Unveiling the ENTJ Personality Traits
The ENTJ personality type, often labeled as the ‘Commander’ or ‘Executive,’ is one of the most distinctive types in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Known for their assertiveness, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities, ENTJs are natural-born leaders who thrive in environments where they can apply their vision and drive. Here are some core characteristics:
- Extraversion (E): ENTJs are naturally outgoing and enjoy leading groups and being in social settings. They are comfortable with public speaking and asserting their ideas.
- Intuition (N): This trait provides ENTJs with a futuristic vision. They are adept at seeing the bigger picture and are not afraid to explore new ideas.
- Thinking (T): ENTJs use logic and reason in their decision-making process, often excelling in strategic planning and problem-solving.
- Judging (J): This characteristic gives ENTJs a penchant for structure and organization. They like to plan and are typically very goal-oriented.
ENTJs are drawn to careers that allow them to exercise their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and efficient problem-solving abilities. They thrive in environments where they can implement systems, oversee projects, and drive innovation. The careers most often chosen by ENTJs align with these strengths, offering opportunities to lead and innovate. Conversely, the least chosen careers typically lack the scope for strategic leadership and challenge that ENTJs crave.
Career Preferences for ENTJ Personality Types
Based on the work of Charles Martin, Ph.D., in “Looking at Type and Careers,” the following table provides a detailed list of the 50 careers most often chosen by ENTJs, reflecting their preference for leadership and strategic roles. It also includes the 20 careers least often chosen, which usually do not align with their inherent leadership and analytical skills.
| Careers Selected Most Often by ENTJs | Careers Selected Least Often by ENTJs |
|---|---|
| 1. Management Consultant | 1. Police Detective |
| 2. Attorney | 2. Director of Religious Education |
| 3. Human Resource Planner | 3. Factory or Site Supervisor |
| 4. Computer Operations, Systems Analyst, or Researcher | 4. Clerical Supervisor |
| 5. Sales Manager | 5. Cleaning Service Worker |
| 6. Corporate Executive | 6. Guard or Watch Keeper |
| 7. Credit Investigator or Mortgage Broker | 7. Bookkeeper |
| 8. Marketing Professional | 8. School Bus Driver |
| 9. Personnel or Labor Relations Worker | 9. Religious Order Lay Member |
| 10. Administrator (Colleges or Technical Institutes) | 10. Cosmetologist |
| 11. Administrator (Health) | 11. Physical Therapist |
| 12. Consultant (Education) | 12. Dental Assistant |
| 13. Consultant (General) | 13. Cashier |
| 14. Employment Development Specialist | 14. Priest |
| 15. Biologist | 15. Food Service Worker |
| 16. Research Assistant | 16. Manager (Fire) |
| 17. Psychologist | 17. Cook |
| 18. Social Scientist | 18. Childcare Worker |
| 19. Chemical Engineer | 19. Journalist |
| 20. Social Services Worker | 20. – |
| 21. Federal Executive Manager | – |
| 22. Business (General, Self-Employed) | – |
| 23. Corrections Officer or Probation Officer | – |
| 24. Scientist (Life or Physical) | – |
| 25. School Principal | – |
| 26. Retail Store Manager | – |
| 27. Chemist | – |
| 28. Administrator (Student Personnel) | – |
| 29. Auditor | – |
| 30. Actor | – |
| 31. Financial or Bank Officer | – |
| 32. University Professor | – |
| 33. Manager (Restaurant, Bar, or Food Service) | – |
| 34. Dentist | – |
| 35. Teacher (Reading) | – |
| 36. Designer | – |
| 37. Judge | – |
| 38. Education Administrator | – |
| 39. Computer Programmer, Support Representative, or Related Worker | – |
| 40. Psychodrama Therapist | – |
| 41. Fine Artist | – |
| 42. Electrical or Electronic Technician Electrical Engineering | – |
| 43. Physician (Family Practice and General Practice) | – |
| 44. Manager (City, County, or State Government) | – |
| 45. Elementary or Secondary School Administration | – |
| 46. Photographer | – |
| 47. English Teacher | – |
| 48. Accountant | – |
| 49. Consultant (Nursing) | – |
| 50. Speech Pathologist | – |
This table provides a clear distinction between the career paths that align with the ENTJ’s natural leadership and strategic capabilities and those that typically don’t cater to their strengths and preferences.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
