INTJ Opinion of ENTJ?

[Sylar]

Rather vague question I suppose, but I've always wondered nonetheless. What's your opinion of ENTJs? Do you think we're two very distinct types, or are we more on the similar side? In what ways, if any, do you relate to ENTJs? Do you think that ENTJs are good friends with the INTJ, or are too controlling and turn you off for relating to one another (i've heard that one before)?

I usually figure people out easily, but the entire INTJ type as a whole is strange in that I'm of the impression that we share the same mindset and yet you're introverted? For some reason I just can't figure out how that works. Ah oh well, post away if you like :).

[Synamon]

I find the I/E divide the hardest to manage with other people. Most extroverts can't understand the concept of needing time alone, a lot of time alone, so it's not just you. We really do live in our heads.

I don't know any ENTJs in real life. The ones I've come across online certainly have higher Te than I do and with Se as their third function they often seem more S to me than N. Here's a question for you, do INTJs seem more F to an ENTJ?

[ToC]

I like the level of in-depth scheming that I can do as an INTJ, but somewhat envy the ENTJ ability to get things done more often, as most ENTJs I know are very proactive.

[darkeldar88]

I find the I/E divide the hardest to manage with other people. Most extroverts can't understand the concept of needing time alone, a lot of time alone

Still trying to explain this one to my ENTJ friend, almost given up as he still can't grasp the concept.

I would say I find my friend is more cocky and probably more arrogant than I am, but thats most likely due to E. Really haven't tried to analyse him. I'll get back to you about this, seeing him today and if I can remember ill take notice of his personality

[Josephine1012]

Two cents from non-INTJ, since I'm bored and I happen to have familiarity with both types.

I would say that INTJs and ENTJs are very different, I think as Syn pointed out, it may be the difference in functions.

ENTJs tend to be more practical as a rule, but also a lot more bossy. They have to embrace the world and mold it to their liking, while focusing only on the details they like (a lot of their plans are half-baked as a result). I think INTJs like to muse about ruling the world more so than they enjoy taking steps towards actually doing it (perhaps because they focus on ALL the details too much :) ). I would say INTJs are interested in controlling surroundings that effect them directly. This can mean a number of things and that doesn't necessarily mean they want to control other people in their surroundings (as long as they don't get in the way that is), whereas ENTJs tend to be more focused on "motivating" others, sometimes that may be their only goal....

[Valiyn]

They make good puppets but always keep them busy with other people or that E will become really annoying.

[IreOfDesire]

ENTJs are the greatest debaters, not cause their view is better than the one of the INTJ but they can express it in a much better way. It`s really frustrating to have the inability to express yourself even when you know you`re right. I have never experienced their bossyness in real life, probably because I know only female ENTJs and is not very likely for a female to try dominating me. I don`t know what would be the collision with an ENTJ male however.

As long as we don`t have encounters in a working environment I`m quite happy with their friendship. I believe that ENTJ females are the perfect match for me - enough intelligent to relate, but not enough to make me feel inferior :P Great conversations and debates, reliable, achievers, great time plotting world domination.

[lambpox]

They're crazy. Motivated and incredibly productive but still completely nutters.

[unnu]

I enjoy working with ENTJs on a professional level. If I were to start a business I'd purposefully hire one.

It's pretty easy to relate to them, the only problem is I'm very introverted, and they really don't get that. I admire their strong, consistent presence, if they could focus that inward, stay silent for a few minutes, then I think I could be friends with them. The controlling nature doesn't bother me at all, my Grandfather is an ENTJ, so that mentality has been passed down on the male side of the family.

[Chronos]

ENTJs have a lot of good qualities, in my experience. They're usually highly driven and intelligent, and natural leaders. So my opinion of them is positive - I've even been romantically involved with a female one. However, a couple of male ones that I've known are manipulating womanizers with some rather unpleasant attitutes towards women. Not sure if that's an ENTJ thing or just a coincidence, though.

