Inside the mind of an ENTJ! How Extraverted Thinking (Te) combines with Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Summary

In this episode of The ENTJ Podcast, host Dan, an ENTJ personality type, dives into the cognitive functions that define ENTJs. He explains how extroverted thinking (Te) and introverted intuition (Ni) are the top two functions that drive ENTJs to constantly seek solutions and efficiencies. Dan shares his personal journey of maturing as an ENTJ by appreciating and integrating less dominant cognitive functions, particularly those related to feelings. The podcast aims to connect with ENTJs and others interested in understanding the ENTJ mindset, discussing its strengths, challenges, and the unique way ENTJs perceive and interact with the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Dan, identifies as an ENTJ personality type on the Myers-Briggs test, characterized by being extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging.
• 🧩 ENTJs have two dominant cognitive functions: extroverted thinking (Te) and introverted intuition (Ni), which work well together and contribute to their success in various situations.
• 🔧 ENTJs are naturally inclined to identify problems and seek solutions, perceiving life as a series of puzzles to be solved efficiently.
• 🛍️ Dan illustrates the ENTJ's problem-solving nature with everyday examples, such as shopping and planning holidays, where they strive to make the most informed decisions.
• 🏢 In a work environment, ENTJs may quickly spot inefficiencies, which can be advantageous but also challenging if it leads to a focus on fixing issues at the expense of other considerations.
• 🔮 Introverted intuition (Ni) allows ENTJs to analyze situations deeply, enabling them to make quick and effective decisions by drawing on past analysis and patterns.
• 💡 ENTJs are often seen as decisive and efficient, which can surprise others who may not realize the depth of thought and analysis that precedes their decisions.
• 💰 There is a stereotype that ENTJs are more financially successful and more likely to climb the corporate ladder, although this comes with potential health risks, such as a higher likelihood of heart attacks.
• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes that being an ENTJ is not about feelings but rather about how they think and approach problem-solving.
• 👥 Dan invites both ENTJs and non-ENTJs to engage with the podcast to explore cognitive functions and share their perspectives on decision-making and thinking processes.
• 🌐 The podcast aims to connect with its audience, fostering a community to discuss and understand the ENTJ personality type and its nuances better.

Q & A

What is the primary cognitive function of an ENTJ according to the speaker?

The primary cognitive function of an ENTJ is extroverted thinking (Te), which is about perceiving, interacting with, and solving problems in the world around them.

How does the speaker describe the ENTJ's approach to problem-solving?

The speaker describes the ENTJ's approach to problem-solving as constantly identifying inefficiencies and problems that need to be fixed, treating life as a network of puzzle pieces to be connected for the most efficient decision-making.

What is the second cognitive function that assists ENTJs in decision-making?

The second cognitive function that assists ENTJs in decision-making is introverted intuition (Ni), which helps them analyze situations deeply and predict how to solve problems effectively.

How does the speaker view the ENTJ's ability to make quick decisions?

The speaker views the ENTJ's ability to make quick decisions as a result of their analytical skills and prior analysis of similar problems, allowing them to apply that knowledge quickly to new situations.

What does the speaker suggest is a common misconception about understanding an ENTJ?

The speaker suggests that a common misconception about understanding an ENTJ is focusing on how it feels to be an ENTJ, rather than how an ENTJ thinks, since feelings are not as central to their personality type.

What are some of the challenges an ENTJ might face in a work environment according to the speaker?

Some challenges an ENTJ might face in a work environment include being quick to identify inefficiencies and potentially demanding that they be fixed, which might overlook the feelings of others involved or the need to focus on other aspects.

How does the speaker describe the ENTJ's relationship with their introverted feeling?

The speaker describes the ENTJ's relationship with their introverted feeling as something that is not naturally strong or high up in their cognitive function stack, which they have learned to appreciate and integrate into their decision-making.

What are some of the stereotypes or common beliefs about ENTJs mentioned by the speaker?

