ENTJ (Extroverted Intuitive Thinking Judging) is one of the sixteen personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test.
ENTJs are natural leaders and strategists. Forceful and decisive, they enjoy nothing more than analyzing situations and coming up with plans, whether battle plans or business plans, to solve them.
ENTJs are naturally drawn to leadership positions, and can become resentful and unhappy if they’re forced to play second fiddle or if their authority is challenged. They can be curt and dismissive of others’ opinions, and rarely waste time considering the feelings of those around them.
But ENTJs’ determination and analytical abilities often propel them to great success in life. Here are some of history’s most famous people and celebrities who fall into the ENTJ type.
POLITICIANS
Politics is a natural outlet for ENTJs’ ambitions, although their difficulty in compromising can be a stumbling block.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President. source
- Richard M. Nixon, U.S. President. source
- Alexander Hamilton, U.S. Founder. source
- Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister. source
- Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister. source
- Elizabeth I, Queen of England. source
- Julius Caesar, Roman general and Emperor. source
- Napoleon Bonaparte, Italian-French general, emperor, and king. source
- Angela Merkel, German chancellor. source
- Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkish President. source
- Newt Gingrich, U.S. Speaker of the House. source
- Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Speaker of the House. source
- Karl Rove, U.S. political strategist. source
- Rahm Emanuel, U.S. White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago. source
- Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese democracy activist. source
- Hermann Goering, German military and political leader. source
- Hannibal Barca, Carthaginian general. source
- Rush Limbaugh, U.S. radio host and activist. source
BUSINESS
ENTJs can also be highly effective entrepreneurs.
- Bill Gates, U.S. entrepreneur and philanthropist. source
- Warren Buffett, U.S. investor. source
- Steve Jobs, U.S. entrepreneur. source
- Jack Welch, U.S. CEO. source
ACTORS & PERFORMERS
ENTJ actors work hard to advance their careers and never miss an opportunity.
- George Clooney, U.S. actor. source
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian actor and politician. source
- Harrison Ford, U.S. actor. source
- Jim Carrey, U.S. comedian and actor. source
- Charlize Theron, South African actress. source
- Robert Downey Jr., U.S. actor. source
- Dwayne Johnson, U.S. wrestler and actor. source
- Matt Damon, U.S. actor. source
- Patrick Stewart, English actor. source
- Jay Leno, U.S. comedian and talk show host. source
- Jamie Foxx, U.S. comedian and actor. source
- Steve Martin, U.S. comedian, writer, and actor. source
- Katharine Hepburn, U.S. actress. source
- David Letterman, U.S. comedian and talk show host. source
- Quentin Tarantino, U.S. director. source
- Steve Buscemi, U.S. actor. source
- Salma Hayek, Mexican-American actress. source
- Peter Sellers, English actor. source
- Penn Jillette, U.S. magician and actor. source
- William H. Macy, U.S. actor. source
- Candace Bergen, U.S. actress. source
- Richard Dean Anderson, U.S. actor. source
SCIENTISTS
ENTJs aren’t natural scientists — they’re doers rather than thinkers. Some do achieve prominence in this field, however.
- Carl Sagan, U.S. astronomer. source
- Werner von Braun, German engineer. source
- Edward Teller, Hungarian physicist. source
- Murray Rothbard, U.S. economist. source
ATHLETES
ENTJs are great field generals, particularly suited to being coaches or quarterbacks.
- Vince Lombardi, U.S. football coach. source
- Steve Young, U.S. quarterback. source
- Greg Maddux, U.S. pitcher. source
- Boomer Esiason, U.S. quarterback and broadcaster. source
- Ryne Sandberg, U.S. second baseman. source
- Pau Gasol, Spanish power forward/center. source
- Garry Kasparov, Russian chess grandmaster. source
WRITERS
ENTJ writers tend to focus on positive, inspiring books.
MUSICIANS
Whatever type of music they produce, ENTJ musicians are always determined to be the best.
- Adele, English singer. source
- Gene Simmons, U.S. rock musician. source
- Ice-T, U.S. rapper and actor. source
- David Geffen, U.S. music and film producer. source
- Steve Vai, U.S. guitarist. source
FICTIONAL CHARACTERS
Just for fun, here are some characters from movies, TV, and books who fit the ENTJ type!
