ISTJ

ISTJs begin making sense of any situation by first collecting concrete data. They want to know how much money there is in the bank account, what the present product inventory count is, when and how often the vehicle was serviced, how many sales were made, and so on. It is then and only then that they begin to collect and systematize it according to accounting procedures, inventory systems, maintenance schedules, and the like. They are often seen in accounting, law and law enforcement, IT, the insurance industry, and professions that require gathering, arranging and ordering data in a way that is useful to organizations.

ISTJ people want to fit data and facts into clear and established structures and systems. They often fill key positions in organizations, because they can be masterful at making systems run. ISTJs first collect data and facts into known, organized systems and compare the data to historical data. They can produce an invaluable picture of the trends in organizations from past to present. How well is the organization doing this year compared to last year? What approaches are working better or worse from previous years until now? Their contribution allows organizations to make rational decisions.

ISTJs value independence and like to work at jobs where they can complete work uninterrupted and present the results. They often contribute to meetings with data and analysis. They see the meeting as an opportunity to contribute the data they have produced and expect the meeting to be focused and well run.

ISTJs as Team Members

ISFJ

ISFJs are intensely committed to individuals and small groups with whom they have formed relationships. They are nurturing in their approach and work steadily to fulfill their needs. They are often seen in hospitals as physicians or nurses, faithfully attending to their rounds, checking on the needs of patients and noting the states of their treatments. They are often found in classrooms, teaching careful lesson plans. ISFJ people can make excellent religious leaders and counselors. They are sensitive to the needs of others, but may not be willing to serve in ways that do not make sense to them.

ISFJs are sensitive to their understanding of the needs of others. ISFJs are practical and have a high respect for facts and data. They remember the details of things clearly, and often record voice tones and facial expressions in their memories. They approach life by doing practical, concrete things and believe that established procedures should be followed because they work. They serve others by attending to their physical needs.

Teams benefit greatly from the caring commitment of the ISFJ. They understand the practical needs of people in groups and will work steadily to meet deadlines and objectives. They work consistently and at a steady pace and tend to dislike the need to work in "bursts."

ISFJs can be affable and considerate and are effective in establishing cooperative, supportive relationships. They want to know their role in the organization, and once they understand it, they take their role seriously. They value structure and work well within systems. Because of their respect for established procedures, the ISFJ will not usually support change for change sake. They must be convinced that the change will help the people of the organization. They can be quiet and reserved and do not always feel the need to make their position or thinking known.

ISFJs may focus on a few people and tasks assigned to the team, rather to the team and the tasks as a whole.

Since ISFJs enjoy the role of supporting others, they may not take a strong leadership role when they are called upon to do so. Their respect for procedures and dislike of change may make them resistant in times where change must occur. ISFJs need to ally themselves with people who are change-oriented when the need arises. They do well allying themselves with types who take a broad look at organization.

As natural nurturers, the ISFJ is one of the most dedicated of spouses, parents, friends, and life partners. They will tirelessly support those they care about with all of the resources they have, as people who honor commitments and traditions. ISFJs will often put other people’s needs ahead of their own, especially in families. They can transmit a glowing warmth about holidays and special occasions that create family memories. Because of their need to care for those close to them, they can support someone they see as wayward and dysfunctional, even subtly contributing to the behavior. ISFJs can ally themselves well with friends and life partners who also believe in "tough love."

INFJ

INFJs are those who have a strong sense of the complexity of human beings and a quest for meaning in human relationships. They are the most visionary of types. They will often be found in the role of excellent counselors. Their idealism often draws them to religion. They are also able teachers.

They have a sense of knowing what motivates other people even before the people know it themselves. INFJs are aware of the significance of other people’s feelings. They are confident and emphatic about their intuitive insights to the point of "knowing," and are often not dissuaded by the doubts of others. They have a keen confidence and sureness about their insights.

INFJs guide their lives through the search for personal meaning and connectivity to those around them. They are loyal to people and institutions as long as those people and institutions represent their internal values and vision. They are uninterested in details, unless those details can verify their internal vision. Their work must go beyond compensation and have meaning for themselves and their personal quest.

INFJs are one of the most idealistic of types. They carry complex insights deep inside and are guided by sensitivity and compassion. They are rich in symbol and metaphor. They are often willing to take unconventional paths to follow their quest. They can be commanding in communicating their personal vision, but the complexity of their ideas and vision are often hidden from others.

INFJs share their vision only with those whom they trust and only in the moment that their intuition tells them is right. They can be reserved in many situations, but once their values have been attacked or their vision has been violated, they will not hesitate to engage.