Some stereotypes or common beliefs about ENTJs mentioned by the speaker include that they statistically make more money, are more likely to climb the corporate ladder, and may be more prone to heart attacks compared to other personality types.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to better understand different personality types?

The speaker suggests exploring the cognitive functions and decision-making processes of different personality types as a way to better understand them, inviting non-ENTJs to share their perspectives as well.

What roles does the speaker have, and how do they relate to their ENTJ personality type?

The speaker has multiple roles including a science teacher, business owner, property investor, and radio host, which align with the ENTJ's tendency to have a lot on their plates and their ability to manage various tasks efficiently.

How does the speaker encourage interaction and further exploration of personality types?

The speaker encourages interaction by inviting listeners to comment with questions or topics they would like to hear about on the show, expressing a desire to connect and explore cognitive functions and the ENTJ personality type together.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to the ENTJ Personality Type

The speaker, Dan, introduces himself as an ENTJ on the Myers-Briggs personality test and discusses the characteristics of this personality type. He mentions the strengths of ENTJs, such as their top cognitive functions: extroverted thinking and introverted intuition, which are effective in various situations. Dan also talks about the challenges young ENTJs face, particularly in developing their less dominant cognitive functions related to feelings. He invites both ENTJs and non-ENTJs to learn more about the personality type, its strengths, and areas for growth. He also humorously touches on the stereotypes associated with ENTJs, such as their success in making money and climbing the corporate ladder, as well as the health risks they statistically face.

05:08

🧐 ENTJ Cognitive Functions: Extroverted Thinking and Introverted Intuition

In this paragraph, Dan delves deeper into the cognitive functions of ENTJs, focusing on extroverted thinking (Te) and introverted intuition (Ni). He describes Te as a constant problem-solving mindset, where he perceives life as a series of puzzles to be solved efficiently. This function allows ENTJs to quickly identify inefficiencies and problems in their environment. Dan also explains Ni as a tool for predicting the future by analyzing situations and breaking them down into their core components. This analytical skill helps ENTJs make quick and effective decisions by applying previous knowledge and analysis to new problems. He emphasizes the importance of these cognitive functions in the ENTJ's approach to problem-solving and decision-making, and how it shapes their perception of the world.

Keywords

💡ENTJ

ENTJ is an acronym representing a personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It stands for Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Judging. In the video, the host identifies as an ENTJ and discusses the characteristics and experiences of being this personality type, such as being goal-oriented, decisive, and often successful in leadership roles.

💡Extroverted Thinking (Te)

Extroverted Thinking is the dominant cognitive function of the ENTJ personality type. It refers to a way of interacting with the world that is focused on solving problems and seeking efficiency. In the script, the host describes Te as a constant presence in their life, where they are always identifying problems and looking for ways to fix them or make things more efficient.

💡Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Introverted Intuition is the second most prominent cognitive function for ENTJs. It involves an inward-looking, analytical approach to understanding the world and making decisions. The host explains that Ni helps them predict the future by analyzing situations and problems, allowing them to make quick and effective decisions.

💡Cognitive Functions

Cognitive Functions are a concept from Jungian psychology that describe the different ways individuals process information and make decisions. In the video, the host discusses the importance of understanding and appreciating all cognitive functions, especially those that are less dominant for ENTJs, such as introverted feeling.

💡Personality Test

A personality test is a psychological assessment designed to reveal aspects of an individual's character and preferences. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a well-known example, which the host mentions as a way for people to discover their personality type, such as ENTJ.

💡Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and weaknesses refer to the positive and negative aspects of an individual's personality or abilities. The host talks about the importance for ENTJs to work on their weaknesses, particularly in areas related to feelings and emotions, which may not come as naturally to them as problem-solving and decision-making.

💡Decision Making

Decision making is the process of selecting a course of action from among multiple alternatives. The video emphasizes the ENTJ's ability to make decisions quickly and effectively, largely due to their dominant cognitive functions of Te and Ni.

