Pride and Personality: How Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type Gets Arrogant

I’m often asked which of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types are the most or least arrogant. And this question always makes me laugh, because ALL the personality types can be arrogant. I’ve seen an arrogant ESFJ putting down an arrogant INTJ because the ESFJ thinks the INTJ should be more like them, while the INTJ thinks the ESFJ should be more like them.

Most of us think that our way of operating is the best way. We think that people who have dramatically different perceptions or worldviews are flawed, narrow-minded, or incompetent in some way.

INFJs, for example, may think that everyone should have the depth, insight, and empathy that they have. Meanwhile, maybe they’re a little bit out of touch with facts and current happenings in their environment.

ESTPs, in contrast, may think that everyone should be as quick, observant, and fact-focused as they are. Meanwhile, maybe they’re a little out of touch with the bigger picture, perspective-shifting, or the deeper meanings in life.

All of us can be arrogant. But the way it shows up is different from type to type. The main theme, however, tends to be that we all think the world would be a better place if everyone was just more like us.

So today we’re taking a look at the arrogant versions of each of the 16 Myers-Briggs® personality types. Do you see yourself in these? Yes? No? Keep in mind, if you’re at a healthy level of development then chances are, you’ve moved past this phase of unhealthy arrogance.

The Arrogant Versions of Every Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Estimated reading time: 24 minutes

ENFJs

Imagine if Captain America decided that, aside from saving the world, he also needed to manage your relationship choices, choose your career, and select your next Netflix binge. Sounds a bit overbearing, right? Well, welcome to the world of some unhealthy ENFJs. With their hearts often in the right place, ENFJs are like your friend who insists on giving you directions—even when you’re just walking to the mailbox. They have a knack for seeing the potential in people, sculpting them into the best versions of themselves. But this can sometimes morph into a Messiah complex. Thinking they’ve got the manual for everyone’s life tucked under their arms, they enter their relationships like a self-professed guru, ready to dish out guidance, solicited or not.

The trouble begins when ENFJs start believing the hype a little too much. It’s like they’ve got this internal Spotify playlist that only plays songs about how great their advice is. They might mean well, aiming to elevate everyone to a higher calling and potential, but sometimes they’re just being pushy – and pushing in the wrong direction. They can become presumptuous, assuming their way of dishing out wisdom is the way that works for everyone.

Here are 5 Things ENFJs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their unerring ability to “read” people (or so they think).
• Having the solution to everyone’s problems before they even finish explaining.
• Their social networks and how many friends and followers they have
• The belief that if everyone just listened to them, the world would be a better place.
• Their knack for personal development, not just for themselves but, quite ambitiously, for everyone around them.

Find out more about ENFJs: The ENFJ Personality and the Enneagram

ENTJs

Imagine if Doctor Strange, in all his intellectual glory, decided that emotions are for the weak and that the only way to succeed is through sheer force of will and intellect. Welcome to the world of some ENTJs. With their razor-sharp minds and intimidating ambition, ENTJs can sometimes see themselves as the chess masters of the human experience, with everyone else merely pawns in their strategic game. They’re the type who aim to build empires, disrupt industries, and reshape the future—all before breakfast. However, this relentless drive can morph into a superiority complex, where they start to view others as having quaint ambitions and trivial emotions.

ENTJs, in their less grounded moments, can succumb to the illusion of their invincibility and unparalleled intelligence. The world of emotion and the richness of human vulnerability are drowned out by the noise of progress and success. They may begin to see people who prioritize emotions and sensitivity as not just distractions, but as embarrassing and childish. This mindset often leaves a wake of interpersonal challenges. Their disdain for what they perceive as “silly feelings” can blind them to the value of emotional intelligence, rendering them ill-equipped to nurture the relationships crucial for both personal and professional fulfillment.

Here are 5 Things ENTJs Can Get Arrogant About:

• Their perceived intellectual superiority and ability to outsmart others.
• Viewing their ambition and work ethic as unparalleled, often dismissing others’ efforts as not enough.
• Belief in their vision and goals as being of paramount importance, seeing others’ dreams as minor or irrelevant.
• Equating strength with emotional stoicism and tactlessness
• The conviction that if only people were more logical, the world would be a more efficient place.’

Discover more about ENTJs: INTJ vs ENTJ – What’s the Difference?

ENFPs

ENFPs are often called the “champions” or the “visionaries”, and many live up to these monikers. The problem comes when they take these titles too much to heart, and feel that they exclusively have rights to them. Some ENFPs believe that they alone are the protectors of the weak, the underdogs, and the misunderstood. They’re the ones at the party who not only bring their own soapbox but also a speaker system to broadcast their latest revolutionary thoughts.

