ENTJ vs ISFP (A Comparative Analysis)

In this article, we will compare ENTJ vs ISFP personalities from the MBTI types. We 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.

ENTJ vs ISFP

If we consider ENTJ vs ISFP  and compare them, we find that they are complete opposites of each other. Both personalities are different since ENTJs are extroverted, logical thinkers, organized and creative. Compared to them, ISFPs are introverted, feelers, empathic, practical and adaptable in nature. 

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. ENTJ and ISFP are two personality types out of the 16 types. Their cognitive functions are discussed in detail as follows.

ENTJ: The Commander (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging)

The ENTJ personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who are straightforward, confident, have strong opinions, and assertive. Only 2 percent of people are estimated to have an ENTJ personality type.

Four Cognitive Functions of ENTJ

Four cognitive functions that guide how ENTJ personality type processes information includes:

Extroverted Thinking

ENTJs are quite rational, objective, and logical. They tend to think things but speak without listening. They are quick to make judgments and decisions before gathering all information. They have a tendency to focus on organized plans and have certain standards that they expect others to abide by. Setting and reaching goals is quite important to them.

Introverted Intuition

ENTJs tend to think about the future and consider multiple possibilities. They are open to change. Although they trust their thinking and judgment, sometimes they regret being impulsive when jumping to a decision too soon. 

Extroverted Sensing

ENTJs are open to new sensory experiences particularly adventure and thrill. They enjoy the beauty in life and like to keep themselves surrounded by interesting things that stimulate their senses.

Introverted Feeling

ENTJs particularly find emotions and feelings difficult to understand. They tend to keep this part separate when making any decision. Situations that call for emotional expression are pretty uncomfortable for them and they find it difficult to give the right emotional response. 

ISFP: The Artist (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

The ISFP personality type from the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on Carl Jung’s 16 personality types. It describes people who quiet, reserved, loyal, easy-going, and seek harmony. They do not like abstract concepts & conflict and need personal space strongly. 5-10% of people have an ISFP personality type in the world.

Four Cognitive Functions of ISFP

Four cognitive functions that guide how ISFP personality type processes information includes:

Introverted Feeling

ISFPs are more emotional than logical.  Their decision making and information processing are based upon how they feel about them.  They make judgments about different ideas by comparing it with their own value system.  They are not the logical or excessively objective type of personality.

Extroverted Sensing

SFPs are in harmony with their surroundings.  They can process sensory information accurately and are aware of even small changes in their environment.  This explains their eye and love for fine arts and aesthetics.  ISFPs are present-oriented, detail-oriented, and focus on new information more than the past. They also have a good memory as they are able to recall sensory information associated with the five senses when remembering something.

Introverted Intuition

ISFPs often have gut feelings about different situations.  They are not fans of abstract information. Yet, at times they can have sudden insights about themselves and others. 

 Extroverted Thinking

This is the weakest part of ISFP’s personality. They are not the most efficient organizers.  However,  this function helps them in doing things efficiently while taking details into account. 

A Comparison of ENTJ and ISFP

Personality: ENTJ vs ISFP

ENTJ personalities like change in life. They perceive things in a conceptual manner and tend to look at the big picture. It is easy for them to devise long term plans that are systematic. You can count on an ENTJ to drive towards the final goal and make sure that things reach completion. They are confident, authoritative, and straight-forward which makes them good leaders who don’t get fazed by obstacles in their way.

ISFPs are self-reflective,  quiet, and strive for harmony. Values and trust are important for them and if anyone goes against them on it,  they stop interacting with them.  These personalities live in the present moment and take in the sensory information fully.  In daily life, they try to keep themselves engaged in practical and simple activities.

Workstyle: ENTJ vs ISFP

Both ENTJ and ISFP personalities have different working styles in their workplace. 

ENTJs are usually team leaders at their workplace whether or not he/she is formally elected. An ENTJ is motivated, driven, and strategic. They lead their team members in reaching the final goal at a good pace along with tackling any hurdles in the way with ease. They are passionate about structure, goals, rules, and clarity at their workplace and expect others to follow a similar standard in their professional behavior.