[chipdouglas]

ENTJs are the greatest debaters, not cause their view is better than the one of the INTJ but they can express it in a much better way. It`s really frustrating to have the inability to express yourself even when you know you`re right.

I don't know any ENTJs but one of my best friends is an ENTP and I can relate to the debate thing. As described by Keirsey, ENTPs (and, I would guess, Js) tend to be several steps ahead of even INTxs in debate, and can masterfully anticipate and respond to different objections. I think more slowly and internally so I can never verbalize my logic as fast as he, but because I am more careful with this extra time I can "win" if I don't fall for any red herrings or any of the other clever debate techniques he introduces. Their "ability" to take up positions they might not even believe in, but which they know they can win logically against a particular opponent, is why Keirsey said they make such great lawyers.

He is good at following my often abstract lines of verbalized logic, and understands broader concepts and nuances that I cannot rely on others to share. That makes discussion with him a pleasure.

As an Introvert, I prefer a small circle of close friends, so his Extrovert quality tends to grate on me sometimes. If you view my preference for a small circle of friends (of which he is a part) as loyalty, then it is understandable why it annoys me that our interactions obviously mean much less to him. We have many rewarding NT discussions, but he is more likely than I to need the company of several people to fully enjoy himself. Plus, I think my low-energy 'I' quality can leave him in need of an 'E' fix.

His Perceiving quality is obvious. I think I can see an ENTJ if I just imagine him applying himself instead of just seeking self-amusement.

[Vagrant]

Most ENTJ's I've known are inadvertently abrasive. They always mean well when they're trying to motivate others, but often it comes out appearing as demeaning, or lording it over a person. I can't say I've had a good ENTJ friend.

My brother is ENTP however. So while ENTJ's can be abrasive, I can understand their intentions.

[benvdespot]

I've even fallen in love with one or two, lol. But I'm not strongly introverted, and at least in the romantic relationships a lot of the ENTJs' energies were often focused on work instead of socializing anyway.

They are good debaters, but I think it's more because they're very good at setting the terms of a debate, being more assertive. ENTPs are more clever and flexible-- and as my dad always said, those who don't care about the outcome of an argument are more likely to win it-- and consequently more likely to outmaneuver me, but ENTJs are straightforward enough that I tend to feel like we're on common ground most of the time. I work with them well as long as they don't try to manage me, and I relate to them well personally as long as we negotiate our priorities fairly (easier said than done, I'm afraid).

[demvesalius]

You should all know that ENTJ's and ENTP's are very different. Ne vs. Ni and Te vs. Ti. From my experience, these factors make a big difference, unless they have a borderline J/P.





demvesalius added to this post, 4 minutes and 13 seconds later...

Oh...What's really funny/interesting is how differently I've been treated on this forum after I changed my "I" to an "e".

[TheLastMohican]

Here's a question for you, do INTJs seem more F to an ENTJ?

Yes, and it makes sense; Fi is the third function for INTJs, and the fourth for ENTJs.
ENTJs and some INTJs can seem very similar. I think those are the ones who have strongly expressed Te and/or Ni, distinct from Ti or Ne. (Those more introverted INTJs who have somewhat borderline functions might seem more like INTPs.) The order of Te and Ni can be difficult to determine, and I think the best way to differentiate is to focus on introversion vs. extroversion, rather than the Jungian functions. It could also be more prone to change over time or according to demanding situations (mostly in the I —> E direction).

[INTJoe]

In my experience ENTJs have a higher EQ than INTJs, which certainly helps them a great deal. But I find they are too over-confident, and it usually ends up biting them badly.

I still consider it one of the few types that I would switch to if I were forced to choose.

[demvesalius]

In my experience ENTJs have a higher EQ than INTJs, which certainly helps them a great deal. But I find they are too over-confident, and it usually ends up biting them badly.

I still consider it one of the few types that I would switch to if I were forced to choose.