- King Claudius from Hamlet. source
- Falstaff from Shakespeare’s histories. source
- Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-enemy. source
- Tom Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter books and movies. source
- Imperator Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road. source
- Tywin Lannister from Game of Thrones. source
- Claire and Frank Underwood from House of Cards. source
- Princess Leia Organa of Star Wars. source
- Lady Mary Crawley of Downton Abbey. source
- Irene Adler, Sherlock Holmes’s foil from Elementary and Sherlock. source
- Raymond Reddington from The Blacklist. source
jetser says
Steve Jobs was not an ENTJ. His feelings were frequent end visible and his Si was inferior (that’s why he didn’t treat his cancer), so he must have been an ENFP or en ENTP, possibly the letter.
Thor says
Sure, he was passionate about his work. His goals.. Himself. But look at his dealings with others, even his family. Look at his relentless pursuit of his goals. They show a straight-up lack of empathy and emotional understanding. That’s the thing about ENTJs, (and I would know because I am one).. We have feelings; we’re not robots. Many times these feelings boil to the surface, and maybe him being a Pisces emphasized that. We do not, however, do well with being affectionate or considerate of others’ feelings, especially when it comes to getting things done or achieving our goals. Some ENTJs are more emotional than others, some are more extroverted than others and so on, which is why there are percentages and subtypes.
Also, he did try to treat his cancer. He underwent surgery first, and tried holistic medicine when that failed.
DeWayne says
Yeah, Steve Jobs is the epitome of an ENTJ. I also know, because I am one as well. We are often called cold, heartless, engineering, maybe even manipulative.
That’s not true as Thor says. We do feel, and we might even feel more intensely because we can easily bottle up our emotions, push them to the side, and approach tasks and people with a lot of detachment.
Read his authorized biography. He only considered people to be of 2 types, brilliant or “shit”, and that changed daily depending on what you accomplished for him. That’s complete ENTJ right there.
Audrey erckenbrecht says
Totally agree with you. I think the same way as you. As an ENTJ, I am very emotional, but privately. My boyfriend is an INTJ, he thinks I am F type because of how emotional i can be. It’s just because I trust him with my feelings,( we debate for hours on end about my type.) To everyone else, i am seen as cold and depressing. My mother thinks I’m miserable because I don’t smile much and I don’t have reactions to things. She’s either an ESFP or ESTP, most likely ESFP. I am a strong negotiator and planner. I’m obsessed with organising ideas and planning them. But, needless to say, I don’t like organising actual things. I find it boring and dull.
Jamie says
Yes. Same! I have the exact personality type, zodiac sign and astrology sign as Steve Jobs. I’m a freaking emotional ENTJ, but most of the time I’m cold, heartless, ruthless and I always end up commanding troops anywhere I go and organizing ppl like chess pieces.
Kevin says
It’s not that ENTJ’s “lack’ empathy, it’s just that we don’t prioritize it. ENTJ’s (yes, I’m an ENTJ) prioritize attributes that we believe matter most. While we understand the feelings of others, we tend to believe facts to be superior to emotions, and try to filter the shades of grey to something more objective. Does it matter to me if a killer is 82, 36, or 16? No, it doesn’t, because in my mind there is a penalty for a crime that should not consider a person’s background, age, mental state, race, ethnicity, etc. I may feel sorry for someone based on their background, but that will not affect my recommendation for their action. However, context to me is important, but context of fact, not personal emotion.
Jason Gerritsen says
Steve Jobs was indeed an ENTJ. In an extroverted settings these types are very logical and powering.
In an introverted type selling however they turn into extreme feeling types that use insane amounts of emotion.
It’s the commander personality.
When I speak as a college professor it’s for a math class I’m teaching. When I give a speech at my company as CEO I use logic and reason and am very ruthless.
But then have me in a one-on-one setting with an employee or maybe a client and I’m either crying, loving them or throwing a phone at them.
Everyone is emotional. For some reason when you amp up the crowd or feelings of lots of people around the ENTJs go from being an arrest to senators.
Other types use emotion for the masses and only logic for a few. ENTJs are system level holistic people.
Thor says
Steve Jobs was entp
Boss-Dzadzy says
Thor, you’re lucky this website is run by an INTJ otherwise ENTJ’s would swallow you whole. They are relentless almost to the exclusion of all else. raging lunatics and a$$holes society calls them.
sigh, am one too.lol
Slindo Shamase says
Lol, i am one too.
James Black says
You’re correct
Antony Devadass says
He was probably and ENTJ-Turbulent. Not ENTJ -A Assertive
Em says
It makes more sense to just blame that on is probable Aspergers/Autism.
