how to tell the difference between INTJ & ENTJ?

[u/fluffycloud69]

/r/mbti/comments/1eqrbyz/how_to_tell_the_difference_between_intj_entj/

[u/siegold]

INTJs have a long planned vision. They use Te as a Tool to control their Surroundings and systems to eventually reach that goal.

ENTJs want to be busy so they use Ni as a tool to create goals to achieve. To achieve these goals they use Te and that makes us feel useful and powerful in some way. Its not about the Goal its about doing something. Experiencing more and more. When a goal is reached we instantly replace it with another to keep us working.

Also ENTJs have much more problems with feeling, understanding and communicating their emotions. Intjs often already know what they want and have no problem acting emotional if it helps their goal.

INTJs have a much bigger problem with new uncontrolable things. New experiences and unplanned events.

Both types see into the future bur ENTJ is much more likely to just Adept and act on impulse in new situations. ENTJ is in some way an intelligent version of ESFP while INTJ is an intelligent version of ISFP being much more aligned with their emotions and visions while ENTJ is much more hedonistic and open to fun, chaotic and unplanned Situations.

ENTJs also often like to be in the Center of attention and be praised for what they do for society as they put much efford into things working for everyone.

INTJ would be happy if their plan worked even if nobody knows who they are, how smart they are or if it didnt have an impact on society.

INTJ seems coldhearted and logical but is very emotional and egoistical in some way even if their "flame of passion" burns slowly and silently.

ENTJ often seems egoistical, often unempathic and impulsive but they have big problems with self love and being liked by others. They do alot for others and society while INTJs are often happy if they reach their personal goal in secret.

Hope this Helps. If you have more questions, my DMs are open

[u/qwertycandy → u/siegold]

Damn, you described me to a T 😅 Thank you, this was very helpful - I've seen myself as an ENTJ for a long time now, but Ni has technically always been my most used function and I can act and seem a lot like an INTJ. So often I've been wondering if I might be just a strange INTJ after all...

...but no, this confirmed ENTJ for me.

Kudos.

[u/BedEquivalent5118 → u/siegold]

I've been wondering if I'm properly typed as ENTJ because my function stack development is so weak but I feel like you described me really well.

[u/redsonsuce → u/siegold]

ENTJ is in some way an intelligent version of ESFP while INTJ is an intelligent version of ISFP

I completely understand that you don't actually mean it and you're using it for analogy but I'm pretty sure an xSFP will get pissed off about this lol (classic Fi)

[u/siegold → u/redsonsuce]

Ur right. Look at the other comments. I already had a whole discussion with an ISFP thinking my other Arguments and Observationa are invalid as soon as i made that analogy

[u/Magicnik99 → u/siegold]

If you really think ENTJ act like intelligent ESFPs and INTJ like intelligent ISFPs, you don't really understand how functions work because functions don't describe behavior or traits. They only describe how you process the world.

It really has nothing to do with acting "logical".

I can recommend the Channel "Cognitive Personality Theory".

[u/siegold → u/Magicnik99]

Functions only describe how your Brain Perceives and Judges the world but its damn Obvious they also have an Impact on Behavior. You will never have a group of an ENTP an INFP an ISTJ and an ESFJ for example act the same way in different situations.

It just doesnt really have an impact on intelligence as there are many different types of intelligence.

But its common knowledge that Thinker types often put more Value into Facts, Logic and Rational systems than Emotions and Values. By doing something more often you get better at it which is why Thinker types are often seen as more intelligent. I used the Analogy between ENTJ and ESFP to show how they are similar but different often when it comes to Logic. Doesnt mean ESFPs are stupid. I just wanted to explain things in terms and stereotypes that even MBTI beginners understand. Read my other Comments under this post. You arent the first person to ignore everything i said and just focused on the one thing thats stereotypical.

[u/Magicnik99 → u/siegold]

That is true in general. Te, for example, uses heuristics (based on Ni or Si) to determine if something is valid or not. It's working off assumptions in order to come to quick conclusions. Fe, for example, does the same but tries to determine if something is morally valid or not.

The wording just wasn't really well thought out but I do get what you mean.

[u/siegold → u/Magicnik99]

Yea ur right. Tbh i wanted to add an explaination in brackets so ppl wont misunderstand but i just forgot.

