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The ENTJ personality type (extraversion, sensing, feeling and judging) is widely recognized as one of the 16 personalities under the Jungian Personality Type Indicator.
When it comes to describing individuals with this particular personality, it is common for others to use positive and empowering words such as assertive, confident, and outspoken. These traits are often seen as desirable qualities that many people aspire to embody, and those who possess them tend to be viewed as strong and capable individuals who are able to confidently express their thoughts and opinions. Their assertiveness contributes to their overall ability to successfully navigate difficult situations and communicate their needs effectively. Their confidence also often radiates onto those around them, inspiring others to follow suit and take charge when necessary. Furthermore, they tend to have a natural tendency towards being outspoken, which allows them to be comfortable in speaking up when it matters most, making their voices heard and ultimately making a positive impact on the world around them.
Who are the Commanders?
Commanders are truly remarkable individuals who possess a plethora of qualities that make them natural-born leaders. These charismatic and confident individuals are known for their ability to project authority and rally people together toward a common goal. With their ruthlessly rational mindset, Commanders use their sharp minds and unwavering determination to achieve any objective that they have set for themselves. Although it is fortunate that Commanders only make up three percent of the population, as they tend to overwhelm the timid and sensitive types, we have them to thank for many of the businesses and institutions that we so often take for granted in our daily lives. Commanders absolutely love a good challenge, no matter how big or small it may be, and they firmly believe that they can accomplish anything with enough time and resources. This determination is often a self-fulfilling prophecy, as Commanders possess sheer willpower that enables them to push their goals through for the betterment of themselves and those around them. There is no doubt that their Extraverted (E) nature allows them to inspire others with ease, achieving spectacular results in the process.
ENTJ Characteristics
The Jungian Personality Type Indicator (JPTI) is a popular assessment tool used to determine one’s personality type. If you have taken this test and came out as an ENTJ, you may be interested to learn more about your personality.
ENTJs are known for their outgoing nature and enjoyment of spending time with others. Their strong verbal skills make them adept at communicating with people, and they tend to feel more energized after interacting with others. However, ENTJs tend to focus on the future rather than the present or past, preferring abstract and theoretical information rather than concrete details.
When it comes to making decisions, ENTJs prioritize objective and logical information over the personal feelings or emotions of others. They are natural planners and having a structured schedule gives them a sense of control and predictability. Their highly rational and problem-spotting nature makes them effective leaders who focus on efficiently solving problems.
It is worth noting that ENTJs are not necessarily good with emotions. They may have a tendency to bury their own emotions and sentimentality, viewing them as a weakness that should not be shown to others. However, this does not mean that they are intentionally cruel.
ENTJs Strenghts
Strong leadership skills
Self-assured
Well-organized
Good at making decisions
Assertive and outspoken
Strong communication skills
ENTJs Weaknesses
Impatient
Stubborn
Insensitive
Aggressive
Intolerant
Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don’t change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.
ENTJ Cognitive functions
When we talk about individual personalities, we are actually talking about cognitive functions that are unique to every individual. These cognitive functions are sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition, and each of these functions varies in terms of dominance. The way these functions are ordered hierarchically can play a significant role in how each person perceives and interacts with the world.
It is also worth noting that these functions can be either extraverted or introverted. The extraverted functions are the ones that are more focused on external factors, such as interacting with others and responding to the world around us. On the other hand, introverted functions are those that are primarily focused on internal processes like self-reflection and analysis.
The variation in these different cognitive functions and their focus allows for endless possibilities when it comes to understanding people and their unique personalities. By understanding these functions, we can gain better insight into ourselves and those around us, leading to greater understanding and more meaningful relationships.
Dominant: Extraverted Thinking
The first statement affirms that the ENTJ preferred function is manifested through their decision-making and judgment process. Moving on, it is stated that people who fall under this personality type, ENTJs, have a tendency to speak first without really listening and making quick judgments before fully understanding the entire situation at hand. However, it is also important to highlight that they possess rational and objective thinking abilities which make them focus on establishing order and standards in the world around them. Additionally, an important characteristic of ENTJs is the setting of measurable goals as they strive to achieve success in their endeavors. Therefore, considering all these factors, it can be said that ENTJs are individuals who possess a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that help define their personality as well as their approach toward problem-solving and decision-making.