Yeah...That's why I like the sport I'm in. If I get too confident and too cocky, then I'll get knocked on my ass, sent to the hospital, or even die.

[Vagrant]

I still consider it one of the few types that I would switch to if I were forced to choose.

Probably an interesting topic that's already been explored. I have a feeling if I weren't INTJ, I'd be ENTP like my brother, because my Ni and Ne are equally strong, but my Te is stronger than my Ti.

[aosteel23]

I don't know what my parents did, but I have 2 siblings who are very strong ENTJs: a brother a 2 years younger and a sister 14 months older than me. I also have a close friend who is an ENTJ.

I have found that I get along well with the type in general mostly because they tend to be on my intellectual level. But my siblings were staggering in their knowledge and logic and their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Growing up our dinner table conversations were mostly comprised of heated debates. This led to my mother (istp) to tell us that we weren't allowed to talk anymore unless we stopped fighting. That caused us endless amusement. We weren't fighting.
ENTJs are the greatest debaters, not cause their view is better than the one of the INTJ but they can express it in a much better way. It`s really frustrating to have the inability to express yourself even when you know you`re right.
This was and is totally true in regards to my siblings. I mostly lost those dinner time debates, NOT because my premise wasn't valid, but because they tended to be more articulate in their views then I was.

The one drawback to ENTJ (in my opinion) is they like to control all situations and think that their ideas are the best. Once their mind is made up they will walk all over other people in order to get their projects accomplished. I have the footprints on my shoulders to prove it. This single mindedness is great at getting things accomplished, but hinders them from seeing who they are trampling on the way to the finish line.

My sister and brother have known me long enough to understand that I need time alone to regroup and recharge. But my friend who is an ENTJ sometimes gets frustrated with my introvertedness. However when I do go out, there isn't another type that I would rather be with to experience something new.

And yes, in case you are wondering, we do have a plan to take over the world.

[doctorjuice]

I have some experience with a certain entj. We have a sort of unspoken connection between us (or maybe thats just me lol).

He has respect for me and I have respect for him. I kind of see a mirror image of myself in him. The feeling I get around him is very similar to the feeling I get around a certain intj. Both the entj and the intj make me a little nervous for some reason but it is also very exhilarating.

The entj and I tend to have good, smart, logical conversations. It's wonderful being around him, but also, sometimes, very awful.

I'll be with him and some guys at taco bell. Actually, just recently we were there. I was being particularly quiet because I had run out of social energy. We were both waiting on our orders. I didn't really feel like talking so I didn't say anything to him lol. He tried to say something to me to bring up small talk or something. I barely responded, and it was really awkward lol. His presence made me nervous and my presence made him nervous lol.

i have the funniest times with him though, honestly he seems exactly like me except full of social energy. I just need my alone time first before I can have a good time around him :)

[amaryllith]

ENTs are just so freaking adorable.

ENTJs are adorable in an innocent kind of way.

ENTPs are adorable in a naughty kind of way.

And I doubt there are many (if any) other people on this planet who are capable of thinking things like that. ^_^ ("ENTJs? Innocent? Adorable???")

*you can smack me now*

[demvesalius]

Oh...What's really funny/interesting is how differently I've been treated on this forum after I changed my "I" to an "e".

Someone in my "reputation comments" wants me to explain how it is that I've been treated differently now that I've changed my "I" to an "e".

Well, according to my subjective observations, a few members have been more aggressive with me in regards to the content I post. Most of it is innocent, but a number of these posts have been removed by the moderators for being off topic. It is as if when I changed my "I" to an "e" some INTJ members became less communal with me and more abrasive. I don't really care, in fact, I embrace it.

Again, these are my subjective observations and I can't justify them in relation to pure coincidence.

