MBTI: ENTJ

An ENTJ has a wonderful ability to cut to the chase of almost any situation. Additionally, they are decisive, occasionally making their decisions too quickly. They generally have a high regard for “positive social and economic institutions, structure, and government.”[1] This, along with the decisiveness, makes them into very natural leaders who can be quite assertive. However, they lack patience with people who are inefficient, incompetent, or repeat mistakes, at which point an ENTJ can become challenging, confrontational, and argumentative due to their high standards. Yet their charisma and energy tend to make up for that among their peers, as they inspire them to greater things. They have a perpetual vision for the long-run, making big plans far into the future. They are career-focused, and love to problem-solve.

                ENTJs are self-confident and rather strong-willed, like their introverted counterparts. This makes them so that they are not always the best listeners. They are also oriented to the future, coming up with possibilities and ideas without conscious effort. They are strategic thinkers, “known for examining every angle of a problem.”[2] Their thirst for knowledge is strong, and they use that knowledge in how they deal with the world around them. They learn best in an environment where debate and problem solving are important, and the learning is structured with a clear end goal – and no experimentation.

                An ENTJ is not always in tune with the feelings and sensitivities of others, due to their own emotional toughness. They struggle to express love and affection, making it sometimes rather awkward for themselves and others. It is difficult for them to put themselves into the shoes of another. This lack of sensitivity is one of their biggest faults. That being said, they love to interact with others.

The friendships of an ENTJ are not built on emotions, but on ideas. They love going back and forth with their friends, proposing ideas and then arguing every angle of them. They love debate and they are one of the personalities best suited for it, perhaps even the best. Their respect can be earned by those who can comprehensibly and persuasively argue their points. Their conversations are lively, substantial, and challenging. Being able to brainstorm and theorize is a huge part of being friends with an ENTJ, Therefore, time spent relaxing must also be something they see as valuable, which may mean researching something so as to become an expert on it. ENTJs are excellent at communication, thus gaining support, yet everything is rooted in a strategy. They have no problem verbalizing their thoughts, decisions, and plans to the world.

ENTJ Specs –

                ENTJs – Conquer the world. Born with combat boots. The Commander. The Fieldmarshall.

                Real life ENTJs – Paul (the Bible – ambitious entrepreneur); Joseph Stalin (dictator of the Soviet Union); Rush Limbaugh (talk show host); Dick Cheney (US Vice President); Napoleon (general of France); Margaret Thatcher (UK Prime Minister); Aristotle (philosopher); Julius Caesar (general of Rome); Bill Gates (founder of Microsoft); Al Gore (US Vice President); Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House); David Letterman (talk show host); George Clooney (actor); Charlize Theron (actress); Katharine Hepburn (actress); Adele (singer).

                Fictional ENTJs – Regina (Once Upon a Time); Thranduil and Thorin and Azog (Hobbit); the power-hungry relative (any fairy tale – perhaps a jealous stepmother or bitter uncle, this character is all about gaining power and manipulation); Shang and Buzz Lightyear (Disney – strategic, organized, natural born leader, focused); Mary (Downton Abbey); Mrs. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice); Odin (Thor); James Potter (Harry Potter); Nick Fury (Avengers); Jim Moriarty (Sherlock); Theoden (Lord of the Rings); Emma Woodhouse (Emma); President Snow (Hunger Games); Peter Pevensie (Chronicles of Narnia).

                Presidential ENTJs – Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon

                Prayer of the ENTJ – “God, help me to slow downandnot rushthrough whatIdoAmen!”

                First impression of the ENTJ – Successful robot.

                General impression of the ENTJ – Leader, tireless, strict, infallible, little patience, quick, decisive; strategic; will be president someday.

                Honest stereotype of the ENTJ – Like INTJ, just better at hiding the fact that they’re awful.

                You say potato, ENTJ says… “Come up with a strategy to make mashed potatoes fluffier for better yield and increased profit.”

                Dessert personality for the ENTJ – Cheesecake – classic, frank, and decisive. You know how to be the star of the show. Around for the long haul. Maple walnut ice cream.