INFJs are quite effective in teams that represent their vision and values and where their role allows them to state a message that represents their own personal vision. In these roles they can be powerful communicators and very persuasive. Their natural tact and empathy can enable them to sway opinion.

INFJs have a targeted and sometimes intense vision that may cause them to brush aside important details that need attention. They may lack the pragmatism that is necessary in a hard-nosed organization. The INFJ may find it useful to ally themselves with some of the more pragmatic types. They can be powerful when they have the right platform of organizations and people to help implement their vision.

INFJs value people and are committed to those closest to them. They genuinely care about people and understand their needs and go about fulfilling them. They are one of the most kind and compassionate of the types. The sureness of their vision can be intimidating to others in a world that seems uncertain and full of ambiguity. The complexity of their ideas, along with their way of explaining things in metaphor and analogy, may make them seem ethereal to more literal and matter-of-fact people.

To those, however, who understand and identify with personal vision, the INFJ will be a committed friend, spouse, parent, and life partner. They will know the INFJ as a person of depth and meaning.

INTJ

The INTJ has a mind for complex thought. They develop models that explain the abstract and model physical reality, thus creating structures that are applicable to business, science, and technology. They can be seen in disproportionate numbers in science, mathematical fields, research and development, and computer technology.

INTJs see the complexity of the physical world and are adept at seeing patterns and how they fit into other patterns. From this process they identify the relevant models and ways to give them future practical application. INTJs value knowledge and often have formidable minds. They are efficient and appreciate the simplicity of an elegant theory that explains hugely complicated ideas. They are confident of their ideas and trust them over the ideas of others. Albert Einstein, perhaps the most famous of INTJs, when asked what he would have felt if one of his theories were disproved, is said to have replied that he would have felt sorry for the Good Lord, because Einstein knew the theory to be correct.

The primary function that directs the INTJ is his or her Intuition. They search for a central insight onto which they add logical analysis and data. They want to be sure that their process is efficient and that they begin with the "right questions," knowing then and only then that their answers will be right. INTJs have a reputation for getting practical results in the implementation of their ideas and do not want to be seen as "ivory tower" thinkers, though in many cases people may assume them to be that. They can be quite tough, practical, and unrelenting in bringing practical ideas into use. They work to be concise and one INTJ told us that the best email is one word: "Yes" or "no."

INTJs are usually team power players. At the same time, they most often are a power unto themselves. They will often have more subject knowledge on the subject at hand than others. Their ability to apply thought and implementation often make them invaluable. INTJs often rise to high positions because of their long-range planning ability.

INTJs can sometimes be seen in groups as unbending, although they often don’t see themselves as unwilling to change. They simply want data that would convince them to change their minds. People can find INTJs to be frustrating in that they can be quite compelling and charming in presentations, but at the same time seem aloof and difficult to know in social conversations. They can seem to always be keeping a bit of themselves deep inside that is not displayed to those around them.

INTJs can appear "Spock-like"—charming and intriguing, yet distant. INTJs do well to ally themselves with those personality types who tend more to convince through gaining support from individuals and the group and those who are more sensitive to the political realities of the workplace. In this way they can ally themselves with those who will not just be convinced by logic and data.

INTJs are fascinating conversationalists to those who are in their inner circle. They can be great lecturers on complex and unknown topics, and delight in explaining the difficult to explain. They are intensely loyal to family and friends and are protective of others in relationships. Their need for economy and efficiency of speech can be quite frustrating to some. This is one of the reasons they are seen as hard to know. Those in relationships with INTJs will need to "give them space," realizing that they must have distance to think and analyze.

ISTP

You’ll often find ISTPs in a group sitting at the edge of the circle carefully watching everything that is happening. If approached, they are usually cheerful and affable, great at story telling and quick with humor. They entertain with their knowledge of a wide array of action stories. Their primary mode, however, is observation, and they rarely miss anything. When a problem or need arises, they observe carefully and "know the territory." They know what’s going on and are ready to spring into action to solve the problem. They are one of the best troubleshooters of all types and often come up with novel solutions.

ISTPs are practical and pragmatic. Their mode is to see the problem and solve it in the quickest and most direct way possible with just the amount of force and energy necessary. They want to cut through procedures and rules to the core of things. They dislike rules and regimentation. They enjoy the challenge of complex, concrete problems and immediate crises. They thrive on variety and novelty.

ISTPs see the structure of things, the way things work. They have the ability to organize data and to think about it in a logical, analytical and detached way. They consider themselves to be realists. They often don’t care for theory and theoretical discussions because it takes away from valuable time to do and to act. They want to understand the situation in order to act decisively rather than speculate on theoretical future possibilities. ISTPs have a cool, unflappable ability to act in almost any situation, and can excel in high risk occupations and high pressure jobs. They frequently have an affinity for tools and things mechanical.

