Extraverted
Thinking with
Introverted Intuiting
STRENGTHS
Analytical, objective and critical, ENTJs are quick to challenge views and opinions that are not based on sound reason or logic. Appreciating the value of abstract, logical thought, they expect efficiency, competence and intellectual rigour from themselves and those around them. Using their Intuition to look beyond the obvious known facts in a given situation, they are motivated to get to the heart of complex, theoretical issues. Assertive, clear thinking and decisive, they naturally create detailed plans and systems to achieve results with efficiency and minimum effort. Having a strong sense of duty and responsibility, they attend closely to the detailed aspects of a task - which they will be committed to complete on schedule and to the required standard. While they believe it is important to adhere closely to well established methods and procedures, their emphasis on Thinking may nonetheless cause them to question systems and procedures that are not based on a sound, logical analysis.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Orientated towards the Extraverted world of people and events, ENTJs communicate in a direct, open and to-the-point way. Intellectually curious, they enjoy discussing abstract, theoretical ideas. Approaching life from a logical, theoretically driven perspective, relating to others’ feelings may not come naturally to them. Nevertheless, ENTJs will often take the initiative when forming new relationships, as they are outgoing, sociable and talkative by nature. Task orientated and goal directed, they will be motivated to create logical, efficient systems and procedures. Coming to the fore in social situations, they naturally take the lead, organising people and events to achieve shared goals. Straight-forward and candid in their dealings with others, they will be quick to express their own views and opinions. Dependable and reliable, they will be clear about their interpersonal roles and responsibilities and will be prepared to take tough decisions when these are called for.
THINKING STYLE
ENTJs are known for their abstract, theory-driven approach to solving problems, which is based on a logical, rational analysis of fundamental principles. More interested in understanding why things work, rather than simply perceiving how the work, they will use their Intuition to look beyond the superficial facts in a given situation, in search of deeper, unifying, principles and concepts. However, being outer-directed and action orientated, they are not inclined to theorise for the sake of theorising. Rather, they will be concerned to translate theoretical possibilities into well defined, achievable, plans and goals. Approaching problems in a clear, orderly and methodical way, they will keenly attend to the important details that can cause the best laid plans to go wrong. They will generally prefer to learn about a subject by engaging in lively informed debate or discussion, rather than by reading or through private study or reflection.
HOW OTHERS MAY SEE YOU
Dependable, reliable and conscientious, they will be trusted to see tasks through to the end. Colleagues will value their logical, analytical thinking style and their lively contribution to debates and discussions. They will be seen as fair-minded and objective, even if they sometimes express their views in a rather direct, or somewhat critical, manner. Moreover, less assertive colleagues may, on occasion, mistake their straight-forward, matter-of-fact interpersonal style; with ENTJs wrongly being perceived to be somewhat overpowering, opinionated or dogmatic. More down-to-earth colleagues, who are less interested in the subtle theoretical nuances of a problem, may sometimes worry that their emphasis on Intuition might cause them to lose sight of practical realities. Decisive, confident and plain-speaking, their friends and colleagues will seldom wonder where they stand with them. Naturally well organised, colleagues may on occasion resent their tendency to take charge of situations.
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