                Quote for the ENTJ – “Live your vision and demand your success.” – Steve Maraboli

                Percentage of ENTJ in Men vs. Women – 2.7% of men versus 0.9% of women - 1.8% total.

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[1] “The Sixteen Types,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.thesixteentypes.tumblr.com.

[2] “16 Personalities,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.16personalities.com

MBTI: INTJ

As a friend, an INTJ is loyal – they do not betray and they do not remain friends with those who do. Despite this loyalty, they are rather emotionally restricted, sometimes coming across as cold, distant, and analytical. INTJs are “intensely private and likely to deflect personal questions.”[1] Indeed, they are almost the coldest of the personalities. They will always avoid emotional situations if they possibly can. INTJs have the ability to shut their emotions off, by distancing themselves until they are practically inaccessible. Trying to manipulate the emotions of an INTJ is a terrible idea, as they will realize what is happening and react with distance and contempt. Since female INTJs are the same as males in this, it means they are often accused of being unfeeling and manly. Relationships are approached in a rational way, and they are stable, reliable, and dedicated. An INTJ is generally terrible at flirting, small talk, and generally the little things for building a relationship.

They are steered by logic – if something makes sense, they will follow it; if not, they will not. Authority must be logical, as must things such as slogans if they are to be adopted. INTJs follow rules that are useful. They are independent to the extreme, in action and thought. They also tend to do well in school, often working alone or in groups of similar people. Some of this is no doubt because they do well with organizing and putting in order, though the order may not make sense to anyone else. Indeed, they are one of the highest ranking personality types in terms of GPA.[2]

                INTJs are concerned first and foremost with their own personal performance. They set goals for themselves and do not waste time in reaching their objectives. They tend to stay in the background, but can lead when no one else is stepping up. They are very self-confident, more-so than most types, knowing well their own limits and abilities, and usually “having developed a very strong will.”[3] In addition, they are demanding of themselves and others, expecting full effort and performance. They are constantly looking for ways to make things more efficient. An INTJ often makes decisions naturally and easily, seeming tough-minded and sometime stubborn. They will debate simply for the sake of debating.

                An INTJ speaks in sarcasm, and is amused by bad attempts to be politically correct and similar things. However, their sense of humor is strong. They often have obsessions with skills or hobbies, but these don’t usually last forever, only for a period. They generally seem to be quiet, but if you bring up a topic with which they are obsessed, they can talk your ear off with accurate information.

                They naturally analyze everything and everyone. They tend to be naturally suspicious of everyone. INTJs are always analyzing themselves, finding ways to improve and develop.

INTJ Specs –

                INTJs – reform the world. The Strategist. The Mastermind.

                Real life INTJs – Noah (the Bible – long range planner); Isaac Newton (physicist); Karl Marx (philosopher); Friedrich Nietzsche (philosopher); Nikola Tesla (inventor); Stephen Hawking (physicist); John Adams (US President); Martin Luther (theologian); Vladimir Lenin (dictator of the Soviet Union); Russell Crowe (actor); Julia Stiles (actress); Colin Firth (actor).

                Fictional INTJs – Mr. Gold aka Rumplestilskin (Once Upon a Time); Gandalf and the Necromancer (Hobbit); Mrs. O’Brien (Downton Abbey); Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice); Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter); Belle (Beauty and the Beast); Magneto and Daredevil (Marvel); Pepper Potts (Iron Man); Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes – original, great drive, can focus in depth, skeptical); Elrond (Lord of the Rings); Enjorlas (Les Miserables); Batman (Batman); Jethro Leroy Gibbs (NCIS); Kate Beckett (Castle).

                Presidential INTJs – Thomas Jefferson, James Polk, Chester Arthur, Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy.

                Prayer of the INTJ – “Lord, help me be open to others’ ideas, WRONG though they may be!”

                First impression of the INTJ – Machine.

                General impression of the INTJ – System, strategy, insight, ambition, dominating yet quiet; big picture and confidence; generally right; analytical, innovative, problem solver, leader; independent; seeking knowledge and inner perfection.

                Honest stereotype of the INTJ – 50% standoffishness, 50% being right all the time, 100% better than you.

                You say potato, INTJ says… “I have a strategy to make mashed potatoes fluffier, for better yield and increased profit.”