ISTPs continually scan the environment around them and as the situation changes they will immediately make mid-course corrections, changes and adaptations. They are confident, alert, always oriented toward a concrete objective. They are willing to risk themselves in its completion.

ISTPs find fun in action. They can love fast cars and motorcycles, the great outdoors and action sports, sometimes sports with a dangerous bent. They often love building furniture, houses, or anything that requires skill with tools and action.

ISTPs are especially valuable team members where quick action is needed. They are often found in manufacturing, law enforcement, the military, project management, and all settings where tools and instrumentation are critical. They are pragmatic in achieving goals and agile where the goal tends to be a moving target.

ISTPs are tolerant of other people with diverse ways of thinking and approaching work and life. They seldom disagree just to make a point and may seem to agree because they are pleasant and don’t express disagreement. Once a basic part of their logic and principles is violated and they feel backed into a corner, they can surprise everyone by disagreeing strongly. They work extremely well in action-oriented teams and enjoy the camaraderie of groups where trust and concrete objectives form bonds.

ISTPs in organizations will want to ally themselves with more theoretical types, as well as those who take care of the daily details. In this way they can give their best gifts to the organization.

ISTPs are one of the most action-oriented of all the types. They have little patience for theory and long-range planning. They want to identify the immediate problem and to solve it. Because they are natural observers of situations, they can be seen as aloof in interpersonal relationships. ISTPs can do well by allying themselves with those with a more global perspective. They can often benefit from alliances with types who are more attuned to group process.

ISTPs thrive on fun and action, and for those who love continuous activities, the ISTP could be an ideal friend, spouse, or life partner. Once the ISTP is committed to a family with children, they will guard the fortress with loyalty and strength. They will never lack for a project or activity that energizes them. Because their chief mode is logical observation, ISTPs can seem detached and aloof, which can confuse people who experience their wit and action.

ISFP

ISFPs are often found in strong support roles in organizations. They do not like to organize people and do not have a high need to dominate. They want to make a contribution to others in their work and to feel what they do makes a difference. ISFPs are kind and considerate and fulfill their obligations faithfully. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

ISFPs take a practical approach to life and work, wanting roles that allow them to do concrete things based on specific courses of action. They do not enjoy routine or repetition. They want to be involved in the world of now with courses of action that allow them to implement. They will work with diligence on projects they believe in.

They have a strong sense of organizing their lives in such a way as to maintain a freedom to follow the course for their lives that they have set. The want to preserve their own space and work in their own timeframes.

ISFPs learn by doing and do not usually enjoy theory or elaborate verbal or written explanations.

ISFPs are guided by an internal set of principles and values that are more important to them than the external day-to-day world. They go about quietly with a sense of joyfulness, prizing the freedom to chart their own course. They are adaptable and flexible, yet they will preserve their freedom and values. They often have an affinity for nature and animals.

ISFPs perform well when given concrete roles and assignments. Once they understand the importance of their role, they will complete the project with conscientiousness. They will do best with a set of objectives which allows them the freedom to choose the order of the projects and the timeline to the extent possible.

ISFPs work well within teams. They are usually kind and considerate and do not seek conflict. They will serve as the "glue" in projects, holding onto the concrete objectives. Their amiable nature will help boost team morale.

ISFPs have an inner agenda that must match external objectives. They often do not enjoy leadership roles and can suffer anxiety in those roles. They usually do not work well under micromanagement. ISFPs can excel in roles where there is structure and a plan that gives them leeway to follow their own scheduling process. ISFPs do well to ally themselves with types who provide the kind of structure they enjoy and in which they work best.

ISFPs are cordial, kind, considerate, and friendly people. They are attuned to the feelings and needs of others. They focus on a smaller circle of people to whom they are very loyal and committed. ISFPs will need space within a relationship—space to feel, reflect, consider and think. They will need the freedom to be themselves and to exercise their own independence. ISFPs are often seen as quiet and reserved, sometimes hard to know in their depth. If given an environment where they can grow and develop, they will be good friends, spouses, parents, and life partners.

INFP

INFPs are most often calm and serene because they carry an inner sense of values and beliefs with which they are comfortable and very confident. Their life deeds and interactions are guided by these values, which are very coherent and integrated. They guard these values carefully and they are known in their entirety only to themselves. They have a very skilled ability to interpret many of the deep issues of people and life. They share their insights only with people they trust, and in situations where their truths will not be trampled—or on occasions where not to speak out would to them be morally wrong. Otherwise they go through life dispensing a calm and peace to those around them.

