What follows is a brief description of the ENTJ personality type, including:
• Natural Strengths
• Common Tendencies
• Interaction Styles
• Stressors and Coping Mechanisms.
• Ideal and Corrupt versions of the ENTJ
•ENTJ Stack

ENTJ Basic

Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging. ENTJs strive to achieve maximum gains at minimal costs, but that doesn’t mean they shy away from hard work. Quite the contrary. They are very industrious and dedicated to “achieving the goal” (even if it means facing some harsh truths or upsetting other people).

ENTJs are very “logic” focused. They strive to approach everything objectively, and need “logical reasons” to justify and ground their choices and actions. The same idea may be rejected or accepted based on the strength of the “logical argument” behind it.

ENTJs are very “knowledge” focused. They often want to know “everything.” If they encounter something they don’t know (or learn that they are “incorrect”), they will seek out the correct answer with a single-minded focus. They don’t suffer from shame or embarrassment about “being wrong,” they just want to “correct it.”

ENTJs are very driven and “goal” focused. They frequently “set their sights on a single goal” and pursue it with a “mono-focus,” ignoring concerns like “whether changing circumstances make the goal ‘no longer worth it” or “the ‘real’ purpose behind the goal” (i.e. “having fun” or “fulfilling a need”). It’s not uncommon for an ENTJ to “complete a task” only to promptly realize “it wasn’t worth it.”

ENTJs are drawn to the role of “leader.” They believe in themselves and value “feeling in control.” They often feel that “others won’t understand, so there’s no reason for me to explain my reasoning” while simultaneously insisting that others explain their reasoning to the ENTJ.

ENTJs find it difficult to submit to the leadership of others. People often need to “prove themselves” before an ENTJ will trust them. Gaining an ENTJ’s trust is a slow process, and even then ENTJs tend to keep others at a distance (to avoid becoming entangled in other people’s emotions), but they do value those they feel close to. They often take good care of others, but expect loyalty in return.

When interacting with an ENTJ, it’s generally a good idea to clearly establish what each person’s obligations are, otherwise the ENTJ may make their own inferences (and become very upset if those expectations are not met).

ENTJs are stressed by incompetence, interruptions, intense emotions, small talk, and anything else that might hinder or interfere with their current goal. When stressed, they become more focused on completing their goal, often directly confronting any obstacles or interference. If things persist, they can become intensely emotional (often losing control), and may start to worry/stress about their relationships with others. Coping mechanisms include simple sensory activities, time alone, and the opportunity to “vent” to a trusted confidant.

ENTJ Ideal

ENTJs focus on the community. They objectively consider the situation, identify “what is needed,” and work diligently to achieve it. Others may find them demanding, but they will never ask anyone else to “give more” or “do more” than they are prepared to do themselves. Their confidence and sheer “force of will” often lend strength to those around them.

At the same time, that focused determination and hunger for “achievement” can lead to issues of “it’s never enough.” (This can also lead to forms of greed.)

ENTJs can also have an intense need for “blind obedience” and submission.

The solution to both is to remember that “they are doing this for the sake of the community” and recognize that “if they sacrifice the community to achieve the goal, the goal becomes pointless.”

ENTJ Corrupt

ENTJs are known for their strong will and sense of purpose and vision. When corrupt, they believe they know best, and will demand/force others to obey, believing they are right (regardless of what anyone else thinks).

Part of this “unshakeable confidence” stems from the corrupt ENTJ’s perception that “I am perfectly logical (and therefore superior to others, who may be swayed by subjective emotions).” However, the truth is that ENTJs are only ever “concealing their emotions” until they either “choose to use them like a club” or “loose control.” They can easily become dominated by “self-pity” or “hot-blooded anger.”

When angry they may use their strong intuition and logic to humiliate. They may even craft elaborate “tricks” designed to “set someone up for ‘humiliation’ or “disappointment” (further demonstrating their superiority and domination over others). Corrupt ENTJs are all about “power” and need to regularly prove (to themselves) that they can “do whatever they want” while everyone else is “subject to the corrupt ENTJ’s power.”

But even corrupt ENTJs are “trying to help others” (or believe they are), and (still) expect gratitude and loyalty in return (often in the form of blind obedience).

ENTJ Stack

The stack is essentially “what distinguishes one personality type from another.”

1. Te (Effectiveness)
2. Ni (Perspective)
3. Se (Sensation)
4. Fi (Authenticity)

5. Ti (Accuracy)
6. Ne (Exploration)
7. Si (Memory)
8. Fe (Harmony)

If you would like some basic information about what the 8 skills and 8 roles mean (in general, please click the button below.