Short Descriptions:

       "Theme is inventing, finding ingenious solutions to people and technical problems. Talents lie in developing ideas into functional and innovative applications that are the first of their kind. Thrive on finding new ways to use theories to make systems more efficient and people better off. Hunger for new projects. Have faith in their ability to instantly come up with new approaches that will work. Engineers of human relationships and systems as well as in the more scientific and technological domains." ³

       "Quick, ingenious, good at many things. Stimulating company alert and outspoken. May argue for fun on either side of question. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems but may neglect some routine assignments. Apt to turn to one new interest after another. Skillful in finding logical reasons for what they want."⁴

       "ENTPs take their energy from outer world of people and external events. They prefer dealing with patterns and possibilities, and making decisions on a logical basis. They are adaptable, tending to focus on new ideas and interests as and when they arise, particularly if they involve increasing their competence or skill. They are ingenious problem solvers, constantly trying new ideas out, and can seem to enjoy a good argument. They are interested in instigating change, and operates best in overcoming new difficulties where the solution requires the application of creative effort.
       ENTPs are known for their quest of the novel and complex. They have faith in their ability to improvise and to overcome any challenges that they face. They are highly independent, and value adaptability and innovation. They may be several steps ahead of others in encouraging and valuing change. They hate uninspired routine and resist hierarchical and bureaucratic structures that are not functional. They need freedom for action. With their entrepreneurial tendencies and broad understandings, they push against all odds to further their projects. They are at their best in changing circumstances in which they can develop conceptual models and devise strategies to effectively navigate through change."⁵

       "For ENTPs the driving quality in their lives is their attention to the outer world of possibilities; they are excited by continuous involvement in anything new, whether it be new ideas, new people, or new activities. They look for patterns and meaning in the world, and they often have a deep need to analyze, to understand, and to know the nature of things. ENTPs are typically energetic, enthusiastic people who lead spontaneous and adaptable lives."⁶

       "ENTPs direct their energy towards the outer world of actions and spoken words. They try to create new potential, changing things to see if any improvement can be made, and generally working towards a better future. They are often trying challenging the status quo and instigating change."⁷

       "The theme is innovation. They are interested in the patterns of nearly everything and keep many balls in the air at once. Creative thinkers. Intellectual and outspoken. Can argue both sides of an issue. Confident of their abilities."⁸

       "Private, selective, and reserved. Cool, detached, and unemotional. Logical, intellectual, and analytical. Casual, calm, and adaptable. Tips for communicating with ENTP: Challenge their creativity to solve complex problems. Respect their competence and expertise. Give them plenty of time to think about things in new ways." ⁹

The Negative Side of ENTP

       "You may find it hard to keep yourself organized and disciplined. Because of this you often let everyday matters get out of control. This often leads to the cancellation of business plans, interruption of your work routine and interference in family matters. You have difficulty in understanding the boundaries of relations between people. You find it especially difficult to understand other people's true disposition towards you. After you have intuitively understood a person you tend to lose interest in them as if you do not know what to do after. This occasionally turns people against you. You have difficulty identifying your enemies. You also have difficulties in keeping good stable relations with people who know you well. You may accidentally show tactless behavior often destroying maintained harmony." ¹⁰

ENTP Under STRESS

       "ENTPs value their ability to use imagination and innovation to deal with problems. Trusting in their ingenuity to get them out of trouble, they often neglect to prepare sufficiently for any given situation. This characteristic, combined with their tendency to underestimate the time needed to complete a project, may cause the ENTP to become over-extended, and to work frequently beyond expected time limits. Complicating this situation is their predisposition to experiment with new solutions. This makes them eager to move on to the next challenge when things get boring. ENTPs become stressed when their improvisational abilities are ineffective and they will avoid circumstances where they might fail.
       If stress continues, ENTPs become distracted and their "can do" attitude is threatened. Feelings of incompetence, ineptness, and inadequacy take over. They need to escape situations that are associated with anxiety is more prominent for the ENTP than for any other personality type. Doubtful of whether they will have what it takes to accomplish a task, they displace their fears onto situations they can elude. Panic, fear, and anxiety then block the expression of their creativity. Defensive phobic reactions cause the ENTP to circumvent achievement in other areas and prevent the success they strive on." ¹¹

       "Under great stress, ENTPs can be overwhelmed by detail, losing their ability to generate possibilites. Then they focus on a minor or distorted detail, thinking that it is supremely important."¹²

Stress Management for ENTP (Feeding the Fourth)

       Do activities that require you to ask, "What does this feel like to me?What is this doing to me?" in an subjective, aware of your emotions manner, such as Slippery When Wet