Here’s What ENFJs, ENTJs, ESTJs and ESTPs All Have in Common
One of the things I love about personality type is that there are unusual similarities and common goals that are shared between seemingly disparate types. Looking at the ENTJ, ESTJ, ENFJ and ESTP personality types you might be confused by what they would have in common. I mean, they are all extroverts, but some are intuitives, some are sensors, and there’s a random perceive thrown in with a bunch of judgers! What’s the rhyme or reason to this grouping?
Here’s What ENTJs, ESTJs, ESTPs and ENFJs All Have in Common
According to psychologist Linda Berens, founder of the Temperament Research Institute, these four types all have a unique interaction style called “In Charge™”.
But what does the “In Charge™” interaction style stand for?
Berens states that these four personality types are focused on getting thing done, taking action, and achieving results. They are extremely goal-oriented, focused, and they hate wasting time. They are usually skilled at leading, mentoring, executing, and mobilizing.
Can other personality types do these things?
Yes. Absolutely. But these four types are custom-made for this role and have specific ways they communicate and think as a result!
What other interaction styles are there?
Along with “In Charge™”, there is also the “Charting the Course™” interaction style, the “Behind-the-Scenes™” interaction style, and the “Get-Things-Going™” interaction style. Each has their own specific gifts and communication styles, and in the coming months we’ll go into more depth about each temperament group.
So Why Are These Particular Personality Types In This Temperament Group?
Let’s start by discussing ENTJs and ESTJs…
While both these types filter out information differently and have different interests that motivate them, they both lead with a mental process called Extraverted Thinking, or “Te” for short. As such, they like to arrange and organize their environment in an efficient, logical way so that goals can be reached in the most timely manner.
ESTJs are skilled at breaking down tasks into sequential, step-by-step processes. They’re good at working in a steady, methodical fashion. They keep an eye on practical details and are skilled with logistics and implementation.
ENTJs are good at creating and instilling complex systems and programs to reach long-term goals. They are more focused on strategy than logistics. They are more visionary than practical.
Next, let’s talk about the ENFJ personality type…
ENFJs are focused on big-picture goals for people. They are less directive and more warm in their language. They are less focused on logic and efficiency and more focused on meaningful goals for people. They connect with people through authenticity and empathy and they have an abstract, visionary approach to the future. Their focus is less about strategy and logistics and more about diplomacy and personal growth.
Finally, let’s talk about the ESTP personality type…
If the ENTJ is the strategist, and the ESTJ is the logistician, then the ESTP is the tactical expert. These personality types are good at directing and leading in the immediate situation and context. They are good at sizing up a situation and immediately influencing the people at hand to get goals accomplished quickly. They are good at circumventing obstacles, troubleshooting, and commanding. They have a bold, friendly presence and a skill at delivering immediate results.
How Can You Identify an “In Charge™” Personality Type?
Each of these type is driven by a need to accomplish and see results. They are all focused on achievement and accomplishment. They tend to feel bored if they’re not getting things done, moving forward, or engaging in action in some way.
These types have a bold, fearless nature about the future and want to act, even if it’s risky, to get where they want to go. They are energetic, determined, and often confident. They usually don’t mind taking leadership positions, and may find themselves being looked to for direction without even knowing why!
All of the “In Charge™” types are good at taking the helm, supervising, and checking in to make sure progress is moving forward. They are usually gifted at teaching, mentoring, and mobilizing. They are often ambitious people.
ENTJs and ESTJs will appear much more directive and blunt in their speech than the other types. They will be focused on creating clarity and order in their environment, and they like to solve problems using “yes” or “no” answers. ESTJs will use more concrete word usage, whereas ENTJs will use more analogy and metaphor in their speech.
ENFJs will appear more warm, empathetic, and careful in their speech. They aren’t as direct as the other “In Charge™” types, and they will show a more tactful approach to people.
ESTPs will appear more easy-going, impulsive, and adaptable than the other types. They are extremely adventurous, and are skilled at maintaining composure in crisis situations.
When you get a team of people with these skills working together a lot can get done.
While two in-charge types might butt heads from time to time, when there is a sense of camaraderie, they can motivate people towards higher goals.
The ESTJ breaks down big tasks into a step-by-step plan. They keep track of details, risks, and are skilled with practical implementation. They look at past teachers and experiences to guide future decisions.
The ENTJ looks at the long game and directs people strategically, keeping in mind a far-reaching future vision. They root out inefficiency and find innovative solutions to problems.
The ENFJ finds the hidden potential of individuals and motivates them to improve communities and the human condition as a whole.
The ESTP acts quickly to solve immediate problems and find immediate solutions. They are good at taking calculated risks and thinking fast in a crisis.
I’ll be writing more about interaction styles in the future, but if you’d like to find out more on your own be sure to check out Understanding Yourself and Others© An Introduction to Interaction Styles. (This is an affiliate link).
What Are Your Thoughts?
Be sure to share your ideas and insights in the comments!
Other Articles You Might Enjoy:
Here’s Your Secret Strength, Based On Your Personality Type
Here’s How You Solve Problems, Based On Your Personality Type
How You Can Be a Powerful Entrepreneur, Based On Your Personality Type
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to discover more about personality type? Get the inside scoop with Susan Storm on all things typological, along with special subscriber freebies, and discounts on new eBooks and courses! Join our newsletter today!
Great article. I test as an ExxJ but in my darkest hour found myself manifesting poor future intuitively and didn’t want to ask for help. After getting professionally help, getting into my hobbies, re-connecting with friends, developing self belief and taking the experience as a lesson; I found my fun self again, confidence based on internal values with new healthy coping techniques, reflection and learning to live purposefully and be okay when things fall apart. I feel and think I maybe an ESTP.
Agree with the author that these four types are direct in charge types and can look similar.