Now we get to the visionary part of the ENFP nature. In many ways, ENFPs are like human idea-generating machines. But the problem is sometimes, they’re all spark and no bonfire. They come up with a hundred ideas before breakfast, yet by dinner, they might struggle to recall why they were so hyped up about an aerial yoga studio in their backyard. And when it comes to their individuality and heart for the underdog, some unhealthy ENFPs take it too far, believing themselves to be the sole crusaders of moral righteousness. “You’ve not heard of this obscure societal issue?” They’ll ask, half incredulous, half disappointed, ready to enlighten you—and save another soul.

Here are 5 Things ENFPs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their desire to care for the underdogs, wondering why others aren’t as passionate.
• A belief in their moral compass as the north star for humanity—how come everyone isn’t following?
• Their uniqueness and the novelty of their ideas
• Viewing traditionalists as relics in a museum, fascinating but hopelessly out of touch.
• The idea that they are “above” people who are taking a slower, more skeptical look at certain causes or social movements

Discover more about ENFPs: The Dark Side of the ENFP Personality Type

ENTPs

Imagine a modern-day Socrates, but armed with a Twitter account and a penchant for disruptive technology. That’s the ENTP in their natural habitat, always ready to challenge the status quo with a clever tweet or an innovative start-up idea. They pride themselves on their ability to generate a ceaseless stream of ideas, each more unconventional than the last. However, this self-view often teeters on the edge of conceit, especially when their dozens of ideas never get finished. Imbalanced ENTPs tend to be the brainstormers who leave a project half-finished in pursuit of the next big thing, all the while critiquing those who are slower, more meticulous, and more “by the book.”

Then let’s get to the arguing. ENTPs aren’t called “The Debaters” for nothing! They can unravel complex theories and counter any point rapidly, but sometimes their love for debate means they wind up hurting people’s feelings in the process. This can lead to a sense of invincibility, where they believe no one can challenge or outsmart them.

Here are 4 Things ENTPs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their endless fountain of innovative ideas, though many remain just that—ideas.
• Their disdain for conventional wisdom and traditional pathways, which they see as both limiting and antiquated.
• Their ability to debate and dissect arguments, often at the expense of deeper understanding or listening.
• Believing they’re always one step ahead in thinking

Find out more about ENTPs: A Look at the ENTP Leader

INFJs

Let’s take a moment to imagine a solitary figure, cloaked in the mystique of ancient wisdom, gazing intently into the horizon. This is the INFJ, or “Mystic.” Not because they can read your palm or commune with the spirit world (though don’t put it past them to try), but because they have an uncanny ability to see into the very essence of those around them. They’re the human equivalent of an X-ray machine, but instead of bones, they see your hopes, fears, and the secret desire you have to quit your job and become a circus performer.

But beware, because some INFJs let their mystical status go to their head. Yes, they can empathize on a sometimes profound level. But they can also develop the mindset that they are deeper, more insightful, more wise than other “normal” people. They can become so enamored with their “unicorn status”—being among the rarest of personality types—that they start to see themselves as the main character in a story where everyone else is merely a supporting cast.

Here are 5 Things INFJs May Get Arrogant About:

• Believing they’re always the most insightful person in the room, capable of understanding someone better than they understand themselves.
• Thinking their rare status makes them more special than other people.
• The depth of their empathy, which they wear like a badge of honor, sometimes verging on martyrdom.
• Their ability to “see beneath the surface,” leading them to dismiss more straightforward or obvious answers to problems.
• Their conviction in their own moral and ethical compass, viewing those who disagree with them as less enlightened or aware.

Discover more about INFJs: The INFJ and the 9 Enneagram Types

INTJs

Okay INTJs, you know that “Mastermind” status? Some of you are taking that way too much to heart. Many of you would hang a portrait of your brain in a place of honor if you could, out of sheer respect for its ability to outthink, outplan, and out-strategize “mere mortals.”

INTJs thrive on long-term planning and strategic thinking, crafting plans within plans like a modern-day Machiavelli, minus the Italian villa. They pride themselves on their ability to remain several steps ahead of everyone else, mentally plotting chess moves in life as though everyone else is playing checkers. This can lead to a slight, teeny-weeny issue where INTJs may start to believe their intellect not only sets them apart but sets them above the rest of humanity.