[Medicine Man]

In my medical school, my ENTJ buddies are the future surgeons of the class. They come off as overtly cocky at first, and many girls (most of the ENTJs are guys) seem to be put off by this. Still, I can get past this extreme confidence and realize that they are just celebrating their intellectual abilities through verbal expression in the same way that INTJs snarkily mock people in private on message boards. :)

[LvHmBirth]

This is so interesting to me! I have a good friend who is an ENTJ, and I do find that we are quite similar. It's great fun to be social with her - we were recently at a small dinner together. The only folks couldn't track with our conversation, but we were amusing ourselves to no end. We complement each other's strengths well, and I don't find her draining.

I don't think I know of many other ENTJs, though ... well, except maybe my dad (who hasn't done the test).

[Sylar]

Most ENTJ's I've known are inadvertently abrasive. They always mean well when they're trying to motivate others, but often it comes out appearing as demeaning, or lording it over a person. I can't say I've had a good ENTJ friend.

My brother is ENTP however. So while ENTJ's can be abrasive, I can understand their intentions.

Yeah that tends to be me most of the time. If I see potential in someone, I motivate them to their peak. Must be why I was so deeply loathed in gym class all the time, nobody could ever give up/quit without me being there :).

[dogwoodlover]

Rather vague question I suppose, but I've always wondered nonetheless. What's your opinion of ENTJs? Do you think we're two very distinct types, or are we more on the similar side? In what ways, if any, do you relate to ENTJs? Do you think that ENTJs are good friends with the INTJ, or are too controlling and turn you off for relating to one another (i've heard that one before)?

I usually figure people out easily, but the entire INTJ type as a whole is strange in that I'm of the impression that we share the same mindset and yet you're introverted? For some reason I just can't figure out how that works. Ah oh well, post away if you like :).

I have only known two ENTJs in person, one which was a friend and the other was a guy I sat next to in class. The guy I sat next to in class I liked, I thought he was an intelligent person.

My ENTJ friend though, is rather mal-developed, which is a shame because I think I tend to associate some of his more negative qualities with ENTJs in general. He's rude, inconsiderate, overbearing, pushy, demanding, presumptuous, whiny, has emotional outbursts, narrow-minded, loud, and insecure. Consequently, I tend to take a rather dim view of ENTJs, though I have noticed that I like most of the ENTJs on this board. I have a feeling if I made friends with some better developed ENTJs my views of them would likely change significantly. My experience though at this point has been that I get along with ENTPs much better.

[Jinxu]

Female ENTJs are sexy! All male ENTJ must be punish and thrown into prison ran by INTJs and have the keys thrown away.





Jinxu added to this post, 10 minutes and 49 seconds later...

Someone in my "reputation comments" wants me to explain how it is that I've been treated differently now that I've changed my "I" to an "e".

Well, according to my subjective observations, a few members have been more aggressive with me in regards to the content I post. Most of it is innocent, but a number of these posts have been removed by the moderators for being off topic. It is as if when I changed my "I" to an "e" some INTJ members became less communal with me and more abrasive. I don't really care, in fact, I embrace it.

Again, these are my subjective observations and I can't justify them in relation to pure coincidence.

Not completely true. You have a good sense of humor and that makes you "cool" in my book and as a matter of fact I want to be your friend. Once I rule the world, you'll be one of the few who are safe. However, I can't say the same for the other ENTJs though....

[Sylar]

I have only known two ENTJs in person, one which was a friend and the other was a guy I sat next to in class. The guy I sat next to in class I liked, I thought he was an intelligent person.

My ENTJ friend though, is rather mal-developed, which is a shame because I think I tend to associate some of his more negative qualities with ENTJs in general. He's rude, inconsiderate, overbearing, pushy, demanding, presumptuous, whiny, has emotional outbursts, narrow-minded, loud, and insecure. Consequently, I tend to take a rather dim view of ENTJs, though I have noticed that I like most of the ENTJs on this board. I have a feeling if I made friends with some better developed ENTJs my views of them would likely change significantly. My experience though at this point has been that I get along with ENTPs much better.

I have a feeling if I made friends with some better developed ENTJs my views of them would likely change significantly.

