ENTJ vs. INTJ — Here’s the Difference

ENTJs and INTJs have a lot in common. Because introversion and extraversion exist on a spectrum, with some people falling closer to one end than the other, some ENTJs may wonder whether they are actually INTJs.

Another important point is that in Carl Jung’s personality typology, extraversion and introversion do not really operate in isolation. They are paired with one of the four cognitive functions: thinking, sensation, intuition, or feeling.

In the ENTJ’s case, for example, the dominant function is Extraverted Thinking, while the secondary, or auxiliary, function is Introverted Intuition.

In the INTJ’s case, these functions are reversed: Introverted Intuition is the INTJ’s dominant function, and Extraverted Thinking is their secondary function. Naturally, this leads to a lot of similarities.

If you are an ENTJ, you probably want concrete examples of how these two types are similar and different. Let’s begin!

ENTJ vs. INTJ: What They Have in Common

1. Both types are very independent, with INTJs being even more independent than ENTJs.
2. They are both competitive and career-driven.
3. Both the ENTJ and the INTJ have very high personal standards for everything. Not only do they live up to their own standards, but they also have high expectations of others.
4. Their homes are usually very neat and organized.
5. Both are extremely competent people and may seem intimidating to some other types. Although they may not intend to intimidate others, the sad truth is that many people struggle to relate to someone as savvy as they are. Because people cannot relate to them, they may not find them especially likable.
6. Both appreciate knowledge and education, and they never stop learning.
7. Both need a lot of intellectual stimulation.
8. Both like to be in control of things.
9. Both are very logical people who do not let emotions get in the way of decision-making.
10. They are both imaginative people who see a world of possibilities and are ready to take risks to turn these possibilities into reality.
11. Both types have excellent problem-solving skills and can perform under pressure.
12. They are both goal-oriented and know how to set priorities so they can focus on what needs their attention.
13. Both types are motivated by challenges. Hard things that feel just out of reach are especially attractive to them.
14. They are both creative people who apply their knowledge and creativity to challenges and come up with unique solutions.

ENTJ vs. INTJ: How They Are Different

1. ENTJs and INTJs have different energy levels. INTJs focus on their inner world, which makes them naturally calmer than ENTJs, who are more outgoing.
2. ENTJs usually have more social confidence and stronger verbal skills than private and reserved INTJs.
3. INTJs are often better at writing.
4. ENTJs are usually more open to new experiences.
5. INTJs are more theoretical, while ENTJs are more decisive. INTJs spend a lot of time collecting and analyzing information in order to make the best decision, while ENTJs prefer to act quickly, even if that means risking failure. Unlike many other types, ENTJs are not especially afraid to fail because they see failure as another way of collecting valuable information that may eventually help them succeed.
6. ENTJs have a wider range of interests, while INTJs explore topics in more depth.
7. ENTJs want more conversation, while INTJs want more calm.
8. ENTJs enjoy socializing, while INTJs prefer solitary activities, such as reading and writing.
9. ENTJs take on leadership roles much more readily than INTJs, who may see leadership as a threat to their independence. INTJs prefer to devise plans and strategies and let others lead.
10. Many ENTJs tend to be bossy and controlling, which is not really the case with INTJs. Being even more independent than ENTJs, INTJs do not care much about telling others what to do or trying to control them. Sometimes, however, INTJs may criticize others if they do not fit a specific model they have in mind. For example, they may not allow their children to make their own choices regarding education and career and may become very critical if they do not obey.
11. ENTJs are usually better at multitasking than INTJs.
12. INTJs take more time to make decisions.
13. ENTJs are more interested in other people than INTJs. They enjoy helping and encouraging others to achieve their goals.
14. INTJs seek novel ways of looking at things, while ENTJs are more interested in doing things. In other words, ENTJs are more action-oriented than INTJs.
15. ENTJs are more practical than INTJs, who may sometimes have difficulty letting go of their abstract ideas.

If you are still unsure whether you are an INTJ or an ENTJ, try this test.

Read a full ENTJ profile here.

For a full INTJ profile, click here.

16 Personalities main page here.