ENFP vs ENTP (A Comparative Analysis)
By
PsychReel
In this article, we will compare ENFP vs ENTP personalities from the MBTI types. It will do that by initially describing both personalities in-depth including their four cognitive functions. This will follow up by comparing and seeing how these personalities are similar and different from each other.
ENFP vs ENTP
If we consider ENFP vs ENTP and compare them, we find that they share similarities as well as differences. Both personalities are similar as they are extroverted, open, easy going and spontaneous. They both have differences as well as ENFPs are emotional, sensitive, concerned about how other people feel about them, and easily get hurt. They thrive on social interaction which can hinder their achievement. In contrast, ENTPs are straightforward, assertive, self-sufficient, and unconcerned about what others think of them as long as they are confident they are right. They are achievement-oriented but also know how to have fun which explains their unique traits i.e. a blend of ENFP and ENTJ traits.
MBTI: Four Cognitive Functions
Myer Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types approaches personality to be composed of four cognitive functions that govern how people think, process, and make decisions. The top two cognitive functions play a dominant role in guiding a person’s personality. Whereas, the latter two play less of a role. However, they still have some impact or influence on how a person behaves in certain situations. ENFP and ENTP are two personality types out of the 16 types. Their cognitive functions are discussed in detail as follows.
ENFP: The Champion (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving)
The ENFP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a unique personality. It generally describes people who are enthusiastic, imaginative, flexible, innovative, creative, empathic, and value their independence. Up to 5 to 7 percent of people are estimated to have the ENFP personality type.
Four Cognitive Functions of ENFP
Four cognitive functions that guide how ENFP personality type processes information includes:
- Extraverted Intuition
ENFPs are open to new challenges and possibilities. Their focus is more on abstract ideas rather than concrete ones. So, they mostly try to imagine what the future may hold. Their tendency to understand things in terms of possible ideas rather than how they actually might exist enables them to detect patterns or relationships among people, ideas, and the world.
- Introverted Feeling
ENFPs put a high value on their emotions and feelings whenever they make decisions. In other words, rationality/objectivity or logic is not their first go-to option when deciding any course of action. Consequently, they try to understand how they and other people feel. This makes them naturally empathic. Furthermore, they prioritize their values and try to make decisions that are in line with it.
- Extraverted Thinking
Apart from feelings, ENFPs do try to give due value to logic and thinking as part of their ‘self’. Their focus is on trying to organize, link, and spot connections among ideas. Thus, they may tend to lay out information, so that each of their thoughts is linked to each other.
- Introverted Sensing
Whenever they are interacting with people or new things, ENFPs may try to relate, connect, and compare present experiences with past experiences. Their focus is to find any commonalities or patterns between the two. This is because doing so can help them predict or expect what the future may bring. Thus, memories, feelings, and thoughts related to the past play an important role in their life.
ENTP: The Debater (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving)
The ENTP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who are sharp/intelligent, innovative, and good at communicating their thoughts. Their focus is on ideas, theories, and possibilities. However, they pay less attention to details and practicality. Thus, they may have creative plans but lack action to execute them. Only 2-5 percent of people are estimated to have an ENTP personality type.
Four Cognitive Functions of ENTP
Four cognitive functions that guide how ENTP personality type processes information includes:
- Extroverted Intuition
ENTPs gather information quickly and understand it easily through their ability to make connections or links between things. Their focus is on future possibilities and innovative & new ideas which makes them quite open-minded and accepting of new perspectives. They are considered to have a strong entrepreneurial mind.
- Introverted thinking
ENTPs spend a lot of time thinking about the world. Whenever they want to understand a concept, they prioritize learning the why and how of it to fully understand its functionality. Generally, they are objective and rational in their approach which makes them skilled in putting their emotions aside when making a decision.
- Extraverted feeling
ENTPs know how to get along with other people. They can be charismatic in social situations but since the feeling part of their personality is weak, other people may perceive them to be insensitive and aloof at times.
- Introverted sensing
Since ENTPs are focused on possibilities and ideas rather than details or practicality of their plans, they often fail to use their past experiences in improving the present outcome or predicting the future outcome. This can cost them quite a lot in life.
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
A Comparison of ENFP and ENTP
Personality: ENFP vs ENTP
ENFP is considered a very imaginative, innovative, energetic, and spontaneous personality. They are always in search of new ideas and are pretty accepting of multiple perspectives. They are considered risk-takers who make use of every opportunity life throws at them. Their approach is people-centered, caring, and empathetic. However, they dislike getting into detail and following through with commitments as they easily get distracted by the next exciting challenge.