Here are 4 Things INTJs Can Get Arrogant About:

• Their strategic abilities; thinking their plans and ideas are inherently smarter than anyone else’s
• Their regard for their “superior” intellect, believing if others just thought more like them, the world’s problems could be solved.
• Viewing their intuition and insights as infallible, sometimes dismissing practical, straightforward data or facts that contradict their elaborate theories.
• The belief that they are the most rational and objective person in any room, sometimes leading to a somewhat “robotic” disregard for the messy spectrum of human emotions.

Find out more about INTJs: The INTJ Cognitive Function Stack

INFPs

Picture an INFP in their natural habitat—probably a cozy, dimly lit room filled with books on philosophy, unopened mail, and at least one plant they talk to. This is the “Dreamer,” always lost in thought, pondering the vast complexities of life from the comfort of their armchair. INFPs are like human submarines; they dive into the depths of their own psyche, navigating through the murky waters of emotions, ideals, and existential musings with unparalleled grace. And much like submarines, they sometimes forget to surface back into the real world, missing the boat on what’s happening around them.

INFPs could win gold if “depth-probing” were an Olympic sport. And some believe their moral compass is far superior to others; not just a tool but a highly advanced navigational system that only they possess. This moral GPS oftentimes positions them in a league of their own, and some INFPs see themselves as more enlightened or spiritually evolved than “ordinary” people.

Here are 4 Things INFPs May Get Conceited About:

• Some believe that they are morally superior, seeing others as selfish or lacking depth.
• Their belief in being the most open-minded, even though they might dismiss anything that challenges their own worldview as “close-minded.”
• The depth of their self-exploration, mistaking navel-gazing for deep philosophical inquiry.
• Viewing their vast inner world as more rich and compelling than the reality most others live in, occasionally missing out on the fact that yes, other people have inner worlds too.

Curious about INFPs? Read more: 24 Signs That You’re an INFP, the Dreamer Personality Type

INTPs

If you’re lucky enough to spend much time with an INTP, you’ll quickly notice that they have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They’re the “Thinkers” of the personality world, and they’re not content with a surface-level understanding of anything. Imagine Sherlock Holmes, if instead of solving crimes he got wrapped up in existential debates with his own reflection.

INTPs are like human versions of search engines, always in beta testing, constantly updating their knowledge database with new inputs. But here’s the problem—they sometimes develop a bit of a superiority complex, believing they’re the only ones who care about truth or radical honesty. They see themselves as the enlightened few, navigating through the darkness of society’s ignorance with the torch of logic.

Here are 4 Things INTPs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their desire for knowledge, which they view as a noble quest, far superior to the more mundane interests of other mortals.
• Believing they have a monopoly on logic and rationality, viewing anyone who operates on emotion as somewhat primitive.
• The complexity of their thought processes, convinced that if others are confused by their ideas, it’s because they’re not thinking hard enough.
• Their disdain for convention and tradition, which they often see as the refuge of the intellectually weak.

Find out more about INTPs: 12 Fictional Characters You’ll Relate to if You’re an INTP

ESFJs

Welcome to the world of ESFJs, the “Hosts” of the personality kingdom. These individuals have a PhD in “Taking Care of Business” – and by business, we mean everyone else’s. ESFJs are often at the forefront of social events, equipped with a utensil or friendly phrase for every eventuality, primarily because they’ve organized most of these events themselves. Yes, ESFJs pride themselves on being the social glue that holds communities together. Some even believe that without them, everyone’s lives would descend into pure chaos.

Why do ESFJs feel so proud of their people-supporting abilities? Well, these “Defenders” have the unique superpower of knowing exactly what you need, sometimes even before you do. Sandwich at your desk because you missed lunch for the third time this week? They’re on it. Comforting word when you’re down? Already said. They’re like personal cheerleaders, but with an agenda – to make sure everyone knows they’re the gold standard of care and support.

Here are 5 Things ESFJs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their unmatched ability to “take care” of everyone, adopting the role of the community queen or king bee, complete with a loyal following.
• Believing they possess the ultimate handbook on how to be down-to-earth and practical, and intuitives are focused on useless theories
• The way they support others – they’re convinced their support is the scaffolding holding up the entire building of their friends and family’s lives.
• Their knack for being “in the know” about how to navigate social situations with grace and tact, secretly convinced that without their guidance, social anarchy would ensue.
• Viewing their approach to problem-solving and conflict resolution as the most considerate and effective, often wondering why others can’t just see things their way for the good of humanity.

Discover more about ESFJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ESFJ, the Defender Personality Type

ESTJs

Welcome to the realm of the ESTJs, also known as the “Captains” of the personality universe. Picture your stern high school principal, tough but caring. Their ultimate goal in life is to make everything more efficient; whether it’s the corporate world, community organization, or even the family group chat about Thanksgiving dinner logistics. They’re the embodiment of “my way or the highway,” not because they love highways, but because they’re certain their way is the only road to success.

