ENTJ Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

If you’re a Star Wars fan, chances are you’re pretty familiar with Darth Vader — he’s brilliant, innovative, and isn’t worried about sticking to Jedi Order tradition. In other words, he’s an ENTJ. 

What does ENTJ mean, you ask? We’ll tell you. Read on to get the scoop on this common personality type to uncover its meaning, characteristics, and more. 

What Is the Definition of ENTJ?

ENTJ is one of the 16 personality types from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test (MBTI). The letters stand for Extraversion, iNtuition, Thinking, and Judgement. 

The MBTI personality test was developed by Katharine Cooks Briggs, Isabell Briggs Myers, and David Keirsey, who based their assessment on the work of psychiatrist Carl G. Jung. Keirsey later gave the ENTJ personality type the nickname of “The Commander” or “The Field Marshall” due to their innate ability to lead and command others. 

ENTJs, without exception, take their careers very seriously. They are also known to be talkative, high energy, and able to thrive around others. 

Strengths of the ENTJ include:

• Level-headed and composed
• Outspoken and assertive
• Excellent at making decisions 
• Strong communication skills 
• Uncluttered and well-groomed
• Formidable leadership skills

Weaknesses of the ENTJ personality type include:

• Stubborn
• Impatient
• Aggressive
• Intolerant
• Impatient 

What Are the Cognitive Functions of an ENTJ? 

Based on the Jungian personality theory, each personality type has four cognitive functions, which focus primarily on outward (extraverted) or inward (introverted). With this in mind, the cognitive functions of an ENTJ are as follows:

• Dominant: Extraverted Thinking (Te) — This is responsible for the ENTJs bold and methodical style.

• Auxiliary: Introverted Intuition (Ni) — This means that ENTJs are able to see ten steps ahead of them at all times.

• Tertiary: Extraverted Sensing (Se) — This is the cognitive function that means the ENTJ craves new experiences.

• Inferior: Introverted Feeling (Fi) — This cognitive function allows ENTJs to be sensitive to the values and feelings of those around them.

What Are the Other 15 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personalities?

As mentioned earlier, ENTJ is just one of 16 personality types. The other 15 are as follows:

• INFP or The Healer — Guided by their own core beliefs and values, known alternatively as the Imaginative Idealist

• INTJ or The Mastermind — Ever eager to improve various processes and systems with their own ideas, also called an Analytical Problem Solver

• INFJ or The Counselor — Marked by a tendency to be idealistic, compassionate, and sensitive, also known as the Insightful Visionary

• INTP or The Architect — Known for their intuitive understanding of complex systems and lack of desire to lead or follow

• ENFP or The Champion — Also known as the “Encourager,” enthusiastic about helping others realize their dreams

• ENTP or The Visionary — Inspired innovators that are always motivated to discover new solutions to intellectually challenging problems

• ENFJ or The Teacher — Driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity

• ISFJ or The Protector — Known for being warm-hearted, reasonable, and reserved 

• ISFP or The Composer — Gentle caretakers who live in the present moment

• ISTJ or The Inspector — Responsible organizers who are driven to create and enforce order within systems and institutions

• ISTP or The Craftsperson — Observant artisans with a deep understanding of mechanics and an interest in troubleshooting

• ESFJ or The Provider — Always sensitive to the needs of others, also known as the Conscientious Helpers

• ESFP or The Performer — Fun-loving, energetic, spontaneous, and vivacious entertainers who are known for being highly social, outgoing, and talkative

• ESTJ or The Supervisor — Orderly, rule-abiding, hard-working traditionalists who value predictability and prefer things in a logical order

• ESTP or The Dynamo — Energetic thrillseekers (aka dynamos) who are always on the hunt for their next thrill-seeking adventure

Famous ENTJs Throughout History

Believe it or not, there are a ton of famous ENTJs. Yup, it’s true — some of the most well-known include:

• Margaret Thatcher
• Franklin D. Roosevelt 
• Bill Gates
• Charlize Theron
• David Letterman
• Salma Hayek
• Jim Carrey
• Julius Caesar 
• Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 
• General Norman Schwarzkopf 
• Kamala Harris
• Vince Lombardi 
• Carl Sagan
• Harrison Ford
• Mindy Kaling
• Napoleon Bonaparte
• Quentin Tarantino
• Douglas MacArthur 
• George Clooney
• Darth Vadar
  

What Are the Best Careers for ENTJ Personality Types?

ENTJs can thrive in a number of careers, but some of the best jobs for this determined personality type include:

• Project Manager
• Physician
• Sales Manager
• Nurse
• Politician
• Management Consultant
• CEO
• Engineer
• Business Owner
• Entrepreneur 
• Armed Forces Officer
• Surgeon
• Life Coach
• Loan Officer
• Top Executive
• Aerospace Engineer
• Surveyor
• Nuclear Engineer
• Agricultural or Food Scientist
• Economist
  

ENTJs love being in charge, and they enjoy strategies and goals. If you have a Commander personality type, steer clear of these jobs listed below:

• Teacher’s aide
• Cosmetologist
• Data Entry
• Clerk
• Fashion Designer
• Social Service
  

Summary

ENTJ is an acronym that stands for extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging. It refers to “the Commander,” which is one of the 16 personality traits that we’ve seen in several different models based on the profound work of Carl Jung. 

Although there are many, some of the most well-known models include the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Keirsey Temperament Sorter. 

If you’re a born leader and tend to focus on the big picture as opposed to the tiny details, you might be an ENTJ. These natural leaders tend to be self-driven, motivating, and competitive which often makes those with this Commander personality type brilliant entrepreneurs.

Sources:

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: The 16 Personality Types | VeryWell Mind 

ENTJ Famous People and Characters | Personality Data

Myers Briggs Personality Test – Careers and Majors | Ball State University