INFPs are generally accepting of the people who pass their way, even those whose beliefs, values, and actions are not their own. They have the gift to make people believe they understand where they have traveled, what they have felt, and to give them the gift of self-acceptance. They are themselves independent, an independence rooted in their comfort with themselves. They believe in individuality, growth, and the mission of life to find one’s course.

The INFP is deeply committed to their beliefs and values and to the circle of those around them—family, organizations, and those they feel need them. Most often if the thoughts, beliefs and actions of those around them conflict with their own, they do not feel the need to correct them or "straighten them out." If they do not agree with the opinions of organizations around them, these organizations still serve as a framework for their lives, and they feel no need to speak out. They proceed on, calmly quiet, not fuming within themselves, as do some types.

INFPs are one of the most curious of all types. They like to ask open-ended questions in non-threatening ways because they want to know more about life. They like reading and discussion. They highly value people’s ability to understand themselves and their own personal path. They can often express a unique and original point of view that is pleasing and surprising. They have a personal vision that they can express clearly and in a novel way.

INFPs are often drawn to causes, religious, political, and social. For all their ability to relate compassionately with different people, once they are guided by their inner vision to make a stand, they will stand firm.

INFPs often prefer to work in organizations as individual contributors. They can often be quite powerful in business, religious institutions, and health care. They can produce powerful data, analysis, and administration. They are effective project managers, but themselves will not be micromanaged. They work best in areas where they are given a challenging issue or problem and are left to work through it with their considerable ingenuity. They dislike rules and strictures and grow weary of repeating tasks and repetitious assignments. They will "come out swinging," if one of their core values is violated in the workplace, often to the surprise of those around them.

INFPs have an inner vision of themselves and tend to have relationships with people they rely on and trust. They can lack a sense of accomplishing team goals with a group. They often do not see the need for action that is not congruent with their own personal vision. They have little use for politics or group activity that they do not find meaningful. INFPs who work within the organization can do well to ally themselves with more politically oriented types.

People may see the INFP as reserved and introspective, difficult to know. Those who do know INFPs quickly find them to be creative, unique, and original. They find them to be complex and often delightfully unpredictable.

INFPs are deeply loyal friends, spouses, parents, and life partners. They can perplex even those closest to them because so much of them is "hidden from view." Material goods and possessions will always be secondary to the INFP because people and values are always first. This will confuse and sometimes frustrate their relationships with those who value material goods highly. INFPs, nonetheless, have an inner sense of joy and contentment that is infectious to those around them.

INTP

INTPs are often found in the role of independent researchers and analysts. They also work in fields such as software development or engineering. They are the people who are most apt to challenge the status quo and to question the direction of people and groups. INTPs highly value intelligence and use intellect to analyze and dissect the underlying structures of the logical systems that others take for granted. They love theory and abstract concepts and enjoy discussing them. They are quick to pick up on inconsistencies and enjoy taking concepts apart. They are most often skeptical about what groups and individuals think is evident. They challenge existing premises.

INTPs like to see beyond the obvious and construct abstract theoretical models to explain the world around them. Their theories extend into the future more than the present and the past. Intensely curious, they enjoy working on problems of their own devising without reference to their usefulness to groups and individuals. They are detached and independent and feel a need to state what they believe to be true without regard to the political implications within the group.

INTPs can be frustrated both as team members and team leaders. They often do not like to manage people. They have a natural skepticism toward issues and tend to dissect rather than integrate systems. They can serve the team well by asking the hard questions, but sometimes find it difficult to find answers that are satisfying enough to give them buy-in to team projects.

INTPs often serve teams best as individual contributors who work on aspects of projects independently. They serve best when given concrete and practical outcomes. Given their own course, INTPs enjoy working on abstract problems without regard to practical application.

INTPs do not easily form alliances, because that might limit their ability to think independently. They uneasily come to the conclusion that they must develop cooperation to the extent that they can deliver value to the group in order to earn a livelihood. They work best with an understanding boss or coworker who sees their contribution and can be comfortable with extensive analysis and the challenges that INTPs almost inevitably make.

INTPs are natural truth seekers who want to know the true nature of the world around them—math, science, nature, people and ideas. They are naturally reserved and often quiet. INTPs will be most comfortable in relationships with people who value abstract discussion and theory. Because they seek the perfect, they will make great effort to maintain relations well, seeking to make relationships the best that they can be. They will always offer interesting ideas and points of view and can be quite tolerant of the diversity of others’ thinking.

ESTP

ESTPs fit the Japanese metaphor of water. They have the ability to be still or flow depending on the terrain—they respond to the changing environment around them. When the environment allows, they can be a mighty force, crashing through mountain passes and altering the terrain around them.