AREFE says
That’s right. I’m an ENTJ too. People think I’m heartless but that’s a big lie. I just have learnt to use my heart less. Maybe we love some people but we can tell them cause we believe in the emotions are weakness. For example Irene Adler in Sherlock Holmes she really loved Sherlock but she didn’t say that. I’m just 17 years old girl and I’m not heartless.
kioomars says
+ thats im entj too :)
Ankush Tagore says
Exactly, it seems we all ENTJ’s are same. It is sad but true.
Leni says
Ffs genius! I am not heartless, I just learned how to use my heart less. Thank you, you found a way to express what I’ve always wanted to say about myself.
Best regards,
Another ENTJ.
Nach says
Well, George Clooney and Salma Hayek surely are healthy ENTJs, Much different from Steve Jobs or Adele and their neurotic I-am-God complex.
Overall, the ENTJs who understand that they wouldn’t be isht without ordinary people’s support tend to become well-rounded, and therefore less likely to be assassinated or vilified.
Also add to your list of healthy ENTJs: Joe Rogan.
Dana says
I kinda disagree Joe Rogan would be more of a “F” than a “T.”
Samr says
Actually I really appreciate this, especially the commenters here who said they are ENTJ themselves. My son just tested as one, and while he’s a good kid he does sometimes seem cold. He once said he doesn’t see why anyone cares about “obsolete” friends. But he volunteers to teach basketball to the disabled.
Pnif says
I am a female ENTJ raised in the heart of the south, in a strict Christian church. Discovering my personality type and that female ENTJ’S are the rarest, explained so much. To the person that stated their son just discovered his type…..ENTJ’s love to help others achieve goals. We are fascinated by what drives people and want to help them reach their potential. We do not have patience for people that make excuses (even ourselves) instead of just sucking it up, moving on or DOING! He will be well served, by you, to help him continue to volunteer in areas like this and keep him humble/grounded. We are blunt, to a fault, but seldom self serving. This is how you can tell the difference between a narcissist and an ENTJ. We want to help you reach your own goals simply for the satisfaction of seeing it! It’s like our own weird version of a hallmark movie without all the fake love. God bless!
Cecilly says
“He doesn’t see why anyone cares about “obsolete” friends.” Omg that comment is so true. I am an ENTJ. I have lived a life with that thought and cut friendships easily if they do not serve a greater purpose. I am not trying to be cold/mean per se, it’s just that my time is valuable and I don’t want to put energy/time into people who do not help me grow or who I value. It’s logical, really. I love my husband and nuclear family dearly and am very loyal to them, because I deeply value them and what they represent. But if I don’t value you in the bigger picture, I am indifferent to our relationship overall.
stephen says
Obsolete friends are those who don’t listen or have self destructive behavior that ENTJs cannot deal with.
Sylvia says
I am ENTJ, zodiac sign Leo. I refrain from showing emotion in public- at least emotion I view as negative or would make me appear vulnerable. I don’t know why. I’ve been that way since childhood and I don’t remember anyone teaching me to be that way, since none of my siblings have any problems showing emotions. But of course, I have them. I cry almost daily for pets I’ve lost and miss and have no difficulty showing affection towards loved ones–people I’m comfortable with–I’m not a hugger with just anyone. As far as ruthlessness towards other people- NO- I might be cold, but I would never be cruel without a reason and typically that reason involves you picking on the vulnerable. I have no problem with confrontation and I will let you have it below the belt if you bully or demean people in my presence. God help you if you hurt a child or animal.
Crystal says
Same!!!! I cannot stand to show emotion in front of others!!! Tons of feelings but at end of the day I get to my goal.
ENTJ Female here – Leo.
Nick Queensen says
You’re not an ENTJ if you believe in Astrology.
Natalie says
Not true at all. I’m most definitely an ENTJ and all who know me would agree. I follow astrology. ENTJ is not a believe system. It’s a framework of how we relate to our OWN world. By your statement no ENJT would be religious.
Pnif says
I am a female ENTJ raised in the heart of the south, in a strict Christian church. Discovering my personality type and that female ENTJ’S are the rarest, explained so much. To the person that stated their son just discovered his type…..ENTJ’s love to help others achieve goals. We are fascinated by what drives people and want to help them reach their potential. We do not have patience for people that make excuses (even ourselves) instead of just sucking it up, moving on or DOING! He will be well served, by you, to help him continue to volunteer in areas like this and keep him humble/grounded. We are blunt, to a fault, but seldom self serving. This is how you can tell the difference between a narcissist and an ENTJ. We want to help you reach your own goals simply for the satisfaction of seeing it! It’s like our own weird version of a hallmark movie without all the fake love. God bless!
