Wondering whether you are an INTP or an ENTP? Personality types that differ only in one preference can be very similar, and if you are a little bit of an ambivert, as many of us are, things can get really confusing.
Now looking at INTPs and ENTPs, they seemingly share everything except their preference for introversion ( INTP) or extroversion (ESTP), but in reality, this isn’t their only difference.
INTP vs. ENTP: The differences
ENTPs are often described as a more extroverted and entrepreneurial version of INTPs. While both types enjoy consuming and analyzing information, ENTPs tend to be more open-minded and willing to explore alternative views compared to INTPs
ENTPs readily expose themselves to some of the craziest ideas and concepts because they believe it is the way to come up with something unique and original – something that hasn’t been done before.
ENTPs love spending time around other people and appreciate their input. This allows them to synthesize all the information they receive from others with their own ideas and come up with something great. In other words, ENTPs enjoy getting out of their bubble and getting input from the outside world.
In contrast, INTPs tend to dismiss some of the information they find unreliable or irrelevant. They are not particularly entrepreneurial and enjoy collecting and analyzing information purely for the sake of intellectual pleasure.
This is an important difference between INTPs and ENTPs. While both types collect and analyze a significant amount of information, ENTPs’ ultimate goal is to come up with something that can be implemented in real life. In other words, ENTPs want practical and actionable ideas, while INTPs enjoy abstract concepts.
Too much social interaction can distract INTPs from their intellectual pursuits and interests, and for the most part, they enjoy their solitude. This does not hold true for ENTPs, however; ENTPs want to be on top of things in their environment and are constantly looking for novel experiences. In order to do this, they need to get out there and interact with people.
Another important difference between INTPs and ENTPs is that INTPs tend to be risk-averse, while ENTPs are true risk-takers. Despite their entrepreneurial tendencies, ENTPs do not prioritize financial security, particularly when they are young or ever.
This may or may not pan out well for ENTPs. On the one hand, consider that one of the most notable ENTPs is Steve Jobs. On the other hand, according to this study, ENTPs tend to be average to low earners.
So while ENTPs excel in finding and seizing opportunities, it is a good idea for them to be mindful of the risks they are about to take and the potential consequences of their actions.
Another difference between INTPs and ENTPs is in their career preferences. INTPs enjoy thinking, scheming, and planning but not the actual implementation. ENTPs, on the other hand, love the process of building something new and may lose interest somewhere in the maintenance phase.
INTPs tend to avoid meetings as much as possible because they find them distracting, but ENTPs see value in bouncing their ideas off others and view meetings as a vital part of the process.
INTP vs. ENTP: The Similarities
There are more similarities than differences between INTPs and ENTPs. One notable similarity is their shared tendency to focus on the bigger picture, which may sometimes result in overlooking important details.
Both types are very independent and selective in following rules.
Finally, both types are very analytical and introspective and enjoy thinking deeply about things.
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