ENTJ:Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging

(File Last Modified Fri, Oct 25, 2002.)

• ENTJ (5% of the American population)
• Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging
• Possible Blind Spots

ENTJ (5% of the American population)

Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging

ENTJs are great leaders and decision makers. They easily see possibilities in all things and are happy to direct others toward making their vision become a reality. They are ingenious thinkers and great long-range planners.

Because ENTJs are so logical and analytical, they are usually good at anything that requires reasoning and intelligence. Driven to achieve competence in all they do, they can naturally sport the flaws that may exist in a situation and see immediately how to improve them. They strive to perfect systems rather than simply accept them as they are. ENTJs enjoy working with complex problem solving and are undaunted in their pursuit of mastery of anything they find intriguing. ENTJs value truth above all else and are convinced only by logical reasoning.

Eager to continually add to their base of knowledge, ENTJs are systematic about planning and researching new things. They enjoy working with complex theoretical problems and work toward the pursuit of mastery of anything they find intriguing. They are much more interested in the future consequences of actions than the present condition of things.

Natural leaders with a hearty and frank style, ENTJs tend to take charge of any situation they find themselves in. They are good organizers of people because they have the ability to see ahead and then communicate their vision to others. They tend to live by a rather strict set of rules and expect others to do so as well. Therefore, they tend to be challenging and push others as hard as they push themselves.

Possible Blind Spots

Owing to their desire to move on to the next challenge or toward their larger goal, ENTJs sometimes make decisions too hastily. Slowing down occasionally will give the chance to gather all relevant data, and consider both the practical and personal ramifications of their actions. Their action orientation propels them to act on their decisions as soon as they are made rather than stopping to double check their facts and the realities of the situation.

Because ENTJs take a logical approach to life, they can be tough, blunt, impatient, and insensitive to the needs and feelings of others when they don't see the logic of those feelings. ENTJs can be argumentative and difficult to approach and don't often welcom the commonsense advice of others. Rather than automatically being critical, they need to listen to the input of those around them and express their appreciation for their contributions. ENTJs need to make a conscious effort--in fact to make it a rule--to stop and listen to others before charging ahead with their own ideas, and avoid acting domineering and dictatorial.

ENTJs impersonal approach to life leaves little time, tolerance, or compassion for emotions, even their own. when they allow their feelings to go ignored or unexpressed, they can find themselves overreacting emotionally. They are particularly prone to this if they perceive someone to be questioning their competence, especially someone they respect. They can have explosive reactions to seemingly insignificant situations, and these outbursts can be hurtful to those close to them. ENTJs are most effective and happy when they give themselves time to consider and understand how they really feel. Giving their emotions a constructive outlet, rather than allowing them to take over their personalities, will actually allow them to stay more fully in control, a position they enjoy and strive for. Surprisingly, ENTJs may actually be less experienced and competent than their confident style indicates. They will increase their personal power and rate of success by allowing themselves to take some reasonable and valuable assistance from others.