mahdi aslani says
I m like u and ENTJ and my zodiac is Leo yes we are not cold or sth we want to lead people to what they deserve the community and people they have to achieve their goals we dont want everything for ourselves I m like u mostly i cannot show my emotions but u know guys we can change specially our personality lead us to change and be better everyday until be the best and others regard us so i try to make better and show my emotions u know we are bold ,we have to!!!we should try show our emotions its not perpetual we can try and give ourselves enough courage to be warm and i have problem too do u think its usual sometimes we get tired of working i lost my morale and confidence sometimes and i dont belive in my self mostly
Eric Grant says
Just because I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve doesn’t mean I am heartless. I have a heart and emotions I just keep them private like a normal person should.
Sharing every feeling and experience on social media is abnormal. There is such a thing as oversharing, people should be viewing those attention seeking behaviours for what they are: immature and pointless!
Social media is the ashtray and second hand smoke of socialising.
John Wayne says
I feel the exact same way about social media. It’s like all of our fun with human beings is taken away and all that’s left is their weird feelings and inabilities to make conversation.
Also the smoking references hit me cause I smoke.
I wonder how much of it’s an ENTJ thing. You are clearly hardcore ENTJ by the way, it’s fun to see it in other people.
Billy says
This list started out ok, but went wrong so quickly. ENTJ are the a$$ole overlord archetype. They all have fat heads, no necks and powerful dominating voices. Steve Jobs, Clooney are definitely ENFP.
Harrison ISTP. Letterman ISxJ. Goldberg ESFJ… on and on
And I doubt all the ppl declaring their reasons evident because they are ENTJ. ENTJ don’t employ subjective perception (Si) or judging (Fi). They are Te-Ni.
And wouldn’t be wasting time in this comment section.
I think MBTI is dead, because hardly anyone understands it. Jetser was right though.
Billy says
And by the title of this , the author is most likely ENFP. Let’s see if this gets moderated or I can look forward to a discussion
Jonas says
Always win the execution, no excuse! That’s my motto!
Lina Varney says
I am ENTJ-A! I took the test 8 years ago for the first time, the 2nd time was 5 years ago, I took the 3rd test 4 years ago, and today, I just took another MBTI personality test again for the 4th time, the result is still the same. :)
Raghu prasath says
I am an ENTJ, whenever people meet me, they see my unusually confident and charisma and they do not know how to react to it because no one ever behaves like us. And People ask me most of the time, why am I chasing money, power, authority, big position, and goals? I say” because I am able to, I have the potential and I Can. These kinds of answers and then when People ask me hey how was your day and what did you do? I list the number of things I did in my day, which the listener will take at least 1 month to do whatever I did in one day, so they feel intimidated. sometimes, I feel bad about it but most of the times, I am like, that’s right you should be intimated by me haha
John Wayne says
OK but I have to know if you experience the same thing, where you start to realize your goals are bigger picture and you need to involve your community, and then you realize your community is lazy as hell. Insanely unmotivated, even to their own self interest. Like why don’t you want to do anything?
I’ve concluded, it’s just us being crazy and hyper motivated.
Hapori says
ENTJ-T here. People usually find me very friendly and open when they first meet me, but I have very little tolerance for people who don’t put effort into their work. Especially people in administrative positions. If I see someone doing something in a subpar manner, I either try to correct them, or failing that do the job myself.
I have done much of the same as Cecilly’s son has done, very recently in fact. I had a friendship of fourteen years that had really run it’s course. I’m always most happy when I’m instructing someone in a new skill, or managing large projects.
May says
Hello! I am an ENTJ T. Yep, i must say I am very popularly known to be bubbly (on the bright side of things) or aggressive, intimidating and arrogant by my surrounding people. It is funny to me because most of the times I give occasional snarky, funny comments and get really energetic when I talk about me and my goals. But when’s work time and I am left in charge (plus I know what I need to do), I would flip the switch and do work rapidly. I am so focused that some think I’m too bossy in my subtle movements like asking people do/get items for me cuz I need it. I don’t notice these things when I am working, it’s probably because I believe that if I got the help I needed work would be progressive. After which, many people remark that I am too aggressive and seem arrogant, which puts me off and sometimes I find it funny. Also, I am a Sagittarius and I am an avid expert in astrology (mainly the natal chart) so it’s not true that ENTJ’s are not spiritual. Also, do other ENTJs have this inner heart to be a content cottagecore hippie even though we still have our high ambitious goals for the future?