Auxiliary: Introverted Intuition
The Jungian Personality Type Indicator (JPTI) personality instrument identifies 16 different personality types, each with its unique set of traits and characteristics. One of these is the ENTJ personality type, which is known for being highly driven, goal-oriented, and often viewed as natural leaders.
Those with the ENTJ personality type tend to be future-focused and have a knack for considering all the possibilities before approaching a decision. They possess an innovative and forward-thinking mindset that’s not afraid of change. Although it’s common for them to trust their instincts, as they’re highly confident individuals, it can lead to them jumping to conclusions too quickly, which they might later regret.
Despite this shortcoming, people who exhibit the ENTJ personality type are adaptable and able to overcome challenges with ease. Their strategic thinking skills and quick decision-making abilities enable them to be highly successful in their personal and professional lives.
Tertiary: Extraverted Sensing
ENTJs have a unique cognitive function that makes them quite distinct from others: it endows them with an intense urge to seek out new experiences and take risks. This means that they are typically brimming with a sense of adventure, always looking for novel and exciting things to add to their life’s tapestry. Whether it be exploration of new territories, trying out new sports, or seeking out new foods and cultural experiences, ENTJs thrive in ventures that deliver a sense of the unknown. Additionally, the fact that they possess an outward sensory focus also gives them a heightened appreciation for aesthetics and beauty in life, so they tend to actively seek out opportunities to surround themselves with visually appealing or intellectually interesting objects and experiences. This combination of a taste for adventure and an appreciation of beauty makes ENTJs fascinating individuals who always have something exciting or aesthetically pleasing to occupy their time with.
Inferior: Introverted Feeling
Understanding and acknowledging one’s personality type is crucial to forming healthy and successful interactions in personal and professional settings. For the ENTJ personality type, they may find it challenging to navigate emotional situations, as they tend to focus on their internal feelings and values through their inferior Introverted Feeling function. As a result, they may struggle to understand the role that emotions play in their decision-making process, leading to discomfort or awkwardness in settings that require emotional responses. However, recognizing and developing this aspect of their personality can greatly enhance their relationship-building skills, ultimately contributing to the improvement of both their personal and professional life. By taking the time to identify and address areas of weakness in their personality, ENTJs can become more well-rounded individuals and effective leaders.
ENTJ Personal Relationships
It is a well-known fact that ENTJs are extraverts, and as such, they derive their energy from socializing and interacting with others. Unlike introverts who often require time alone to recharge, ENTJs thrive on passionate conversations and debates. Their strong verbal skills and confidence can sometimes intimidate others who may feel overwhelmed in their presence.
While ENTJs excel at expressing themselves verbally, they may struggle to understand and express emotions. This can create challenges in their relationships with people who are more emotionally sensitive or reserved. Additionally, their tendency to engage in debates and arguments can make them seem aggressive and confrontational, which can hinder their ability to connect with others.
Despite these challenges, ENTJs have unique and distinct subtypes that can further categorize them as either ENTJ-T or ENTJ-A. The turbulent commander (ENTJ-T) tends to be more emotionally driven, while the assertive commander (ENTJ-A) is confident and handles stress well. Understanding these subtypes can further help people navigate their interactions with ENTJs.
ENTJ Career Paths
ENTJs possess remarkable qualities that make them natural-born leaders. Being comfortable in the spotlight, having excellent communication skills, and being quick decision-makers sets them apart from the rest. It is not uncommon to see ENTJs taking on leadership roles, unintentionally even, as they are excellent at supervising, directing, and helping groups achieve their goals. Their love for structure and order allows them to see what needs to be accomplished, and swiftly create a plan of action while assigning roles to group members. To this effect, ENTJs thrive in jobs with plenty of structure but room for variety, and where they can meet different people. What makes them really valuable are their leadership and communication skills, coupled with their hardworking nature, and an ability to plan for the future. Some of the popular careers for ENTJs include
- human resources management,
- CEO,
- lawyer,
- scientist,
- software developer,
- business analyst,
- entrepreneur, and
- university professor.
Knowing your personality type and strengths can help you progress in your career.