ESTJs could probably lead a seminar titled “How to Organize Your Life & Everyone Else’s Whether They Like It or Not.” They see the world in black and white, with lines as straight as their meticulously organized desk. When they’re not at their best, they can come across as stubborn know-it-alls, convinced of their own superiority and the incompetence of others.

Here are 4 Things ESTJs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their belief in the sanctity of their rules and traditions, viewing any deviation as a personal affront to common sense.
• Their blunt honesty, which they view as a charitable gift to the less enlightened, who apparently wander in a fog of inefficiency and indecision.
• The weight they place on logic and practicality, often at the expense of emotional considerations, which they sometimes see as cute distractions for the weak-minded.
• Their self-appointed role as the guardian of all that is sensible and productive, secretly suspecting the world would spiral into chaos without their firm hand at the tiller.

ESFPs

It’s really hard for me to talk about ESFPs and arrogance because my closest friends at the moment are all ESFPs and I’ve never seen them be arrogant. But yes, it can happen. Nobody is perfect. I think if charisma could walk, talk, and throw a party – you’d get an ESFP. In a world full of scripts, ESFPs are improv comedy, living in the moment and spotting all the things that could make life more fun or exciting or hilarious.

With an ESFP around, you’re never far from an adventure. No matter how old they get, they don’t seem to lose touch with their inner child who just wants to have a good time land laugh and play. To them, the rest of us might as well be living in slow motion, trudging through life with the enthusiasm of a sloth on a diet. And yes, sometimes this can lead to arrogance and condescension.

Here are 4 Things ESFPs Can Get Conceited About:

• Their ability to make any moment fun, seeing themselves as the “most” fun
• Believing they’re the most “real” and “authentic” people walking the planet
• Seeing themselves as the ultimate trendsetters, always on the cutting edge, while others are stuck in yesterday’s old traditions and fads.
• Their capacity to live in the moment, pitying those who can’t break free from their planners and Google Calendars to enjoy the now.

ESTPs

ESTPs tend to get a reputation as the action heroes of the personality world. And while it is a stereotype, they often are that person at the party who not only arrives on a motorcycle but also has the most captivating stories of near-death experiences (that somehow always end with them coming out on top).

ESTPs are life’s natural adventurers, thriving on spontaneity and quick, pragmatic decisions. They have a knack for reading a room or a wild bear (yes, they’re the type who would try to outsmart a bear) and making split-second choices that usually (but not always) pan out. To the ESTP, life is a thrilling movie, and they’re always the protagonist, preferably doing their own stunts.

But here’s the thing: sometimes our intrepid heroes can come off as, well, a bit full of themselves. They can dazzle you with tales of their exploits and have you believe they’re the fastest, strongest, and most clever person in any given room. Their confidence is contagious but can sometimes spill over into the realm of the know-it-all.

Here are 5 Things ESTPs Can Get Cocky About:

• Their ability to think and move quickly, making them feel like they’re living in a real-time action movie, and everyone else is moving too slow.
• Being the center of attention, not just for their stories but for their actual dare-to-do spirit.
• Their perceived toughness and realism, which they believe allows them to see the world “as it really is” (bear encounters included).
• Their agility in getting out of sticky situations, often narrated as if they were the latest episode of “I Shouldn’t Be Alive.”
• Their talent for living in the moment, elevating them in their eyes to the status of philosophical warriors of the “Carpe Diem” doctrine.

Find out more about ESTPs: 10 Reasons Why ESTPs Make Amazing Friends

ISFJs

Alright, time to tune in to the ISFJs. I’ve known a lot of ISFJs over my life, and very few give off conceited vibes. The ones I’ve known who are conceited wear their arrogance with such a friendly, good-natured exterior, you might find yourself fooled into thinking they’re actually humble. But beware…underneath that knowing nod of agreement and generous smile, they are supreme rulers of their own kingdom.

ISFJs, the unwavering defenders of tradition and the family recipe (yes, THAT recipe no one else seems to get right), are salt-of-the-earth souls who pride themselves on their practical, reliable nature. They’re the ones you call when your life needs saving or a good advice session about how to get that stain out of your favorite shirt.

But unhealthy or even some average ISFJs have a deep-seated belief that their ethics/morals/traditions are the best, whether it’s because they’ve been following them forever or because it’s the way that’s been passed down through eons of family history. And when someone challenges this belief, the ISFJ can become a bit…arrogant.

