Although ENTPs and ENTJs have some common traits, these two personality types aren’t very similar, and distinguishing them shouldn’t be a problem.
Preference-wise, they share three of the four preferences: extraversion, intuition, and thinking. Functions-wise, they don’t have anything in common:
ENTP functions:
- extraverted intuition
- introverted thinking
- extraverted feeling
- introverted sensing
ENTJ functions:
- extraverted thinking
- introverted intuition
- extraverted sensing
- introverted feeling
All this can become very confusing without examples, so that’s what we are going to do.
ENTP vs. ENTJ
Similarities and differences
Independence.
Both ENTPs and ENTJs are very independent. Being the most introverted extrovert, the ENTP is probably even more independent than the ENTJ.
ENTJs like being around others and are interested in them.
They like to lead them or share their expertise with them.
ENTPs enjoy other people’s company too; however, they need much more time alone than ENTJs, and they don’t particularly care about being leaders.
Curiosity.
Both are intellectually curious.
However, ENTJs realize that there isn’t time for everything in life and force themselves to limit their exploration to what applies to their life or work.
Just like ENTPs, ENTJs may be tempted with lots of interesting information but their fear of getting sidetracked from their goals prevents them from indulging into it.
ENTPs, on the other hand, do what feels good at the moment and allow themselves to explore anything they find interesting.
However, they don’t necessarily study these topics in-depth like INTJs do or master anything in particular.
Ambition.
Both types are ambitious, but the ENTJ is more ambitious than the ENTP.
The ENTP is an entrepreneurial type who enjoys finding loopholes and workarounds.
They aren’t too concerned about impressing others or gaining power.
They want to be able to have fun while having their financial needs fulfilled and without anyone telling them what to do, and that’s about it for the ENTP.
The ENTJ, however, has so much mental energy — it has to be channeled somewhere.
They simply can’t stay idle and will work for work’s sake.
To them, work isn’t something bothersome and, for the most part, they enjoy it.
ENTJs are also concerned about how they come across. They want other people to think they are successful.
They enjoy positions of power and privilege and will make an effort to get there.
Decisiveness.
ENTJs are more decisive than ENTPs who take time to explore their options.
Because ENTPs are good at brainstorming, they typically see lots of opportunities.
However, they may find it difficult to commit to just one option and decide to not choose at all.
Although ENTJs can see just as many options as ENTPs do, they will usually force themselves to make a quick decision for better or worse.
ENTJs hate wasting time, but they aren’t particularly afraid of making a mistake.
If they have to fail, they prefer to fail fast. This strategy allows ENTJs to gather new valuable information that will help them succeed in the future.
Because ENTJs see failure as a way to learn, they are okay with it and aren’t afraid of making a wrong decision. They don’t overanalyze anything.
Confidence.
Both types are incredibly self-confident.
Playfulness.
ENTPs are a very playful type, while ENTJs are more on a serious side.
Orderliness.
ENTJs like their homes neat and organized, while ENTPs can be quite messy.
Work.
ENTPs may begin many new projects simultaneously and, considering their tendency to get distracted, often end up not following through.
ENTJs, on the other hand, make it a point to direct their focus on one important project and see it through the end.
Spontaneity.
ENTPs are spontaneous people who like to keep their options open.
ENTJs prefer to plan things because they believe that planning allows them to make the most of every experience.
There aren’t many areas where these two types are similar.
If you are still confused about your type, you may want to try this test.
You can read more about the ENTP type here and the ENTJ type here.