People with the ENTP personality type are often described as innovative, clever, and expressive. ENTPs are also known for being idea-oriented, which is why this personality type has been described as “the innovator,” “the visionary,” and “the debater.” ENTPs are less interested in the here-and-now details than they are in generating ideas and theories. Because of this, they sometimes tend to come up with one idea after another without actually going forward with plans and actions to bring their creative notions to fruition.
ENTP Strengths
- Fearlessness. One of the ENTP’s greatest strengths and keys to success is his or her boldness in the face of challenge.
- Innovation. In all things—products, procedures and systems—ENTPs know there is always a better way and with the right kind of thinking, they will get there.
- Adaptability. ENTPs are generally go-with-the-flow people. This isn’t to say that they are particularly agreeable individuals, but that they are able to adapt to their circumstances and the problems that arise in life and work.
- Confidence. Generally speaking, criticism and ostracism have very little effect on ENTPs.
ENTP Weaknesses
- Flightiness. That which is a strength can easily become a weakness and this is seen in the case of ENTPs and their idea-generating nature.
- Impracticality. ENTPs have a chaotic air about them that can range from amusing to aggravating, especially to coworkers and spouses
- Breaking norms. Nonconformity while it can be a positive trait often gets them into trouble
- Procrastination. ENTPs are also known for their tendencies toward procrastination and poor time management.
ENTP Growth and Development
In order to reach their full potential, ENTPs should:
- Do a little more research.
- Look at the “small picture
- Learn to adapt to rules and structures.
- Stick to your ideas and plans
- Differentiate between the possible and the probable.
The ENTP at Work
At work, the ENTP is concerned with applying innovative solutions to challenging problems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of systems. ENTPs often take an entrepreneurial approach to their work and they prefer to approach tasks in a casual and unstructured way, with few limitations on their ingenuity. ENTPs prize competency and often want to be the expert. They do best when their work is highly conceptual, and allows them to solve problems creatively without having to think through the details. The ideal work environment for an ENTP is intellectually challenging without being rigid, with creative and intelligent coworkers. The ideal job for an ENTP allows them to put their creativity to work developing innovative ideas, while allowing them to delegate responsibility for the tedious details of implementation to others.
ENTPs in Love
In relationships, the ENTP is inventive, enthusiastic, and spontaneous. ENTPs are often exciting partners, full of ideas for new things to explore together. ENTPs prize their ability to understand others and communicate effectively, and have an ongoing interest in improving themselves and their relationships. ENTPs like to encourage their mates to pursue their ambitions. However, they may be competitive or even argumentative; they enjoy a good debate for its own sake. They typically need a partner who is emotionally resilient and doesn’t take offense at their intellectual challenges. ENTPs can be unreliable as they follow their inspiration, wherever it may lead. The ideal mate for an ENTP appreciates their ingenuity, competence, and perceptiveness, and supports them in their ever-changing interests.
ENTPs as Parents
As parents, ENTPs are concerned with developing their children as independent thinkers. They are fun-loving parents who want to give their children many experiences to help their young minds expand and grow. More interested in challenging their children intellectually than caring for their physical needs, the ENTP is inclined to leave the day-to-day details of childrearing up to another parent if possible. Although ENTP parents may be distracted from their families when other interests capture their attention, they derive great joy from offering their children many and varied opportunities to develop.
ENTP Communication Style
ENTPs are lively and agile communicators who speak in terms of the “big idea.” They like to explore possibilities and make connections with the information they receive. ENTPs love innovative solutions and are enthusiastic about change, but they are also highly analytical and will not hesitate to criticize ideas that don’t hold up to their logical analysis. ENTPs can be hard to keep up with in conversation; they like to play with lots of complex ideas and have little patience for explaining details.