                Dessert personality for the INTJ – Tiramisu – original, driven, complex, and layered. Have high expectations of yourself and others. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

                Quote for the INTJ – “There is always room for improvement, you know – it’s the biggest room in the house.” – Louise Heath Leber

                Percentage of INTJ in Men vs. Women – 3.3% of men versus 0.9% of women - 2.1% of the total population.

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[1] “16 Personalities,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.16personalities.com.

[2] “Truity,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.truity.com.

[3] David Keirsey, Please Understand Me II, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1998), page 200.

MBTI: SJ Temperament

                One of the primary concerns of the SJ is to belong – yet not simply for himself (that is, because of who he is), but because he has worked to belong and deserves it. The attitude of an SJ often tends towards being parental, with a longing to be needed. They almost desire to be “bound and obligated.”[1] A deeply rooted belief in hierarchy is a sizable part of what makes an SJ function.

                SJs tend to be a little pessimistic in all they do, or at least, the strongest SJs are. This comes partially from a strong sense of reality. They long and strive to be prepared for anything that may occur. They want to be useful, to belong in the groups they are near.

                One unique characteristic of the SJ is that he feels strongly that it is “his duty to give, serve, and care for.”[2] He does not like to accept care from others, since he is, in his own mind, the one who should be giving it. They have a strong sense of caring, especially for the very young and old. It is the SJs who conserve and save, most especially in any line of work they may be in: pastor, accountant, banker, manager, medical fields, etc. Often they may end up in a position of some power, revealing themselves to be conservative in spending and life in general. They are also very responsible, but often without the thanks and appreciation that such responsibility should receive. This responsibility results in many SJs being teachers, librarians, dentists, or entering other solidly respectable lines of work.

                One of their most distinguishing characteristics is their passion for tradition. To an SJ, history is of the utmost importance. They want to learn the lessons of history and put them to practical use. And, to an SJ, tradition is there and inherently rooted somehow in history.

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[1] David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1984), page 40.

[2] David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1984), page 42.

MBTI: Judgers

                (This is the seventh post in an eight part series on the eight characteristics of the MBTI. Find an introduction HERE, and use the tags at the end to find other related posts.)

                The final set of different characteristics is Judging and Perceiving. These two can be difficult to discern between. They refer mostly to lifestyle. However, put simply, Judgers tend to be decisive and scheduled while Perceivers are more easy-going and laid back. Keep in mind that everyone should have some of both – indeed, tending too far in either direction is detrimental on any of these pairs.

                Judgers typically prefer to have things around them settled and in order. Plans that are left “up in the air” can drive a Judger crazy. They enjoy making plans and have no problem with sticking to what they have planned. Indeed, they find comfort in schedules. In correlation with that, Judgers often like to set and accomplish goals. This means they are methodical list-makers, and systematic.

They yearn for the closure of decisions that are made. This means that they can generally understand why rules are in place and see the need for them. Some Judgers even can be said to actually “enjoy” making decisions. This means that they are often drawn to positions of leadership and sometimes have a need to take control. However, a love of closure can mean that they focus too strongly on making and concluding a decision, rather than taking time to explore options. Simply put, they are “good at finishing.”[1]

It is regular for Judgers to pay attention closely to time. They arrive promptly to appointments. Sometimes it seems like they are always in a hurry. They do actually tend to walk faster and in a deliberate way. Deadlines are almost sacred to them.

Judgers usually take their responsibilities very seriously. They find the completion of a project to be immensely satisfying, and their mentality is usually a “work-first, play-later” sort. This means that compared to the Perceivers, they tend to seem more serious. This also makes them more formal, conventional, and responsible. They prefer to have clear instructions and rules.

Judgers and Perceivers sometimes even differ in their looks. For example, a Judger tends to dress for their appearance (rather than comfort) and will often look neat and finished. Even their car interior is usually neater. Their posture too tends to be more erect.

People who are Judgers tend to be in control of their lives. They make their decisions and choices based on what they find “right” or what they want, rather than an outside pressure.

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[1] “Personality: Judging or Perceiving Preference,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.mypersonality.info/personality-types/judging-perceiving/.