An In-Depth Look: ENTP

It’s that time again to take a deeper look at one of the 16 types! This week, we are exploring the “idea people” – ENTP.

Characteristics of ENTP

3.2% of individuals in the national sample have preferences for ENTP. They bring a dynamic, energetic and upbeat approach to seeking out ideas and debating their thoughts. As Otto Kroeger puts it so eloquently in his book Type Talk at Work, ENTPs are the embodiment of “If at first you don’t succeed, drop it or try something else.” They are primarily motivated by the creation of ideas, and are happiest when they are sharing or selling their vision to others. When people do not respond with similar levels of enthusiasm, ENTPs can feel a bit put out. ENTPs want others to join them in their adventure, and will argue with you quite strongly if you disagree or do not want to participate. Debate, argument and challenge are part of the fun for ENTPs.

Important ENTP Contributions

Their combination of preferences results in ENTPs being very comfortable living on the edge of the future. They are enthusiastic visionaries who are entrepreneurial and focused on new ways of doing things. ENTPs are quick to take initiative and work hard to get others on board. They enjoy intellectual debates and do not see limitations or lack of resources as problematic – these are simply exciting challenges that need to be overcome. The picture below comes from a workshop I ran in Edmonton, where a group of ENTPs listed their leadership contributions:

• Always looking for opportunities
• Take on challenges
• Big picture concepts
• Jump right in

The “Always” in front of looking for opportunities is key for ENTPs. They don’t look for opportunities some of the time, or a lot of the time, they do it All-The-Time.

Some Blind Spots

It probably comes as no surprise that ENTPs as engines of creativity and ideas can sometimes get lost in their vision of the future and miss the concrete realities and details that need to be addressed. When they are in an environment that does not allow for change, or where people will not engage them in discussing their ideas, ENTPs can become discouraged. At times they can also sacrifice useful work procedures in their quest of the next big thing, or they can move onto a new project before the previous one is fully completed.