ENTP

What is a ENTP?

Quick, inventive and fond of debate, the Challenger loves ideas, questions rules and finds the unexpected angle. They are charming, energetic and happiest when a problem has no obvious answer yet.

In Jung’s language the mind’s four main functions run in this order for a ENTP: Ne · Ti · Fe · Si (dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, inferior). The first leads and the last is the least comfortable and shows up under stress.

At work and in everyday life

Needs variety, a challenge and an audience. Brainstorms brilliantly, then hands the detail to someone else if allowed.

Negotiating and disagreeing

Inventive and persuasive; finds options others did not see. Can over-talk, reopen settled points or enjoy the argument more than the deal.

Under stress

Scatters, becomes argumentative or obsessive about small details, and may lose their usual warmth.

Growing

• Pick one project and finish it before opening the next
• Argue the other side only when it helps someone
• Build a checklist for the dull but essential steps

How to deal with a ENTP

If they are your boss

Give them room, variety and a worthy challenge; add a person who finishes things; do not bury them in routine.

If they are your client or customer

Enthusiastic and full of ideas. Keep a firm grip on scope and on what is actually decided.

If they are your colleague

Fun and clever. Ask them to commit to a date, and then help them hit it.

If you disagree with them

Fast on their feet and difficult to pin down. Stay on the facts and the document.

Your mirror type, with every letter opposite, is the ISFJ: The Guardian.

If you work in law: the The Devil’s Advocate

Often drawn to advocacy, appellate and constitutional argument, start-up and technology law, negotiation and anything novel. Can flourish where the law is unsettled.

At the negotiating table. Inventive and persuasive; finds options others did not see. Can over-talk, reopen settled points or enjoy the argument more than the deal.

These are tendencies, not rules: every type works in every area of law, and the best lawyers are often the ones who stretch beyond their type. Nothing here is career advice for any individual or a reason to choose or reject anyone.