ENTJ vs INTJ: 7 Key Differences to Know

ENTJs and INTJs seem like two Myers-Briggs personalities that would have a lot in common. After all, they are only separated by one letter. As it turns out, that one characteristic makes a huge difference.

The INTJ Personality Type

INTJ stands for Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging. This rare personality’s dominant function is introverted feeling, while their secondary function is extroverted thinking. 

INTJs are very independent and known for their intellectual curiosity. They’re confident in their intelligence which can translate to not working well with others because they believe they know better. INTJs have been known to have some weird habits and are often misunderstood. They love a challenge and reserve their company for a small few.

The ENTJ Personality Type

ENTJ stands for Extroversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging. People with this personality type are true extroverts. Their extroverted function is dominant, while their secondary function is introverted intuition. 

ENTJs are natural-born leaders, and they make decisions quickly. They are good at seeing the big picture but also enjoy focusing on the details.

They are usually high achievers and work hard to attain their goals. This personality type is often referred to as The Commander due to their innate drive to be leaders. 

ENTJ vs INTJ: Key Differences & Similarities

There are a few key differences and similarities between ENTJs and INTJs. They are two of the rarest personality types. ENTJs only make up 1.3% of the population, and INTJs are just 2. 

That being said, in many ways these two personalities are worlds apart. Let’s dive into what makes each of these types unique.

1. Working Styles

Both ENTJs and INTJs are career-driven and highly competitive. They love a challenge. When something seems too complicated, they pursue it even harder. They’re both highly competent people, which can be intimidating to the average person. 

ENTJs are natural leaders, whereas INTJs are much happier to work alone. INTJs tend to dislike leaders as they perceive them to be a threat to their independence. Neither personality has much time for foolishness in the workplace. 

Unlike INTJs, ENTJs enjoy being around people and have no problem taking on mentees or tutoring their subordinates. However, they don’t do hand-holding and have no patience for wishy-washy colleagues. 

INTJs, on the other hand, feel drained by spending time with people making them less than ideal group project partners. They prefer to work alone. Like ENTJs, they have very high standards and don’t have time for people who can’t live up to them. They are highly creative people who don’t like to be held back by frivolous rules and tasks. 

2. Communication Styles

When it comes to small talk, don’t expect much from ENTJs or INTJs. They despise it. INTJs, in particular, have a strong disdain for typical office banter like chit-chat and gossip or other mundane exchanges. Both have a direct communication style. 

They are busy people with little time for fluff. When communicating with either type, make sure you get straight to the point and avoid unnecessary or emotional extras. This policy goes for both written and verbal communication. 

When meeting with an INTJ, keep it as short as possible, and don’t try to toss in too many extras. ENTJs enjoy interacting with others, but that doesn’t mean they like endless chat. When meeting with ENTJs, make sure you use a direct approach and stick to the allotted time. Their energy level can be a bit overbearing so expect to face some intensity when interacting with them.

Both personality types gravitate towards intellectual discussion. A robust exchange of ideas energizes them. If you share the same intellectual curiosities with either an ENTJ or INTJ, you’re in for a rewarding connection and conversation. 

3. Organization

Both ENTJs and INTJs are highly organized people. It’s part of their secret to success. ENTJs rarely forget a significant event or deadline. INTJs are equally organized and have a deep appreciation for schedules. Both take a very orderly approach to life. 

However, this desire for organization and structure can go too far. Every aspect of their lives is organized – both home and work. They thrive in their day-to-day routine and don’t like disruptions to their plans. 

4. Leadership Styles

The leadership styles of these types are vastly different. ENTJ types are natural-born leaders. They are charismatic individuals with a passion for producing top-quality work. They are excellent managers who know how to identify the individual strengths of their team members. ENTJs are also known for their ability to formulate and execute plans efficiently. Their approach to leadership is motivational and they respond best to subordinates with a can-do attitude. 

