Sometimes referred to as “debaters” or “innovators,” ENTPs are known and respected for their curious minds and the desire to include people in their sphere of influence for purposes of collective knowledge generation. So what are the eight traits of an ENTP leader?
ENTP leaders usually exhibit traits that involve the collective input of others, with the intention that they will be the centerpiece/leader for future projects which will challenge the status quo, thus improving long-standing processes for the benefit of all.
ENTP leaders are often natural leaders who are susceptible to shortcomings that need to be monitored to mitigate procrastination, over-ambition, and the inability to pay attention to the finer details of a problem. These will be discussed along with the traits of ENTP leaders below:
What Traits Make ENTPs Good Leaders?
There are eight traits ENTP leaders typically possess:
- ENTPs are knowledgeable,
- ENTPs are quick thinkers,
- ENTPs are innovative,
- ENTPs are excellent brainstormers,
- ENTPs are confident,
- ENTPs are energetic,
- ENTPs are fearless,
- ENTPs are adaptable.
1. ENTPs Are Knowledgeable
ENTPs have an inherent desire and passion for acquiring new knowledge. Therefore, they go out of their way to facilitate discussion/debate among their peers to allow for collective expression and conversation around various topics.
2. ENTPs Are Quick Thinkers
ENTPs pride themselves on being quick thinkers who can assist their peers or themselves when faced with difficult questions. Alternatively, they can redirect a conversation/topic to their liking by harnessing previously acquired collective knowledge (see above.)
3. ENTPs Are Innovative
ENTPs seldom conform to traditions and rules/regulations if they believe these old methods are insufficient in achieving their team’s goals. Therefore, ENTPs are usually innovators who enjoy exploring new and exciting ways to tackle new/existing problems.
4. ENTPs Are Excellent Brainstormers
As their desire to facilitate discussion, ENTPs are usually front and center of any debate/discussion. Typically speaking, ENTPs enjoy the challenge associated with dissecting a problem and including their voice among leaders in any given space.
Consequently, ENTPs are excellent brainstormers that can add valuable insight and a macro-understanding of any challenges facing a team.
5. ENTPs Are Confident
ENTPs are confident and charismatic people, provided they have been given the tools and space needed to acquire knowledge, engage in brainstorming sessions, and are in positions where they feel that their voice/opinions are respected.
If the above settings are met, ENTPs can thrive in spaces that require high levels of social interaction with others or group discussions/speeches with a large body of people.
6. ENTPs Are Energetic
ENTPs are often passionate about finding solutions with the assistance of others (although this assistance typically involves the ENTP as the leader/final voice in a group.) Consequently, this passion makes ENTPs highly energetic people who are comfortable working long hours to pursue excellence/to overcome the challenging problem.
7. ENTPs Are Fearless
Coupled with their charisma and confidence, ENTPs understand that failure is part of any healthy process/discussion and that same is needed before the best solution to a problem can be achieved.
Consequently, this tenacity, respect for other opinions, accepting their shortcomings, and consideration for trial and error processes mean they do not fear failure. Thus, ENTPs can channel this acceptance of failure into other avenues, making them fearless in most situations!
8. ENTPs Are Adaptable
Like their trait of being quick thinkers, ENTP leaders are also people who enjoy placing themselves out of their comfort zone.
As ENTP leaders understand, changing scenarios is the best method of achieving success through open discussions, innovation, and potential failure (allowing them to learn from their mistakes.)
Why ENTPs Make Natural Leaders?
Because ENTPs have the extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and prospecting personality traits, they usually take the form of debaters and innovators that thrive in challenging the status quo logically and after considering all options.
Therefore, ENTPs are not emotional or anti-establishment; instead, they are eager to facilitate discussion, survey their options, and make a logical, confident decision about how to improve processes or overhaul a process in its entirety!
How Can ENTPs Improve Their Leadership Skills?
Although ENTP leaders have multiple traits that make them excellent leaders, there are weaknesses ENTPs should be aware of:
- ENTP leaders may ignore the fine details,
- ENTP leaders may be needlessly rebellious,
- ENTP leaders may procrastinate,
- ENTP leaders may become over-ambitious.
1. ENTP Leaders May Ignore The Fine Details
Although ENTP leaders are often very good at brainstorming sessions and aligning multiple viewpoints/discussions under a single umbrella to challenge single, significant problems, this macro form of thinking often overlooks the finer details of a problem.
Consequently, ENTP leaders are advised to consult others or revaluate their strategies in greater detail before implementing them, as more subtle details and small margins can often mean the difference between success and failure when facing complex issues!
2. ENTP Leaders May Be Needlessly Rebellious
Although ENTP leaders are not anti-establishment, there are instances where specific processes/protocols may be deemed unnecessary by an ENTP leader.
While this belief is formed logically rather than emotively, it does expose the risk of undermining the work/process of others, to the detriment of an entire operation!
Consequently, ENTP leaders must take care and not be too quick to undermine the authority and set processes in pursuit of their own goals and solutions.
3. ENTP Leaders May Procrastinate
Because ENTP leaders have a desire to acquire knowledge and a passion for improving processes, it is possible that ENTP leaders can become overly invested in too many projects. While manageable for some, this over-exposure to various points of discussion can lead to procrastination and unfocused management/brainstorming sessions.
4. ENTP Leaders May Become Over-Ambitious
Finally, ENTP leaders are very ambitious people that are not scared of failure. However, in the pursuit of success and ongoing failure, some ENTP leaders can grow delusional and overly ambitious.
Consequently, ENTP leaders should accept that failure is sometimes final and too not overexert themselves or others on the basis of misguided ambitions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ENTPs are natural leaders that enjoy facilitating discussion and challenging the status quo for the advancement of those around them through original/innovative means. However, ENTPs can be subject to over-ambition, procrastination, and an inability to see finer details.