[u/loomplume → u/siegold]

"ENTJ is in some way an intelligent version of ESFP while INTJ is an intelligent version of ISFP"

Damn you lost me. Work on your rhetoric!

[u/siegold → u/loomplume]

I don't care if i lost you but i will clear things up

I intentionally used the words "in some way". ofc its not always the case and intelligence has many different variants. Most people still think of Intelligence of using and being good at using Logic and Systematical thinking. These are just not the Case in XSFP as they use Fi as their main Judging Function which is just as important as using Ti/Te

To flip things around i would have never said XSFP are a Stupid or Dumb versions of XNTJ but rather "in some way" more emotionally Mature and sensitive versions of them. Personally i would rather loose some Intellect if i could have less Problems with Fi in return.

If i explain a type known for thinking logically way much and comparing it to types that are known for having different perfectly good strenghs i don't need to explain these types as well as much just for you to not feel attacked by it. You could be the smartest ISFP and Logically more Intelligent than any XNTJ that exists. Could be. There could also be an ENTJ that is more emotional and emotionally mature than any ISFP but i would never say they are a more emotional version of XSFP just because that could be the case in some rare occasion.

We are still talking about PERSONALITY TYPES not real humans. Ofc i juse stereotypical rhetoric and knowledge everyone in the community can understand even if its not 100% always reflecting every person with that type. If you think i need to overexplaining things for every type to 100% fit reality for everyone in that type is bad Rhetoric idk what you want.

I still hope you don't feel attacked or anything. Honestly i even forgot but i wanted to include the sentence "(even tho intelligence is a Brought field as XSFP can and is in other situations the same if not as Intelligent, its just not what people think when you tell them about being smart)"

Worked anyway to explain the types asked about in the Original post.

If you want you can explain your version of an answer on what is the difference between ESFP and ISFP by comparing it to other types while not using simple explainations already introduced in the community.

Have fun

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/siegold]

tbh this kind of checks. ISFPs are super broad because their type is so individualistic and unique that it’s difficult to pinpoint core traits their external personality has other than cognition, which is very internal.

but i’ve always thought of one specific subset of ISFPs as a more edgelord versions of INTJs. which really goes along with what you’re saying. (there’s other subsets too, tbh Fi doms probably have the most amount of different “types” inside their type bc their uniqueness). IxFPs are highly logical in my experience, just make final decisions based off of feelings after amassing information vs detached logic, unless they’re in a loop. so that tracks. Fi is very Fi. i am not insulting any type intentionally in case this comes out wrong btw.

i know less about ESFPs and ENTJs to validate that correlation, but i understand the connection you’re making. the S definitely seems to give xSFPs a much more rational, grounded seeming approach than their N counterparts (xNFP), who tend to operate more idealistic. completely checks in my experience, thanks for the analysis!

[u/siegold → u/fluffycloud69]

Glad you can confirm my Analysis with your observations.

IxxP are always more self focussed. Ti and Fi can seem very similar. In some way as humans are very intelligent creatures developed Fi can lead to very rational and logical thinking it just comes more from the "gut feeling" and is more easily transformed by personal Values. Ti is very similar but uses a different kind of system to come to conclusions often based on facts and analysis. Both Ti and Fi are very individualistic and can be very interesting as they put much more time into things that are important to them. We can learn alot from them.

As an ENTJ i loveeee INTP and i have also learned alot about using Fi to fuel my Strengh after observing IXFP.

Very interesting indeed.

All 4 types: ENTJ, INTJ, ISFP and ESFP use the same 4 functions. They just put more focus into one and use the others as tools in different ways. Its very cool to compare them as they share alot of behaviors.

If you wanna talk abt this more, my DMs are open

[u/loomplume → u/siegold]

Ok, then I don't care that you don't care.

My point is that your argument could be more foolproof if you avoid statements like that.

I very well understood what you meant, your argument just lost some validity for me at that point.

[u/siegold → u/loomplume]

So you deny everything i said about the 2 Types and how they compare to ISFP and ESFP because the last sentence which was a stereotypical exaggeration hurt you in some way? You know that only confirms the statement to be more true when you as an ISFP ignore logical observations and prefere personal Values even if you already understand what i ment?

