and want the ability to initiate organizational change. ENTJs enjoy structure at work. They prefer that their work and that of their colleagues be evaluated based on a set of clear guidelines. 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.

In leadership positions, the ENTJ excels at organizing and implementing long-range plans for change. They prefer to be in control and will take on as much responsibility and decision-making power as possible. They are focused on the long term, enjoy attacking tough problems, and want to organize people and resources strategically to achieve goals on time. They tend to be blunt and critical, and are adept at making tough decisions through logical analysis.

Popular careers for an ENTJ include:

In relationships, the ENTJ is a commanding and challenging partner. ENTJs prefer to have their homes and lives structured and organized, and may be domineering in imposing this structure on others. They are enthusiastic and analytical problem-solvers, and will approach confict head-on. They may neglect to attend to their partner’s feelings, preferring to reason things through logically. They can also have trouble listening patiently, because of their strong desire to problem-solve. ENTJs value a partner who respects and appreciates their competence, intelligence, and effectiveness.

Good matches for an ENTJ share the Thinking and Judging preferences and include INTJ, ESTJ, ENTJ, and ISTJ. These types share the ENTJ’s tendency to be logical, orderly, and structured. Also a good match are Intuitive Feeling types (INFP, ENFP, INFJ, ENFJ). These types share the ENTJ’s big-picture style of thinking and communicating, but balance the ENTJ’s focus on logic and reason with a Feeler’s attention to emotions and values.

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.

Famous ENTJs include Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates, Napoleon Bonaparte, Carl Sagan, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Al Gore, Franklin D. Roosevelt, David Letterman, Douglas MacArthur, Harrison Ford, and Quentin Tarantino

Interesting facts about the ENTJ:

• 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

Recommended resources:
Famous ENTJ People

Are you an ENTJ? Take the official Myers Briggs Type Indicator® online now and find out!