ESTPs are often poised and display a flair for style. They observe the environment outside themselves and create fun and enthusiasm in those around them. They enjoy the good life and are quite unashamed of loving clothes, cars, food, interesting people, and exciting outdoor experiences. They are often surrounded by clever people in great settings. They often have good senses of humor and a clever wit.

ESTPs are active problem-solvers and often display their best talents in moments of crisis. They are adept at sizing up situations and working with what is immediately at hand to produce ingenious results. They often disdain formal study and theory and want to work in the here and now. When cornered, they will find a way to succeed and excel. ESTPs are more concerned with the desired outcomes than with inflexible rules.

ESTPs are natural troubleshooters and entrepreneurs and turn-around artists. They deal well with difficult situations where wit and ingenuity is required. That might be in a manufacturing situation where a seemingly impossible deadline is looming with huge obstacles to its accomplishment. It could be in negotiating hostile situations. It might be associated with a natural disaster or accident.

In organizations where details and minute, repetitious tasks are required, the ESTP may become bored and disconnected. They are not apt to stay long in situations that are demoralizing. They have confidence in their ability to create a better environment somewhere else.

The ESTP will do well to ally with those who are motivated by the ESTP’s style and improvisational ability and yet are willing to take on the day-to-day detail. When the ESTP becomes able to form these alliances, they can contribute their best talents through experiencing and solving issues as they arise.

ESTPs create forward momentum and fun. They often fearlessly enjoy outdoor physical sports like motorcycles, skydiving, and mountain climbing. They are likely to cut a wide swath through restaurants where there is good food and service. ESTP life partners will do well to love the kind of life action that attracts ESTPs. They are unlikely to get the ESTP partner to accept a lifestyle of routine and an environment with great structure. So enjoy the fun they create.

ESFP

ESFPs can be found in organizations getting things done by focusing on people and teamwork. They have an excellent ability to relate to other people and have a finely tuned sense of other people’s moods, states of mind, and well being. ESFPs move quickly to take care of those needs in a practical, concrete way.

ESFPs most often exude a love for life that is infectious to others. They have an interest in people and a wide circle of friends. They will be found with others having fun. They love food and social activities and participation in activities. They enjoy doing new things. They love their possessions and enjoy acquiring clothes and the good things of life.

ESFPs learn by doing and plunge into new experiences, confident they’ll be able to learn new skills as they go along. They often dislike studying or reading and have often had negative experiences with formal educational settings. Yet they love to learn in creative settings and fun environments.

ESFPs can be excellent team members. They are task-oriented and enjoy group projects. Their goal is to always make projects fun and they accomplish them by keeping them as simple as possible and doing them with a minimum of stress and exertion. They bring many character traits that are useful to a team. They are optimistic and bring others along with their positive view of life. They are easy going and adaptable and deal well with a changing environment. They are excellent at mobilizing people in the challenging moments that face organizations.

ESFPs are excellent communicators. They are tactful and empathetic and are sympathetic to the circumstances of others. They can be quite persuasive and help others see the need for change. They are excellent information gatherers and good sources of information. They excel at communicating the message of the organization with a positive spin. They often find themselves in the role of peacemakers and are good at "damage control."

ESFPs seldom plan ahead and trust their ability to find solutions in close proximity to the time problems arise. They do not enjoy theory or long-worded documents. They dislike rules and regulations, many of which they believe get in the way of people and doing. In some situations these characteristics serve them well, but obviously the ESFP will need to ally themselves with planful and theoretical types to do long-range planning and strategies. One teams, they usually excel and make a difference.

ESFPs make excellent friends, spouses, and life partners. They love things domestic and have a special affinity for children. They also have an affinity for animals and often own pets. ESFPs like nature and the great outdoors. For the ESFP life is an unfolding experience with people and events. Children will experience creative birthday parties and trips to theme parks. If paired with a more theoretical or moody type, the two will have to be very understanding of each other’s different approach to life and make creative adaptations. Nonetheless, the ESFP will provide a framework for fun, family, and community.

ENFP

ENFPs will almost always be found in organizations where they lead by inspiration and charisma. One CEO referred to his ENFP Human Resources director as the company’s "secret weapon."

The personality of an ENFP is a natural advantage in the workplace and they are often seen to be competent, based on the power of their personalities.

Their mental process is directed by feeling, which is initially what guides them through the issues of their day. People are often instantly drawn to them and will follow what they say. They are often the most natural of political personalities. Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both most probably are ENFPs.