In the workplace, ISFPs try to do the right thing.  Although they are not the most vocal people,  they play their role in keeping the team together and give their support for new ideas. They do not strive to be leaders and prefer to work behind the scenes.  They also don’t like to be constrained.  This means that they prefer to do things on their own quietly,  without schedules and rules. They like flexibility,  creativity, and incorporation of details in their work.  Since they are driven by values, they are loyal to their organization.

Conflict: ENTJ vs ISFP

Attitude towards conflict and its management by both personalities can vary.

ENTJs perceive conflict as an opportunity for discussion and getting work done. They like a good argument and usually stick by their views. However, they don’t hold on to the conflict for long and forget it soon after. Their general attitude is of dislike for any factors preventing them from reaching their final goal. Hence, their focus is to make their opinions clear and direct so that change can happen immediately. Their language during conflicts is usually direct and factual which makes them seem insensitive and inconsiderate to other people.

ISFPs dislike conflict and avoid it to maintain their privacy and peace. They usually walk away from such stressful situations.  Although they have strong values,  they are not open and expressive even with the people they trust.  Others find them difficult to know as they mostly keep to themselves and rarely project their feelings. Arguments and disagreements deplete their energy,  so they seek isolation to recharge. 

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.

 Interpersonal Skills: ENTJ vs ISFP

The interpersonal skills of both ENTJ and ISFP 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. 

ENTJs are usually energetic, assertive, confident, and straightforward. Their conversation with other people is centered on good arguments, debates and discussion backed up by logic. Due to this, they can be insensitive or fail to take into account the feelings of other people. So, people get upset and perceive them to be critical. Their emotional side is pretty weak and they perceive problems in the form of concepts. Although they can share their thoughts easily and are clear in their communication but it lacks the emotional component. They are mostly concerned with getting the work done and find it hard to wait for others to reach their understanding. Nor do they accurately perceive the actual meaning of silence in a situation.

On the other hand, ISFPs are quiet, loyal, and let their actions speak louder than their words.  They are sensitive and can get hurt but only by a close person they trust. This is because they let very few people to get to know them. In social interactions, ISFPs are driven by their feelings,  their senses, and the need to create harmony. 

If you’ve enjoyed the ”ENTJ vs ISFP” mentioned above, I would recommend you to take a look at ”ENTJ vs ESTP” too.

 FAQs: ENTJ vs ISFP

Are ENTJ and ISFP compatible?

Yes, ENTJs and ISFPs are complete opposites of each other. Relationship between them would be a challenge. However, it can work if both partners are willing to work out their differences. 

Who should an ISFP marry?

ISFP should marry ESFJ or ENFJ. This is because their dominant introverted feeling can be matched well by the dominant extroverted feeling of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.

Who should an ENTJ marry?

ENTJ should marry an INTP or the ISTP. This is because their dominant function of extraverted thinking can be matched well by the dominant introverted thinking of such partners. However, they can enjoy good relationships with other personality types as well.

Are ISFPs loyal?

ISFPs are loyal, easygoing and patient in relationships.

Conclusion

In this article, we compared ENTJ vs ISFP  personality types.  We found that they are complete opposites of each other. Both personalities are different since ENTJs are extroverted, logical thinkers, organized and creative. Compared to them, ISFPs are introverted, feelers, empathic, practical and adaptable in nature. 

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/entj-personality-type-2795981

https://www.verywellmind.com/isfp-introverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving-2795991

https://personalityatwork.co/types/entj/vs/isfp

https://www.crystalknows.com/personality-type/relationship/isfp-entj#:~:text=ISFPs%20are%20generally%20emotionally%20intuitive,rational%2C%20creative%2C%20and%20organized.&text=ENTJs%20should%20listen%20to%20ISFPs,to%20be%20alone%20if%20needed.

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