ENTP Personality Type (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

ENTP is one of the 16 different personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. ENTP stands for Extraverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. People with this personality type are outgoing, imaginative, logical, and adaptable in their approach to life.

People with the ENTP personality type are often described as innovative, clever, and expressive. ENTPs are also known for being idea-oriented, which is why this personality type has been described as "the innovator," "the visionary," and "the debater."

ENTPs are less interested in the here-and-now details than in generating ideas and theories. Because of this, they sometimes tend to come up with one idea after another without actually implementing those plans. They are great when it comes to generating ideas, but less skilled at following through.

Key ENTP Characteristics

There are a few clues you can look for to determine if you or someone you know might be an ENTP:

You're a Great Conversationalist

ENTPs enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people. If you have this personality type, you are probably a great conversationalist, whether you are making casual small-talk or having a serious debate.

You Tend to Focus on the Big Picture

If you are an ENTP, you might be more focused on the future rather than on immediate details. Do you ever start projects and never finish them? Do you get so focused on the big picture that you lose track of your present needs? If so, you might be an ENTP.

You're a Social Butterfly

ENTPs enjoy being around other people. You love to have conversations and debates focused on your interests and passions.

You might usually be fairly laid-back and easy to get along with. However, you might find that you sometimes get so wrapped up in your ideas or plans that you lose sight of your close relationships.

You Sometimes Struggle to Commit

As an ENTP, you tend to reserve judgment. Instead of deciding or committing to a course of action, you would prefer to wait and see what happens.

You're Naturally Curious

ENTPs are immensely curious and focused on understanding the world around them. They constantly absorb new information and ideas and quickly arrive at conclusions. They are also quick-thinking, so they readily grasp new ideas and concepts.

You Love a Good Debate

One common myth about ENTPs is that they love to argue simply for the sake of arguing. While you might be willing to play the devil's advocate at times, your love of debates from a desire to explore a topic, learn what other people believe, and help others see the other side of the story.

ENTP Cognitive Functions

Based upon Carl Jung's theory of personality, the MBTI categorized personality types by their cognitive functions (intuition, thinking, sensing, and feeling) which can then be directed outwardly (extroverted) or inwardly (introverted).

The hierarchical organization of these functions is what establishes each individual's primary pattern of behavior. The dominant function is the most prominent, although it is supported by the auxiliary function. The tertiary function has less of an influence, while the inferior function tends to be an area of weakness.

Dominant: Extroverted Intuition

ENTPs tend to take in information quickly and are very open-minded. Once they have gathered this information, they spend time making connections between various complex and interwoven relationships.

People with this personality type are good at spotting connections that others might overlook and tend to be focused on possibilities. They have entrepreneurial minds and always come up with new and exciting ideas.

Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking

This cognitive function is expressed in the ENTPs thinking process. People with this type of personality are more focused on taking in information about the world around them. When they do use this information to reach conclusions, they tend to be very logical.

This function helps the ENTP understand all the information that comes in through the extroverted intuition function. It involves imposing logic and order to help make sense of many disparate ideas and pieces of information. ENTPs don't just want to understand that something works—they want to understand the why and how behind how things function.

Tertiary: Extroverted Feeling

As a tertiary function, this aspect of personality may not be as well-developed or prominent, so how it is expressed can vary. When well-developed, ENTPs can be social charmers who are able to get along well with others.

When this aspect of personality is weaker, the ENTP may be insensitive to others. That's why people with this type of personality are sometimes seen as aloof or unkind.

Inferior: Introverted Sensing

The introverted sensing function is centered on understanding the past and often applying it to current experiences and future concerns.

ENTPs also tend to overlook many of the more mundane details of daily life, especially if they are deeply involved in a project or plan.

ENTP-T and ENTP-A Subtypes

ENTPs can be further categorized into two groups: ENTP-T and ENTP-A.

• ENTP-Ts are "turbulent debaters." They seek approval, agreement, and attention, and often feel anger, jealousy, or envy. Their behavior is more emotionally driven than ENTP-As.
• ENTP-As are "assertive debaters." More confident than ENTP-Ts, ENTP-As assume that people accept them and aren't as interested as ENTP-Ts in discussing their feelings. They tend to be less emotionally reactive.
  

ENTP Personal Relationships

Since they are identified as extroverts, it may come as no surprise that ENTPs have very good people skills. They are skilled communicators and enjoy interacting with a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances. In conversations, other people often find them quick-witted.

ENTPs will often engage in debates simply because they enjoy having a good battle of the wits. Their love of debates leads ENTPs to take on the role of the devil's advocate, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with others who feel like they are intentionally combative and antagonistic.

ENTP Career Paths

ENTPs tend to really struggle with anything that involves routines and boredom. They are non-conformists and do best in jobs when they can find excitement and express their creative freedom. ENTPs can be successful in a wide range of careers—as long as they do not feel hemmed in or bored.

As debaters with great communication skills, careers in law can offer the challenge and diversity that ENTPs crave. Jobs in the business world that combine the ENTP's rationality, creativity, and natural leadership abilities can also be very rewarding.

Tips for Interacting With an ENTP

If you know an ENTP, there are some strategies that can help you better understand that person and get the most out of your interactions. Whether that person is your friend, your child, or your partner, here are a few tips that can help you know what to expect:

Friendships

ENTPs are great at getting along with people no matter what their personality type. While they are usually laid-back, they can be quite competitive.

If you are friends with an ENTP, be careful not to get into the habit of trying to outdo each other. This can lead to conflicts that can jeopardize your friendship.

Parenting

ENTPs have a fun-loving nature and are excited to share their sense of wonder with their children. Parents with this personality type are supportive, but they have a tendency to try to turn every situation into a learning opportunity.

Parents of ENTP children should know that their children may sometimes seem argumentative. It's a natural side effect of their love for discussion and debate. They may also seem inconsistent, being warm and affectionate in one moment and then withdrawing in the next as they become wrapped up in new ideas.

Relationships

In intimate relationships, ENTPs can be passionate and exciting. They are warm, loving, and good at understanding their partner's needs. You may find that they may struggle to follow through on promises that they have made, which can be a source of frustration at times.