They exude a feeling of caring about others are some of the natural nurturers. They are easy and natural as they give affirmation to others and are constantly drawing affirmation for themselves. They almost always know what is going on in the life of the group and the members of it. They have one of the greatest senses of empathy for groups and their processes. They enjoy empowering and enabling groups to achieve their goals.

ENFPs work to maintain harmony in groups and they often preside over happy groups in fields such as human resources or project management. In our years of experience with companies, we have not seen many ENFPs alienated from their teams.

While maintaining harmony, they are usually not seen as superficial because they value and create communications that connect them with other people. They are often brilliant communicators, easily speak spontaneously and seem to know what to say and when to say it.

ENFPs enjoy projects that require group process and enjoy the energy of meetings and face-to-face conversations. They quickly become bored with routine and most normally find a way to escape it. They can in fact leave situations that no longer supply the type of "people energy" they require. ENFPs like to present their own projects and ideas, even when not original. They like to be the person who introduces the project to the group and gets them involved. They can exhibit a strong "NIMBY" (Not in My Backyard) for projects that come from other sources than themselves.

ENFPs are often successful at all levels in organizations that need the kind of people leadership that organizations require. They are often the model of the empowering modern team leader. Because of ENFPs common dislike of details, they will need to ally themselves with tactical leaders who will support the ENFP’s ability to lead in group settings.

ENFPs often have a power to mesmerize other types who are drawn to their people and communication skills. They have a wide circle of friends and naturally attract an ever-widening circle. At the same time, the ENFP can become bored in both business and personal situations and make drastic, sudden changes. Because of their empathy with people, even those who are weak and not very functional, the ENFP can fall into dysfunctional relationships.

ENTP

The ENTP is an action-oriented individual, always forward moving. They see opportunity in change and are always scanning the future, looking for ways to capture the moment. ENTPs grasp subtle connections between circumstances and events that others might miss. When dealing with issues they can initially seem as if they are coming down on several sides of a subject. This is because they are considering many factors at the same time. They enjoy lively discussions and may appear to be challenging and confronting. They are one of the least conflict-averse types.

While some types think about issues first and others feel their way through subjects, ENTPs lead with their intuition. The flash of their insight directs their thought and action. Then they use logical analysis to work out the implications of their intuition. Once they reach a conclusion, they are extremely rational and precise at implementation. Because they are innovators, they can make dizzying changes in actions and opinions, which often surprise those around them.

ENTPs are often curious people who are always delving into new sources of information. They ask questions and can appear impatient if the person doesn’t seem to know something, or if the ENTP feels they are in error. ENTPs are very resilient and creative problem solvers. They are stimulated by situations that others would think difficult.

ENTPs are most often strong individuals who either lead groups or who will be self-directed in projects. They make their best contribution in situations where they are called on to lead in new directions and probably will not continue long in situations that require them to maintain a repetitive system. They will almost always be found identifying the new strategies they’ll be using, and may seem to constantly work to gain control of the group process. They can appear to always be competing for their place in the group.

ENTPs excel at taking organizations forward and fast, usually with a great deal of competence. Because they dislike the status quo and can have a distaste for details, they will be seen by some as favoring "change for change’s sake." Because of this, the ENTP should form alliances of trust and dialogue with those types that favor stability of process over change and innovation. In that way they can balance their ingenuity with others who see the need for maintaining systems that must change more slowly.

Because ENTPs value change and spontaneity, they can be surprisingly adaptable in relationships with people who can follow them through their process. Spouses and children will find that although the ENTP may take a position so strongly that they would seem unlikely to change, the ENTP upon further reflection will often come around to the others’ point of view. Their curiosity often leads them to questions and investigation that can change their directions.

ESTJ

ESTJs can most often be seen striding off to achieve some concrete objective with people in the outside world. They’re getting into their car, they’re calling someone about an important matter, they’re opening the plans. Once they have the plan in hand, they will achieve all the objectives with uncommon tenacity. They will marshal personal resources and harness the resources of those around them. More than all other types, ESTJs are driven to achieve defined organizational objectives. They are known as people who "can get things done." Undoubtedly the person who was responsible for getting men and materiel to D-Day for General Dwight D. Eisenhower would have been an ESTJ.

ESTJs want to "just do it." They quickly tire of theory and complex explanations of what is being done. They want to know what they’re going to be doing and who they’re going to be working with. They like to have some idea of the ease or difficulty of the project, but take delight in achieving the challenging. They want to know both the extent and limitation of their authority. They’ll want to know what the obstacles will be along the way and the deadline. They want to know everything involved in the project and how they’ll know it was sucessfully completed.

The role of the ESTJ on the team is to operationalize the objectives of the organization. They want clearly defined goals and objectives. They can hear the call of the objective like a bugle blast. They will begin to gather the resources they need and put the right people on the project. They are proficient at mastering systems and logistics. As project managers, they can excel in managing large, complicated projects and are often found at the heart of operations.