💡Inefficiencies

Inefficiencies refer to the lack of effectiveness or productivity in a process or system. The host, as an ENTJ, is constantly identifying inefficiencies in their environment and seeking ways to improve or optimize them, which is a common trait of individuals with strong Te.

💡Introverted Feeling

Introverted Feeling is a cognitive function that is less dominant for ENTJs but still important for their personal growth. It involves a focus on internal values and emotions. The host mentions the challenge of integrating the feelings of others and their own into their decision-making process.

💡Corporate Ladder

The corporate ladder is a metaphor for the hierarchical structure within a company, where individuals can advance to higher positions. The script mentions that ENTJs are often associated with climbing the corporate ladder due to their leadership qualities and decision-making abilities.

💡Quora Post

A Quora post refers to a question or answer on the Quora platform, a website where users can ask questions and receive answers from others. The host mentions a Quora post as an example of how people are curious about the experiences of being an ENTJ.

Highlights

Introduction to The ENTJ Podcast with host Dan, an ENTJ personality type.

Discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of being an ENTJ, especially for younger individuals.

Importance of extroverted thinking and introverted intuition as the top two cognitive functions for ENTJs.

The challenge for ENTJs to appreciate and integrate other cognitive functions, particularly those related to feelings.

Statistical trends among ENTJs, such as higher income and corporate success, as well as potential health risks.

The flawed question of how it feels to be an ENTJ, emphasizing that ENTJs are more focused on thinking.

Extroverted thinking (Te) as the primary cognitive function of ENTJs, viewing life as a set of problems to solve.

The constant search for inefficiencies and the desire to optimize as part of the ENTJ mindset.

The potential downside of ENTJs' efficiency focus, including the impact on work environments and interpersonal dynamics.

Introverted intuition (Ni) as the second cognitive function, aiding ENTJs in making effective decisions.

Ni's role in predicting the future by analyzing and breaking down situations into manageable parts.

The perception of ENTJs making quick decisions due to their analytical skills and prior problem-solving experiences.

The combination of Te and Ni in ENTJs for effective and efficient problem-solving and decision-making.

Dan's personal journey and interests, including being a science teacher, business owner, property investor, and radio host.

Invitation for listeners to engage with the podcast, share their thoughts, and contribute to the discussion.

The desire to explore cognitive functions and the ENTJ personality type with the audience.

Curiosity about the experiences and thought processes of non-ENTJs, encouraging a broader understanding.

Transcripts

Hi and welcome to The ENTJ Podcast. I’m  dan and on the Myers-Briggs personality  

test I’m an ixtroverted, intuitive,  thinking, judging, personality type.  

Maybe you've recently done a personality test  and you've discovered that you're also an ENTJ;  

you want to hear the perspectives of other  ENTJs, learn more about your personality type,  

work on your strengths… as well as develop  your weaknesses, because that's pretty hard to  

do I think as an ENTJ, especially for a younger  ENTJ, because your top two cognitive functions:  

extroverted thinking and introverted intuition,  are really good together; they can help you be  

successful in a lot of different situations.  However I've learned to mature as an ENTJ  

by appreciating the other cognitive functions;  the ones that aren't so high up in my stack;  

that don't come naturally to me and many of those  are to do with feelings. How to, well, integrate  

the perspectives and the feelings of others into  the decisions I make and also within myself,  

that, introverted feeling that we have  right down at the bottom our number four  

in our cognitive functions stack. So maybe you're  here because you are an ENTJ or maybe you're here  

because you're not an ENTJ and you admire the  ENTJ personality type - or at least you want  

to learn more about the ENTJ personality type.  You might have heard that we, statistically,  

on average, compared with other personality  types make more money. That we are more often  

climbing the corporate ladder. That we can more  easily die of a heart attack, statistically, than  

other personality types. There's a downside to  everything right! Well let's talk about an ENTJ.  

I remember seeing a Quora post once that  said “what does it feel like to be an ENTJ?”  