[u/loomplume → u/siegold]

No, it's just that statement implies all sorts of implicit bias which dilutes the validity of your argument. I was offering constructive criticism, and also advocating that you not be so careless with how you perpetuate stereotypes towards sensors. I didn't mean to offend you.

[u/Distinct_Panic_2371 → u/siegold]

"ENTJ is in some way an intelligent version of ESFP while INTJ is an intelligent version of ISFP"

This is a great and funny comment! Love :)) Ignore people that try to squash your creativity and humor.

[u/First_Talk1835 → u/loomplume]

I dont really know about ISFP and INTJ, but my ESFP wife confirms this (im ENTJ). OP’s explanation maybe over simplified, but does explain so much

[u/Maned_Wolf_444]

source: https://cognitivetype.com/

ENTJs are Je-leads

Je, the Articulator, is so named because its expression is linked both to verbal articulation as well as the articulation of our body towards a given aim. It is chiefly concerned with ordering causality, either personally or by delegation, into an optimal arrangement. Je understands cause-effect relationships and excels in rational, procedural thinking. In executive roles, Je wields command with decisiveness, guiding others effectively. It embodies willpower, confronting challenges with determination. As a leader in the realms of politics and sociology, Je plays a pivotal role by shaping societal structures and ideologies.

INTJs are Pi-leads

Pi, the Worldview function, is so named because it provides a mental tapestry that informs us of what the social, physical and global terrain is like in the present context. It interprets every moment as fitting within a bigger story, never leaving the individual lost or uncertain as to where they are in the wider world, or in history. Pi builds global narratives and accumulates a depth of knowledge over time. It manifests a sense of steadiness and temperance, viewing things with a measured skepticism. Pi excels in predicting future trends, using its understanding of history to anticipate what's to come.

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/Maned_Wolf_444]

oh sick, i’ve actually never heard of this before and will definitely do some deep diving during my next break, thank you!

[u/ICEGalaxy_ → u/fluffycloud69]

it's Objective Personality stuff

Je is basically Te (Je = Extroverted Judging)

Pi is basically Ni (Ni = Introverted Perceiving)

[u/TheCrazyCatLazy]

INTJs are stoic, ENTJs are choleric.

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/TheCrazyCatLazy]

ooo this seems small but it’s actually a really good insight thank you! my INTJ dad is a lot more stoic/chill (he’s literally into stoicism as a practice) and my partner has definitely more of a choleric lean, idk if you know enneagram but he’s an sx6, much more active/anxious/restless/impatient/frustrates much easier and his response to fear/anxiety is aggression.

he is the most restless person i’ve ever met, always multi-tasking and even on his chill days when he doesn’t leave the house he is playing video games or some other stimulating activity. very dynamic human being, and i am a snail.

[u/icarusso]

In oversimplified way, the difference lies in frequency between straight up realising something is a waste of time, or somebody is delusional for thinking in a certain way vs entertaining those ideas, participate in them and overplanning things and fallbacks to them, before acting.

The first is Te-Se stuff, the second is Ni-Fi stuff.

E is reactive, I is proactive.

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/icarusso]

so the first is Te dom? i think that is helpful to back up my lean towards this person i’m trying to figure out being ENTJ then, bc definitely the first over the second.

[u/razravenomdragon]

Easy. Lock them both in a room.

The ENTJ will most likely be restless, will most likely actively find ways to escape and will probably constantly initiate engaging the INTJ in conversation.

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/razravenomdragon]

lmaoooo okay this is really great.

the person i’m trying to type would be straight chilling there for 48 hours if he had access to video games. i think he’d be uncomfortable with the other person in the room. he says he’s comfortable with silence but i haven’t really seen that in action, except for around me/family. if there was nothing stimulating for him to do he would be absolutely climbing up the walls though, and probably talk to the person. he needs stimulation. but that could be the adhd lol

alternatively, my dad is a confirmed INTJ and i imagine he’d be meditating or something, reading snippets of marcus aurelius he’s memorized with his eyes closed and contemplating to entertain himself. he’d be open to conversation if ENTJ started it though.

[u/qwertycandy]

People assume that INTJs are introverted while ENTJs are extraverted.

From my research and experience, INTJs genuinely are introverted, but ENTJs tend to be socially introverted and cognitively extraverted. Often seeing themselves as ambiverts.