ESTJs can be very successful at interpersonal relationships within a team. They make sure that team members understand how the objective will be accomplished. They establish the roles of each individual, their objectives, and procedures to be used.

Once convinced that the team member is efficient and competent, they can give great latitude in allowing the team member to accomplish the goal within the given system. If they feel that a project is not on course, they take quick action to right the situation and can be tough in taking action when required.

ESTJs can be intimidating to less goal-directed people. ESTJs value efficiency and competence and surround themselves with competent, results-oriented people and are impatient with what they see as incompetence and half-heartedness. They tend to have great confidence in their analysis of situations, and may not treat well the opinions of those who see ambiguity in a situation.

ESTJs, as one of the most action-oriented types, may be disinterested in theory and abstract ideas—or even long explanations of why. They prefer immediate action coupled with tried and true systems. They may not deploy themselves as well when there is a need to reorganize, reinvent, and reengineer systems.

In these situations where new directions and widespread change are required, they may need to ally themselves with more theoretical types and those drawn to sweeping change. Once the new system is developed, the ESTJ will be the logical person to run it.

ESTJs usually value traditional institutions. ESTJs are often integral parts of professional associations, chairing committees and serving on boards. Where there is a drive to collect toys for children or run the blood bank, you’ll often find an ESTJ in charge. ESTJs can be quite successful socially and enjoy being a part of groups.

ESTJs are very loyal family members and nurturing parents. They enjoy family and traditions and holiday celebrations. Family life is important and they often express their interest through organizing family outings and activities.

ESFJ

ESFJs often find themselves in the role of team leaders. You’ll often find them checking in with their people, encouraging them, motivating them, and upholding group morale. They often create personal loyalty through their continual action of finding out what their people need and being sure they get it. They are often best in settings where their role is to coordinate action where everyone "is singing off the same song sheet."

One of our favorite examples of an ESFJ was a national sales VP from one of our client organizations. He tirelessly called each person on his large sales force each week to make sure they had what they needed. ESFJs abhor disorganization and the failure to follow procedures and planning. It is closer to a moral failure than a mistake. Every record must be clear and filed. Each detail must have been completed. ESFJs excel where there are standard operating procedures that individuals must see are carried out.

Among the types, ESFJs may be the greatest team people. They create a sense of team in which people feel personally vested in achieving their objectives and finishing on time. ESFJs highly value organization, precision, and order and feel great stress in situations of disorganization and chaos. They can associate disorganization or missing detail with a person "who just doesn’t care enough" about the team to maintain order and good organization.

ESFJs value stability and harmony in groups and will strive mightily to maintain a congenial and harmonious workplace. They are very concerned about the needs of their group and strive to fulfill those needs. They avoid conflict personally and work to get it out of the group. They see conflict as debilitating to morale and anti-productive.

ESFJs are energized by working with members of their team on present issues. They often dislike working on abstract ideas, theory, or analysis. They prefer to follow procedures that have produced results for groups in the past. They will monitor processes to the smallest detail and expect those who work for them to attend to those details and have their work in order.

ESFJs value harmony and are conflict-averse, good qualities in many situations. Yet sometimes escalating conflict to gain closure and resolution is important. During those times the ESFJ may benefit from forming alliances with types less sensitive to conflict in order to manage the conflict instead of holding it in check.

ESFJs prefer predictable ways of doing things. Yet there will also be times when tried and true methods will lead to disaster. In those cases, the ESFJ may well choose to ally with types who embrace change and reengineer processes. Once done, the ESFJ is a logical choice to manage the people and maintain stable processes.

ESFJs and the Rest of Their Lives

ESFJs may enjoy belonging to a large social group to the point of delaying commitments. Once, however, that commitment is made, the ESFJ is a doting spouse or life partner and a devoted parent. They will dedicate themselves to the good order of the home and never see doing too much as a sacrifice. They will see that their children are taken care of and scrupulously educated.

ENFJ

The ENFJ is one of the types most attuned to people and groups. As moderators, facilitators, and trainers, the ENFJ has a finely tuned "sixth sense" of the motivations and concerns of a group. They have the ability to form the group into a working unit in any type of setting. The group may begin as hostile and dysfunctional, yet the ENFJ quickly uses their sense of empathy to work with them on their emotional needs and concerns. The ENFJ can find a group that is hostile and indifferent and lead them to come to agreements or learn some important knowledge.

