ENTP: The Debater (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)

ENTP is one of the 16 different personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. People with this 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 into fruition.

Psychologist David Keirsey, creator of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, suggests that ENTPs account for approximately two to five percent of all people.

Key ENTP Characteristics

• ENTPs enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people. They are great conversationalists and love to engage other people in debates.
• They are more focused on the future rather than on immediate details. They may start projects and never finish them because they are so focused on the big picture rather than the present needs.
• ENTPs enjoy being around other people, particularly if they are able to engage in a conversation or debate about something in which they are interested. They are usually fairly laid-back and easy to get along with. However, they can sometimes get so wrapped up in their ideas or plans that they lose sight of their close relationships.
• They tend to reserve judgment. Instead of making a decision or committing to a course of action, they would prefer to wait and see what happens.
• ENTPs are immensely curious and focused on understanding the world around them. They are constantly absorbing new information and ideas and quickly arriving at conclusions. They are able to understand new things quite quickly.
• One common myth about ENTPs is that they love to argue simply for the sake of arguing. While people with this personality type are often willing to play the devil's advocate at times, they enjoy debates as a way of exploring a topic, learning what other people believe, and helping others see the other side of the story.

Cognitive Functions

Based upon Carl Jung's theory of personality, the MBTI categorized personality types by their cognitive functions (intuition, thinking, sensing, and feeling) which can then be directed outwardly (extraverted) or inwardly (introverted). The hierarchical organization of these functions is what establishes each individual's primary pattern of behavior. The dominant function is the most prominent, although it is supported by the auxiliary function. The tertiary function has less of an influence, while the inferior function tends to be an area of weakness.

Dominant: Extraverted Intuition

• ENTPs tend to take in information quickly and are very open-minded.
• Once they have gathered this information, they spend time making connections between various complex and interwoven relationships.
• They are good at spotting connections that others might overlook and tend to be focused on possibilities.
• They have entrepreneurial minds and are always coming up with new and exciting ideas.

Auxiliary: Introverted Thinking

• This cognitive function is expressed in the ENTPs thinking process. People with this type of personality are more focused on taking in information about the world around them. When they do use this information to reach conclusions, they tend to be very logical.
• ENTPs are logical and objective. When making decisions, they place a greater weight on rational evidence instead of subjective, emotional information.
• This function works to help the ENTP understand all the information that comes in through the extraverted intuition function. This involves imposing logic and order to help make sense of many disparate ideas and pieces of information. ENTPs don't want to just understand that something works - they want to understand the why and how behind how things function.

Tertiary: Extraverted Feeling

• As a tertiary function, this aspect of personality may not be as well-developed or prominent.
• When developed, ENTPs can be social charmers who are able to get along well with others.
• When this aspect of personality is weaker, the ENTP may be insensitve to others and can even be seen as aloof or unkind.

Inferior: Introverted Sensing

• The introverted sensing function is centered on understanding the past and often applying it to current experiences and future concerns.
• This is often a point of weakness for ENTP personalities. They are often focused more on possibilities and may fail to consider how past precedents may help predict outcomes.
• ENTPs also tend to overlook many of the more mundane details of daily life, especially if they are deeply involved in a project or plan.

Personal Relationships

Since they are identified as extraverts, it may come as no surprise that ENTPs have very good people skills. They are skilled communicators and enjoy interacting with a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances. In conversations, other people often find them quick-witted.

ENTPs will often engage in debates simply because they enjoy having a good battle of the wits. Sometimes, their love of debates lead ENTPs to take on the role of the devil's advocate, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with others who feel like they are being intentionally combative and antagonistic.

Career Paths

Routines and boredom are not good for the ENTP personality. They are non-conformists and do best in jobs when they can find excitement and express their creative freedom. ENTPs can be successful in a wide range of careers, as long as they do not feel hemmed in or bored. As debaters with great communication skills, careers in law can offer the challenge and diversity that ENTPs crave. Jobs in the business world that combine the ENTPs rationality, creativity, and natural leadership abilities can also be very rewarding.

Tips for Interacting With ENTPs

Friendships

ENTPs are great at getting along with people no matter what their personality type. While they are usually laid-back, they can be quite competitive. If you are friends with an ENTP, be careful not to get into the habit of trying to out-do each other. Be aware of their love for debates and be careful not to escalate good-natured discussions into combative arguments.

Parenting

ENTPs have a fun-loving nature and are excited to share their sense of wonder with their children. Parents with this personality type are supportive, but they have a tendency to try to turn every situation into a learning opportunity.

Parents of ENTP children should be aware that their children may seem argumentative at times, it stems from their natural love for discussion and debate. They may also seem inconsistent at times, being warm and affectionate in one moment and then withdrawing in the next as they become wrapped up in new ideas. Parents should encourage their children to focus on goals and finish the things that they start.

Relationships

In intimate relationships, ENTPs can be passionate and exciting. They are warm, loving, and good at understanding their partner's needs. You may find that they may struggle to follow through on promises that they have made, which can be a source of frustration at times. Be aware of your ENTP partners need for spontaneity. You can help balance your partner's impulsiveness by helping them work toward their goals with enthusiasm and practicality.