Here are 5 Things ISFJs Can Get Arrogant About:

• Their particular traditions, believing if they were good enough for generations past, they’re good enough for everyone now.
• The value of their subjective personal experiences, using them as the ultimate guide to navigating life’s challenges.
• Their role as the moral compass and judge of “appropriate” behavior
• How they perfect the art of “just being nice,” sometimes viewing those who are more direct as barbarians at the gate.
• Their memory for personal details, which, while impressive, can lead them to assume they understand people better than they actually might.

Dig deeper into ISFJs: A Look at the ISFJ Leader

ISTJs

To an ISTJ, the world isn’t just black and white; it’s a perfectly organized monochrome spectrum where everything has its rightful place, preferably labeled and filed under “Extremely Important” or “Why Does This Exist?” It’s not that they’re unyielding. They just believe in a universe where beds are made daily, taxes are filed early, and a peaceful, stable routine is the key to eternal happiness.

ISTJs are the types who actually read the terms and conditions, not just for the thrill of it, but because doing things correctly (read: their way) is a form of high art. In their eyes, the world runs on strict schedules and systems, and, frankly, if you’re not at least five minutes early, you’re late.

Some more unhealthy ISTJs are at risk of seeing themselves as the last bastion of common sense in a world gone mad with newfangled schemes and “flighty” emotions. Like all personality types, they can look down on people who operate differently than they do, seeing those differences as weaknesses rather than blind spots they might have to learn more about.

Here are 5 Things ISTJs Can Get Smug About:

• Their belief in the “right way” of doing things, which suspiciously always aligns with how they’ve always done it.
• Their dedication to practicality and detail, pitying those who get lost in the “fluff” of outside-the-box ideas
• Their allegiance to tradition, viewing new trends and ideas with a raised eyebrow and a well-rehearsed sigh.
• Their emotional detachment in decision-making, considering those swayed by feelings as being unreliable and quaint
• Their ability to remember and adhere to rules and regulations, secretly believing society would crumble without their adherence to protocol.

Explore the depths of ISTJs: The Childhood Struggles of ISTJs

ISTPs

Welcome to the world of ISTPs, the jedis of practicality, who pride themselves on their realism, independence, and logical prowess. If you’ve never met an ISTP, imagine someone who looks at a broken car engine and sees a puzzle waiting to be solved, while the rest of us see a reason to cry and use Uber.

These types pride themselves on being the embodiment of pragmatism, which to them is as essential as breathing. They’re the ones you’ll find quietly smirking in the corner of a heated emotional debate, wondering why everyone can’t just use their heads. In their minds, the world would be a better place if people stopped making such a fuss and started thinking about facts instead of feelings.

Here are 5 Things ISTPs Can Get Arrogant About:

• Their philosophy that “facts don’t care about your feelings” and anyone with feelings is probably not that smart.
• Their disdain for unnecessary social niceties, which they see as exhausting and, frankly, a waste of time.
• Their ability to remain unfazed in stressful situations. They may be impatient or critical to people who are less cool-headed than they are.
• Their skepticism of theories and untested ideas. To an ISTP, an idea not grounded in practicality is like a car without wheels; it might look nice but isn’t going anywhere.
• Their perceived immunity to emotions. They may view expressiveness and emotional awareness as a burden that clouds judgment and complicates decisions.

Dig deeper into ISTPs: 10 Signs of an Unhealthy ISTP

ISFPs

Introducing the ISFPs, the avant-garde artists of the personality world, entering the room with an aura of uniqueness that whispers (or shouts), “I’m not like the rest of you.” Imagine someone who can turn thrift shopping into a high art and makes you feel as if your Spotify playlist is, well, embarrassingly mainstream.

Most ISFPs I know have mastered the art of being effortlessly cool, often without even trying. Their individuality is not just a personality trait; it’s a lifestyle, a mission statement, and, for some, their greatest source of pride. They’re the kind of people who’d take a common, everyday object and repurpose it into something entirely unexpected, like using a mason jar not for preserving fruits but as a minimalist lampshade.

Here are A Few Things ISFPs May Get Arrogant About:

• Their disdain for conventional lifestyles and career paths. 9-to-5 jobs? Thank you, next.
• Their preferences in everything. From indie films to craft beers, they believe they are at the pinnacle when it comes to good taste.
• Their ethical compass. Some ISFPs believe they have the monopoly in caring.
• Their authenticity, seeing people who are more concerned about what others think as less evolved.

Dive into the essence of ISFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISFP, the Virtuoso Personality Type

What Are Your Thoughts?

What do you think? Do you agree with these assessments or do you have a different opinion? Let me know in the comments!

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!