ENFJs are supportive and see good in other people who are drawn to their radiating warmth and their ability to create energy in groups. They have easy and natural ways to give people their approval and find it natural that others approve of them and follow their lead. They are masters in gaining cooperation. They see connections between people in ways that few others do. People tend to naturally trust ENFJs as being a person to assemble the thoughts and ideas of the group in such a way that everyone’s contribution will be recognized. They can create a fun and life-fulfilling experience out of a dull or hostile meeting.

ENFJs have a strong sense of personal values. They want to learn and have a passion to help others achieve their true potential. They see their mission as making a better world where they are. They can grow quite impatient with people and groups who do not value personal development.

ENFJs are one the most competent and detail-oriented of types when it comes to organizing projects. They give great attention to every detail. They are often brilliant in understanding, cataloguing and interpreting data and facts. If some aspect of a project seems unpleasant to them, they will nonetheless complete it themselves with mastery. They may hint at wanted help, rather than ask directly. Others may then be surprised when the ENFJ complains that they got little help and the ENFJ may respond with shock when others say they were never asked to help.

ENFJs love harmonious groups and can become deeply turned off by one-on-one conflict. They can see a messy conflict as demoralizing and unnecessary. They may want to use their skills to create harmony where conflict is legitimate. ENFJs, when they value relationships in a group, can project on a situation that it is better than it really is when others might see deep issues. They often see the analysis of a legitimate problem as a sign of too much negativity.

They can be "thin-skinned" and can feel attacked by the bluntness of others. They can be more tactical than strategic and can become bored when discussing broader issues. ENFJs can do well to ally themselves with those types who will engage in the kinds of conflict that bring resolution, while contributing their gift of keeping the group together on an even course.

ENFJs are loyal and sensitive people who value and maintain good relationships. They are individuals who understand the limitations of others and do not dwell on them. Because they value harmony, they can believe situations and people to be better than they are and can be taken advantage of by people who do not deserve their trust. Once the ENFJ sees that trust is broken, however, it can be difficult to gain it back. The ENFJ may tend to see the person not only as someone who has wronged them, but someone who is flawed.

ENFJs can make extraordinary spouses, friends, and life partners. They nourish and support their children and those around them and will always create an enriching environment for personal growth.

ENTJ

The ENTJs will most often be found in some position of leadership with formal or informal power. They see groups of people as having the potential to achieve goals that may seem unrealistic to other members of the organization and they think they are the logical person to lead the group, because they have devised and understand the plan.

They breathe strategy and direction and have an almost mystic sense that they are the person to move the group forward. They will frequently be seen writing implementation plans, conceptualizing organizational projects, and making presentations to groups of people in the organization. They have a classic hand gesture that looks like a divining rod, where they will point in a direction to illustrate the direction the organization should be going.

ENTJs can be highly motivating in that they are often articulate in portraying the grand vision. They bring to mind inspirational illustrations from their own lives and the lives of others. They often give to their ideas an exciting historical perspective, seeing ordinary events for others as being "D Day" or Gettysburg. They are curious, intellectual, and are continually delving into the meaning of things. They are often able to gain huge support for their directions through a thorough, logical and commanding approach. They are often clever with words and phrase-making.

A team is fortunate to harness the abilities of an ENTJ. There will be huge strategies and initiatives and most often rapid progress. They will develop ways of accomplishing objectives that are ground breaking and highly effective.

ENTJs can view people, however, as another obstacle to overcome and members of the team can be surprised that for the ENTJ, the end game is the only game. ENTJs do well to ally themselves with those types who have a more natural rapport for feelings. They must learn to negotiate with others who don’t agree with them and stick by those agreements. Otherwise they can be seen as manipulative and appear to be just waiting for the right moment to return to their original plan.

ENTJs often see accomplishing goals as the meaning of life. The people around them are one means of accomplishing the goal. They usually will declare themselves to be saddened by conflict, but can be quite ready to join a fight they believe is necessary to win the battle and accomplish the purpose.

They are often quite shocked when others see goal accomplishment as less important than they do. Because of this, leadership for the ENTJ may be for a period of time in a situation of special need. Winston Churchill, probably an ENTJ, spent a great deal of his life in splendid intellectual isolation, chosen to save England in WWII in its greatest hour of need, and summarily dismissed when the crisis was past and the world could settle back to kinder, gentler ways and people-oriented leaders. ENTJs can then sink into despair, believing their own earlier confidence in themselves to have been undeserved.

ENTJs can be seen as overly intense and blunt and of all the types may convey the greatest sense of urgency. When they are promoted to management, they can be seen as high-handed and manipulative. Most ENTJs who become successful in management go through a process of learning to communicate in a more warm and collaborative way. They also must learn to lean on more people-oriented types to help them achieve their goals.