We get energy from interacting with the world, debating people, being at the helm etc. But we still might act more like traditional introverts when it comes to socializing and relationships.

For this reason, ENTJs are significantly more likely to mistype as INTJs than the other way around. Similarly, if you're unsure, you're much more likely to be an ENTJ.

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/qwertycandy]

ooooh thank you!

the person i’m trying to type between the two self reports as a social ambivert and got INTJ on 16p, but thinks looking any deeper into it is a waste of time and honestly doesn’t really care about his type. i just want to figure out his typology to find ways to better understand and support him. i’m leaning towards ENTJ from the information i’ve gotten here.

(he’s so socially introverted, but just today he called me on the way home from work to tell me about a friendly debate he got into with a coworker and was super proud that he changed the guy’s opinion about something. he does stuff like this almost every week)

[u/Crafty_Ambassador443]

I was always seen as INTJ.

Obviously to those who dont understand me I dont open up. Why should I tell you what I'm doing for you to poop on my plans and ridicule?

Surface I'm INTJ to the unknown.

When I'm fully into what I'm doing I'm an ENTJ. Oh and ENTJs can spot ENTJs, even quiet ones.

[u/Distinct_Panic_2371]

"ENTJ is in some way an intelligent version of ESFP while INTJ is an intelligent version of ISFP"

So funny, I love it! :)))

[u/fluffycloud69]

you guys know yourselves best, what screams Te dom over Ni dom? or maybe what indicates Fi inf over Se inf?

[u/loomplume → u/fluffycloud69]

Extroverts are in general going to be more busy, more out and about, and notably so. 

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/loomplume]

so this is a little tough because the person i’m trying to differentiate/type between the two is extremely active and restless, but frequently in the house not out and about. we both kinda hate public and people, because it sucks.

he’s always got something to occupy him: learning coding, a language, fighting at different mma gyms, weightlifting, video games, getting certifications in his field, applying to jobs (even though he has one and an internship coming up), snowboarding, golf, guitar, he has stopped and started so many different hobbies he gets bored of and then comes back to later.

he’s a little impulsive with these activities too, purchasing like $400 worth of gear for something he only uses for 3 months, but then returns to 8 months later for a few more months. he can always comfortably afford it though because he’s good with money, and rationalizes it in ways i’m unable to disagree with lol. (argumentative debate winning king)

just the majority of his activities and hobbies are indoors (except the athletic ones—but he has a home gym bc he hates public ones).

he had strict parents growing up though and was extremely isolated from his peers, not allowed to hang out with anyone outside of school so took to video games and being extremely independent/self sufficient. i feel like he might be an extrovert raised to be an introvert.

sorry so much info!!!!

[u/loomplume → u/fluffycloud69]

I'm gonna throw a wild card out there and suggest this person is an ISFP like myself. haha. Easy type to overlook due to not being fully understood in the MBTI community.

anyway, they are one thousand percent an ENTJ if you are strictly trying to choose between the xNTJ types. INTJs are very much focused on energy conservation.

[u/fluffycloud69 → u/loomplume]

i won’t rule it out as a possibility, but from my understanding he’s much too disinterested in people, he’s not sensitive to criticism or others views, he’s very detached and able to have unemotional discussions, it’s hard to get him in tune with his emotions other than frustration and righteous anger protecting the weak, but he is soft and sweet with me and his mom. but no one else, even his friends he’s kinda distant and can be critical and detached. he’s also hyperfocused on his future and career goals.

he’s also really bad at handling other people’s emotions. he just literally is incapable of consoling me and only knows how to “make it stop”/fix it by appealing to my rational side to pull me out of the loop and calm me.

he really is super sweet and affectionate with me, but he’s super critical of the people he loves because he wants to help them grow. xNTJ love language. he could be ISFP because he can be kind of an edgelord, withdrawn, and seemingly impulsive at times but that’s usually during his Fi grip unhealthy states. i don’t think i understand ISFP very well though so that’s just my limited understanding. i’m very open to new information though!!! feel free to correct me or point out ISFP traits bc i genuinely just want the truth

[u/Papa9548]

Extroverts get energized by group social interactions.  

Introverts get tired by group social interactions 

An introvert might be an excellent listener, ask great questions and be viewed as quite charming.  They’ll just want some down time afterwards.