My opinion of INTJs has been greatly influenced by this forum in that I thought most INTJs were extremely shy and not as "take-over-the-world-competetive" as many of you are? :). Either way I think you'd benefit from interacting with other ENTJs, as MOST aren't like what you just described (although I can't deny that I am a bit demanding, rude, and exceedingly loud at times :P).

[LevBron]

Here is the typical environment in the two professions in which I have worked: the vast majority of workers are ISTJs, most of the managers/leaders are ENTJs, and then the one or two INTJs in the second or third tier of managers/leaders.

The ISTJs are just dull and predictable, sorry. I actually like the ENTJs though. They're bright and productive. I admire their abilities to motivate people...I have to get to know my people rather well before I can do that. There are a lot of arguements/discussions in the workplace, and they're good at winning, even if they're wrong.

The problem is that they either ignore or don't see all aspects of the issue at hand. They know what they want as an outcome and they just drive toward it, sometimes without a thorough understanding of the consequences. They can be wonderfully manipulative and are fun to watch bending the ISTJs to their will (though it is obvious and doesn't work on the INTJs). If you're looking for a weak spot, then go for the ego, because they have big ones and are blind to this.

They are naturals in the group setting and work well there, but I have noticed that they are very enjoyable people if you can get them alone. In a one-on-one setting, their egos and desire to win at all costs is diminished and my introversion is less of an issue, so it allows for some great conversations. In private, they have reasonably well-thought out understandings of the world and are surprisingly understanding of the inner workings of other co-workers for people that don't have F in their type.

[Sean O]

It seems like most of the negative descriptions of ENTJs that people have given are the kinds of things you'd see from an ENTJ who hasn't developed his/her F. I was definitely pretty abrasive, bossy, callous, and had difficulty seeing outside my own perspective, before I made the effort to develop mine.

I think NTJs in general have a lot of characteristics that can earn us a great deal of respect and admiration from others, but only if used properly and carefully - otherwise, we'll end up coming across as really antagonistic to people, and create unnecessary problems in our lives.

Of course, people of any type who aren't at least somewhat balanced and open-minded are going to get on others' nerves in one way or another.

[ProgFusionRoman]

ENTJs I know have at least one good quality - they actually listen to me and ask for my opinion. I honestly do not think they are very similar to us despite the fact we can speak logically with them. I am sure speak for many INTJs when I say that they do not see the whole of us. I am guessing that they see me as similar to them.......just look at all the posts on this forum and the FAQ at INTJ Central.....now try to imagine yourself being like that all the time.....it seems to me to be a world of difference.

I guess us holding back and being very logical, calm, serious, leadership style....etc can make us seem more similar to an ENTJ at first glance.

Just my 2 cents, only one perspective looked at and I glossed over many things (which for me is not entirely natural in some way but is efficient).

Sylar, if you try imagine being an uber-introvert, imagine getting tired very quickly socializing (need 2 hours total rest from 1 hour of doing), not caring about others opinions, seeing things from many perspectives at once all the time (I believe that is why INTJs, at least me anyway at times, drink - to shut off my active brain) you may find that the differences are large (depending upon your perspective...sigh I must continually stop myself from writing a 2000 word essay!, see how short this is, an achievement for me!)

[Sylar]

Ah well, you pretty much nailed it LevBron (at least for me). I'd be quoting almost every sentence but in an effort to cut down on redundancy, I'll just do 1:

The problem is that they either ignore or don't see all aspects of the issue at hand. They know what they want as an outcome and they just drive toward it, sometimes without a thorough understanding of the consequences

That's me in a nutshell; destroying everything that stops me from my end-result without actually looking at what I destroy :). Maybe that's just the drive behind most ENTJs. And about the ENTJs + Developed F; I too have "developed" mine. I say it like that because I used to be ENFJ (not a strong F, but an F nonetheless). Not sure if the same F that I had before is still prevalent among my now 90% T, or if I've just naturally developed my F side once again.