The INTJ and ENTJ personality types are two of the least common personality types. Both are known for their creative problem-solving and inherently good leadership skills. However, they operate in distinctly different ways, with varying styles of leadership that set them apart from one another.
While INTJ and ENTJ personalities differ only by one letter indicating an introverted or extroverted nature, this single trait makes a difference in the representation of the personality type. Each type’s inherent extroversion/introversion separates them into two vastly different personalities.
INTJs and ENTJs possess several similarities due to the Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging aspects of their personalities. However, the respective Extraverted and Introverted aspects make for a completely different representation of the aforementioned traits, and the two personality types tend towards different expressions.
Can You Be Both INTJ & ENTJ?
“INTJs, as represented by the letter I, tend to be introverted. They work best when left alone and do not thrive in group work settings. INTJs have a tendency to see the “big picture” and the overall concept.
They prefer to pay more attention to broader concepts instead of the smaller details. INTJs, similar to ENTJs in this respect, focus more on logic and objectivity. Emotions, which are generally subjective, are less favored as being a reliable help in making decisions.
The ENTJ personality type is also known as the Commander. The acronym refers to the Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging personality traits. ENTJs tend to be extremely decisive, thriving on achieving their goals and moving through projects with good momentum. They will quickly gather sufficient information to allow them to move forward with their ideas before moving forward with speed and determination.
An ENTJ would dive headfirst into a project without knowing the minutia involved. They are not afraid of failure and would see failure as another opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge to ensure success in future endeavors.
An INTJ, on the other hand, will ensure they have sufficient information available that will allow them to begin a project fully prepared and with the knowledge that they are extremely unlikely to fail.
Naturally, the 16 personality types defined by Myers-Briggs cannot always encapsulate the nuances of every type of personality. There is, of course, a great degree of nuance that prevents many people from fitting completely into one personality type, and there is a significant amount of overlap amongst all of them.
While there are many similarities between ENTJs and INTJs, there is a significant distinction between the two personality types that essentially deems it impossible to fit within them simultaneously.
The dominant characteristic of an INTJ is introverted intuition, while their secondary trait is extraverted thinking. ENTJs, on the other hand, possess extraverted thinking as their dominant trait, while their secondary trait is introverted intuition. So while they have many similarities, they are distinctly different types of people.
Are ENTJs and INTJs the same?
ENTJs and INTJs have their functions arranged in similar ways. The main distinguishing feature is the difference between Extraversion and Introversion. The extraverted presentation of the other functions, the Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging aspects, create an altogether different personality type than an introverted presentation of the same.
Despite a major difference between the two personality types, they share several similarities.
ENTJs and INTJs are generally career-oriented individuals who prioritize their career advancement and excellence over most other aspects of their lives. Both types of people tend to be intellectual and thrive on constant intellectual stimulation.
Task-oriented in nature, ENTJs and INTJs are great at general problem-solving. They are generally adept at finding creative solutions that focus on “out of the box” thinking. Their knowledge of several skillsets allows ENTJs and INTJs to come up with unique and creative solutions to whatever problems are thrown at them.
ENTJs are constantly striving to improve themselves and continuously endeavor to learn new skills. They are both constantly searching for new knowledge.
ENTJs and INTJS are both direct in their communication – small talk, beating around the bush, and general fluff and frivolity do not enter into their interactions with others. This can be somewhat intimidating to other people. Still, INTJS and ENTJs simply find this the most effective communication manner.
Both INTJs and ENTJs are extremely competitive, and they will work harder than their peers in most situations. They are generally highly organized individuals, and they are most often routine-bound. This consistency is part of what allows them to succeed in all their endeavors.
ENTJs and INTJs are both extremely independent individuals, and they hold themselves and those around them to extremely high standards. Their independence leads to a high level of competence. As such, they can take charge of a situation whenever the need arises.
ENTJs and INTJs are exceptionally good at problem-solving. They perform well when placed under pressure from a situation or an external source.
Differences Between INTJs and ENTJs
While INTJs and ENTJs both make great leaders, the main difference between INTJs and ENTJs lies in the presentation of their leadership skills and the differences in the way they lead.
INTJs generally place their focus inwards, emphasizing logic and objectivity in all tasks. ENTJs are generally more outwardly focused. They are big-picture planners with an eye on the future and the achievement of their future goals.
INTJs do not like to be the center of attention, while ENTJs thrive on it. This fundamental difference creates a major distinction between the two personality types. They both make great leaders but differ in their leadership styles.
An ENTJ will automatically assume the role of a leader in any situation. Their inherent charisma will ensure their role as a leader goes undisputed. An INTJ, on the other hand, while equally adept at leading, will only assume the role of leader when it is obvious nobody else is equipped to take on the job.
Can An INTJ Become An ENTJ?
While INTJs and ENTJs are similar in many ways, they remain distinctly different personality types. It would not be common for an INTJ to become an ENTJ unless they somehow transformed their personality from introverted to extraverted and subsequently adapted their ways of thinking and leadership style.
Conclusion
The INTJ and ENTJ personality types possess numerous similarities that make them somewhat alike in certain aspects. However, they remain two distinct personality types with different characteristics. This makes people with either personality type somewhat different in terms of their overall personality presentation. You cannot be both INTJ & ENTJ simultaneously.