Tips for Interacting With ENTJs
Friendships
The ENTJ personality type is known for its outgoing and social nature. They enjoy spending time engaging in stimulating conversations and are always on the lookout for new ideas and perspectives. However, some people may perceive them as argumentative or confrontational due to the direct and assertive way they communicate. It’s essential to remember that this is simply part of their communication style, and it’s not meant to be taken personally.
ENTJs tend to form the strongest friendships with individuals who share similar interests and viewpoints. This comes naturally to them since they enjoy having lively discussions and being intellectually challenged. However, they might find it challenging to connect with people who are introverted, sensitive, or overly emotional. This doesn’t mean that ENTJs don’t value these qualities in people, but they may struggle to understand them since they don’t exhibit these traits themselves.
Parenting
As a parent of an ENTJ child, it’s important to recognize and appreciate their independence and intellectual curiosity. Encouraging and allowing them to pursue their interests is crucial in fostering their growth and development. While they may be confident and self-assured, it’s important to note that ENTJ children may still need guidance in understanding why certain rules and boundaries are in place. Taking the time to explain the reasoning behind such rules can help them comprehend the importance of their actions and decisions.
Additionally, as part of emotional development, it is essential to have open and honest conversations about feelings. Introducing them to different emotional experiences and helping them identify and interpret their own emotions and those of others can be incredibly beneficial. These skills can help them develop empathy and understanding, making them more well-rounded and compassionate individuals. As a helpful parent, fostering their intellect and emotional intelligence helps them become confident and successful adults.
Relationships
An ENTJ partner tends to have a dominating presence in a relationship due to their natural leadership abilities. They can come across as being insensitive to their partner’s emotions because handling emotions isn’t their forte. However, it’s essential to note that ENTJs have feelings too, and it’s only when they feel at ease that they can express them.
ENTJ personalities are devoted to forming healthy and prosperous relationships and are always on the lookout for ways to enhance them. If you come across any issues in your relationship with your ENTJ partner, it’s crucial to be truthful and transparent with them. Sharing the truth with your partner could be much more beneficial than speculating about your emotions or thoughts. In summary, by understanding and recognizing the strengths and limitations of an ENTJ’s personality, you can build a stronger and more fulfilling relationship with them.
Interesting Facts about ENTJs
- On personality trait measures, score as Changeable, Energetic, Forceful, Initiating, and Resourceful
- More likely to use emotional coping techniques over spiritual or physical resources
- Tend to look to authority in education rather than expressing intellectual curiosity; prefer hands-on learning
- Among most likely to stay in college
- More likely than other types to watch television for more than 3 hours a day
- Second highest of all types in marital satisfaction
- Among types with lowest income
- At work, tend to be satisfied with co-workers but dissatisfied with job security, stress, salary, and accomplishment
- Personal values include Home/Family, Health, Friendships, Financial Security, and Spirituality
- Overrepresented in health care, teaching, coaching, and child care occupations
How rare is the ENTJ personality type?
ENTJ is one of the least common types in the population, and the rarest type among women. ENTJs make up:
- 1.8% of the general population
- 2.3% of men
- 1.5% of women
ENTJ Famous Persons
Famous ENTJs include:
- Margaret Thatcher
- Kamala Harris
- Sheryl Sandberg
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Carl Sagan
- General Norman Schwarzkopf
- David Letterman
- Douglas MacArthur
- Harrison Ford
- Mindy Kaling
- Quentin Tarantino
- Bill Gates
ENTJ Book Recommendations
Here is a collection of the best books and other items on the market for the ESFP personality type:
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Your Thoughts about the ENTJ Personality Type
It’s highly recommended that you jot down any ideas or reflections that come to mind regarding the ENTJ personality type, including related behaviours, emotions, situations, or other associations you may make. This way, you can refer back to them on your Dashboard or Reflect pop-ups, compare them with your current behaviours, and make any necessary adjustments to keep evolving. Learn more about this feature and how it can benefit you.
References
- Lee John A. A Typology of Styles of Loving. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 1977;3(2):173-182. doi:10.1177/014616727700300204
- Hendrick C, Hendrick SS (Feb 1986). “A theory and method of love”. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 50 (2): 392–402. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.50.2.392.
- “Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – New International Version”. Bible Gateway. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
- Sternberg, Robert. The Psychology of Love. Yale University Press. p. 48.