On the flip side, they abhor laziness and have little tolerance for subpar work. 

In contrast to ENTJ leaders, INTJs take more of a “lead from behind” approach to management. They lack the flashy, take-charge persona of their ENTJ counterparts. You won’t see INTJs wielding their authority around for kicks. Instead, their primary concern is whether or not things are getting done on time and correctly. They don’t rely on the usual hierarchies of the office and are more inclined to treat colleagues and subordinates as equals. 

Both personality types prefer to work with proactive subordinates who require little oversight. INTJs don’t like to micromanage. Neither personality is too fond of sucking up either. You also should avoid going to either type of leader with excuses. They can’t stand them and see them as a sign of weakness. 

Related Posts:

• INFJ vs INTJ: Key Differencees Between These Rare Personality Types
• ENFP vs INTJ: Are They Compatible?

5. Relationships

When it comes to dating, ENTJs and INTJs are also worlds apart. ENTJs approach dating with a similar zeal with which they approach work. If an ENTJ likes you, they will show you with an enthusiastic, take-charge approach to ensure every date and social event is a success. Conversely, if they don’t see the relationship succeeding in the long term, they are quick to end things and move on. 

ENTJs are bold in their feelings and pursuits, which makes them run the risk of being overbearing romantic partners. It doesn’t help that they’re not great at correctly detecting their partner’s emotional state and needs. 

INTJs, on the other hand, are far less bold and direct in their romantic pursuits. It can be a bit challenging to detect if an INTJ likes you. In fact, of all the personality types, they are known for being the most romantically clueless. They are very cerebral and often build up expectations inside their mind that no person could possibly meet. 

INTJs have little time for the frivolity of dating. They prefer stimulating discussion from the start. First and foremost, INTJs want an intellectual connection. They will not bother to connect with someone on an emotional level unless they can also connect on a cerebral level. These are one and the same for an INTJ.

Partners of INTJs should not expect any grand display of affection. It’s just not how they express their love. They can, however, be assured that their INTJ partner will offer them steadfast devotion and a deep bond that will stand the test of time.

Related Post: Are ENTJs Cheaters?

6. Friendships

ENTJs take a similar approach to friendships as they do romantic partners and working relationships. They know what they want, and they go for it. ENTJs keep a robust social calendar. They seek out friendships with people who share their interests and love to spend their time discussing intellectual concepts and abstract ideas. 

Whether intentionally or not, ENTJs can come across as combative friends. They love a challenge and enjoy engaging in a heated debate and questioning other people’s conclusions. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, you might not get along well with an ENTJ. 

INTJs are similar in that regard. They also like to engage in lively debates. Unlike their ENTJ counterparts, they don’t seek them out and are perfectly content to be separate from the popular crowd. 

INTJs don’t just hang out with anyone. They like friends who can ignite a mental spark in them. It excites them to make these connections because they’re so rare. When an INTJ meets someone who gets them, it’s like hitting the jackpot. 

Once an INTJ forms a friendship with you, they’re let their guard down and show you just how fun and witty they can be. They’re good friends with no hidden agenda. 

7. Emotional Intelligence 

Neither ENTJs nor INTJs is very good at being sympathetic or respectful of other people’s feelings. Because they are overly rational, they don’t understand people who are driven by emotions. 

They can both come across as dismissive and insensitive. INTJs have little patience for individuals who value feelings over facts. They can seem critical and arrogant.

ENTJs also have a reputation for arrogance as well as combativeness. Their propensity for logical thinking and stubbornness have earned them a reputation for being authoritarian and ruthless. 

ENTJs vs INTJs: Bottom Line

Although both personality types are expert organizers with a deep love of intellectual conversation, ENTJs and INTJs play very different roles. The extroverted nature of ENTJs makes them bold, charismatic leaders, whereas INTJs are happy to keep to themselves. Both types have a lot to offer this world, provided they can get out of their own way.