“What is it like to be inside the mind  of an ENTJ?” That's a great question…  

but it's a little flawed and when I responded,  my post reached right at the top it had  

hundreds of thousands of views because I  said… well… it's kind of the wrong question.  

You see an ENTJ, it's not about how does it FEEL  to be an ENTJ… because feelings don't have a lot  

to do with it. It's more, a better question would  be, how does an ENTJ think. Because that is our  

first and our primary cognitive function: the  way we view, perceive, interact with the world.  

Extroverted thinking so it's an extroverted  cognitive function according to Jungian psychology  

so it's about the world around us that it's to do  with thinking and we're not even aware we're using  

it all the time! As an ENTJ it's just how life is  .It's just how the world is and for me as an ENTJ,  

Te, extraverted thinking presents itself as  a set of problems which need to be solved. So  

anywhere I amm anything I’m doing, I’m constantly  being bombarded with problems and ideas and  

inefficiencies. How can I fix this? How can  I maximize that? From when I’m at the shops  

and I’m trying to figure out what items of  food to buy… if I’m trying to plan a holiday,  

if I’m making a big life decision. It's like  a network of puzzle pieces that I’m trying to  

connect to make the best the most efficient  decision with the knowledge that I have.  

Now, that can be kind of annoying in a work  environment because I might pick out the  

inefficiencies at work quicker than other  people. That's the advantage of having Te  

compared with other cognitive functions; you  do pick up inefficiencies, you do pick up the  

things that need to be fixed more quickly than  other personality types and you might be prone to  

well demanding that they be fixed when,  maybem you should be focusing on other  

things maybe you should be considering the  feelings of the people who are involved with  

the problem that you're wanting to fix?  Right? So that's Te. I experience it as  

problems to be solved constantly, 100 percent  of the time and my second cognitive function Ni,  

really helps me make decisions more effectively.  You see, I think Ni, at least for an ENTJ,  

helps me predict the future. Now what do I mean by  that? Well, it's not some sort of mystical thing.  

It's just that Ni is an introverted function  that's very analytical so I get philosophical I,  

I ask a lot of questions about the world around  me at the same time as I’m making decisions in  

the world around me and I try to break anything  down into its constituent parts. I’m trying to  

analyze. I’m trying to find the connections and  when I do that I can then apply those connections,  

I can apply my analysis to the problems  that I need to solve and so to an outsider,  

they might be quite shocked when I can make, as  an ENTJ, a decision very, very quickly it seems  

like I haven't had enough time to think about  a problem to have the confidence to solve it  

in in the way that I appear to solve  it. However because I’ve spent some time  

thinking and analyzing situations and problems  when I’m presented with a new situation or problem  

perhaps I've analyzed it already, or perhaps  i've analyzed similar problems and then I can  

quickly use that knowledge that analysis that  introverted intuition to predict how to solve  

this problem. So yes, an ENTJ is concerned with  solving problems making the most effective,  

the most efficient, decision in the world around  them. They're thinking about the outside world  

that's Te, but they're using their Ni,  their analytical skills to break the world  

into manageable bite-sized chunks which then  they can apply to problem solving with their Te  

so. That's a little bit about what it's  like to live inside my head as an ENTJ.  

Maybe as an ENTJ you've experienced a similar  thing. Maybe you can relate to some of the things  

that I’m talking about today. I’m no expert  on union psychology, but I want to be. I want  

to learn a lot more about it. I want to apply  these things to my work, as a science teacher,  

a business owner, a property investor and a  radio host - all at the same time, right? I,  

I am an ENTJ! We typically have a lot on our  plates… um… if you want to find out more about me,  

or you want to ask a question - what can I feature  on the show? What would you like to hear about?  

Please write a comment below I'd love to connect  with you and I’d love to make something of this.  

Let's explore the cognitive functions together,  let's explore what it's like to be an ENTJ, and  

especially if you're not an ENTJ, I want to  know what it's like to be inside your head!  

How do you think? How do you make decisions?  Well, maybe that's the wrong question? : )