ENTP personalities are open to new challenges. They are good at communicating and are inquisitive and curious by nature. They are considered good debaters who don’t shy away from an intellectual debate. ENTPs can hold strong opinions but are always open to new and fresh perspectives. They enjoy new experiences and are always on the lookout for the next big idea just like ENFPs.
Workstyle: ENFP vs ENTP
Both ENFP and ENTP personalities have different working styles in their workplace.
Due to their good interpersonal skills, warm attitude towards others, and good people reading skills, ENFPs contribute a new perspective and creative problem-solving to the office team. If they are elected as leaders, they are caring and thoughtful but not good at devising work systems or dealing with bad news. They also don’t like rules and regulations or strict structures in work proceedings which explains why they dislike being controlled by management. They prefer flexibility, innovation, and stimulation and avoid tasks that are repetitive or monotonous.
ENTPs on the other hand also try to make an effort to bring new ideas to the table. They can push through obstacles and be assertive with their team. Yet, they may not always follow through since they are easily distracted by new ideas and challenges. They like space, flexibility, and healthy challenges at the workplace. However, slow-paced schedules, being overly controlled, and excessive rules and regulations at their work may irritate them greatly just like ENFPs.
Conflict: ENFP vs ENTP
Attitude towards conflict and its management by both personalities can vary.
ENFPs usually avoid conflict and try to resolve the matter peacefully and warmly. They dislike injustice/ unfairness and strive for harmony. Their language during conflicts is emotionally loaded. Furthermore, they can easily open up about themselves in such situations.
ENTPs on the other hand s are open to conflict. They can easily engage in debate and to and fro of verbal statements. However, they may not fully understand the emotional element underlying the conflict. Hence, their focus would be on proving the other person wrong and winning the argument by using logic which can strain their relationship. When the conflict ends, they don’t hold on to it rather move on to the next thing.
Interpersonal Skills: ENFP vs ENTP
The interpersonal skills of both ENFP and ENTP are similar in some respects and different in others. Particularly, the manner of relating to others, perceiving other people, and how others perceive them is distinct for both personalities.
ENFPs are usually outgoing, happy, positive, and hopeful in the presence of others. At times, they can be sensitive and take criticism seriously. They may have a need to be liked and approved by others. People perceive them as likable, genuine, and fun to be around. They are usually emotionally expressive and can be found at the center of dramatic situations. However, they try to keep the environment light for other people to feel comfortable. They can be future-oriented, open to possibilities, and driven to care about other people in many situations.
On the other hand, ENTPs have a good sense of understanding of their surroundings. They can engage, entertain, and charm people just like ENFPs. However, their focus is on logic and evidence rather than emotions. As a result, they are unable to grasp the emotional layering of situations and may be perceived as cold and inconsiderate by others due to their hard-wired factual approach. If something is not intellectually stimulating, they get bored and move on since they always need something incredible to channel their energy.
FAQs: ENFP vs ENTP
Are Entp and Enfp compatible?
Yes, ENTP and ENFP can be compatible and they can enjoy a good relationship with each other BUT they are not each other’s ideal partners. Although, both share common values and ideas but they need to work on how to conduct day-to-day matters and share an agreement about lifestyle. Otherwise, their relationship may have friction.
Are ENTP attractive?
Yes, ENTP are attractive. Their confidence, charm, and sense of humor make them attractive to other people. However, they need to be considerate of other people’s emotions in their daily communication for their social interactions to be smooth.
Who Should an ENTP marry?
An ENTP should marry an INFJ or INTJ. This is because their dominant extroverted intuition can be matched well by the dominant introverted intuition of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.
Who should an ENFP marry?
ENFP should marry an INTJ, or the INFJ. This is because their dominant function of extraverted intuition can be matched well by the dominant introverted intuition of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared ENFP vs ENTP and looked at their similarities and their differences. Both personalities are similar as they are extroverted, open, easy going and spontaneous. They are different as well as ENFPs are emotional, sensitive, concerned about how other people feel about them, and easily get hurt. They thrive on social interaction which can hinder their achievement. In contrast, ENTPs are straightforward, assertive, self-sufficient, and unconcerned about what others think of them as long as they are confident they are right. They are achievement-oriented but also know how to have fun which explains their unique traits i.e. a blend of ENFP and ENTJ traits.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-entp-personality-type-and-characteristics-2795982
https://personalityatwork.co/types/enfp/vs/entp
