The ENTJ Personality Type: Key Traits, Strengths, Weaknesses & More

If you've never taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, it's a personality assessment that groups people into one of 16 personalities or types based on their preferences.

And in the case of ENTJs, this powerhouse personality type is known for getting things done—just don't expect them to be sensitive about it. Think Gordon Ramsay or Steve Jobs.

ENTJ stands for extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging. According to John Hackston, head of thought leadership at the Myers-Briggs Company, they make up just 1.8% of the population, and they are more likely to be men.

"These natural leaders can be described as curious, energetic, self-confident, pragmatic, creative problem solvers, and decisive," Hackston tells mbg, adding, "Those who have personality preferences for ENTJ are verbally fluent and get energized by interacting with people, exchanging ideas, and making things happen."

Take entrepreneur Bill Gates as a prime example of an ENTJ. This type isn't discouraged by a challenge. In fact, they love it and have had historical success in making great achievements in everything from politics to business.

1. Confident

ENTJ types are ultimately confident and self-assured people (perhaps with the exception of when they're under extreme stress). Ultimately, they believe in their ability to get things done—and they do. Hackston explains that their confidence can even come off as arrogance at times, but it's this quality that can lend itself to professional success.

2. Problem solvers

Being one of the intuitive MBTI types, ENTJ personalities are known to be creative problem solvers. As psychologist Kristina Hallett, Ph.D., ABPP, previously explained to mbg, "Intuition is information gathering from a broader, more 'big picture' perspective, making links between patterns that may not be as easily seen from the specific in-the-moment view."

Hackston adds that ENTJs' "love for different possibilities and looking at the big picture often leads them to discuss and explore people's ideas and insights in order to promote mutual learning."

3. Energetic

Being an extroverted and curious personality type, ENTJs have a store of personal energy that doesn't run out easily, Hackston tells mbg. They're energized by swapping ideas and solving problems with people, and they use this energy to see all their projects through.

4. Natural leaders

ENTJ people make natural leaders, between their propensity for extroversion, their charismatic enthusiasm, and their endless supply of energy. They're easily able to get others to rally behind them by way of inspiring them with their own energy.

5. Critical

When it comes to their romantic lives, and even friendships, the ENTJ is likely to seek people with whom they can have open debates, Hackston says, as well as honest (and sometimes challenging) conversations about anything that interests them.

"They value when people speak their minds, share their thoughts, and are persuasive. They probably won't display emotions and be romantic all the time but will treat their loved ones with balance and fairness, leaving space for frank and direct dialogue," he explains.

They're often solution-oriented, he adds, and that applies in their relationships too: "In a conflict situation, they will likely try to find a quick solution and can disregard what others feel while they focus on a resolution."

In terms of being friends with an ENTJ, "Some good advice is to avoid drama, say what you think, and be ready to argue your corner," says Hackston. And in terms of dating one, he notes that if they feel underappreciated by their S.O., they tend to feel frustrated and disconnected. 

In the workplace, remember that ENTJ personality types are natural leaders. This approach will translate to the workplace, with Hackston explaining that they generally like to take charge and enjoy projects that involve challenges. "To solve them, they create possibilities and explore new ideas, making highly analytical decisions," he adds.

Unlike those with perceiving (P) preferences, he notes, ENTJs actually prefer the structure provided by schedules and long-term planning. They're innovative and global thinkers, but they're also action-oriented and strategic, he explains, "thinking ahead, envisioning potential issues, and pulling resources when problems are presented."

And don't be surprised if you feel challenged by the ENTJs in your workplace. According to Hackston, not only are they good at spotting inefficient processes, but they can become frustrated and "will likely question illogical decisions in the workplace."

Overall, though, he says ENTJs are likely to thrive in leadership and management roles, as they are good communicators, great planners, and able to present situations with precision. "The field of work may be less important than having a job where they have the opportunity to take charge, plan for the future, and see those plans carried through," he adds.

ENTJs are known for being great leaders, powerful problem solvers, and successful entrepreneurs.