ESTP vs ENTP Personality in Career and Compatibility

Let’s talk ENTP vs ESTP Personality traits

Welcome back to our series on personality, attitude, life and career. Personality systems are a useful tool which enable you to achieve more in your career. And as well, a more fulfilling personal life.

Today I’ll share all the details with you on the basics of personality, as well as these two personality types.

Specifically, we’re talking about two rare kinds of people in the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) personality type system: the ESTP, about 4% in the population, and the ENTP, about 3% in the population. Some people call the ESTP the Entrepreneur or Persuader, while the ENTP is also known as the Debater or Visionary. But the MBTI acronyms avoid any confusion.

In Section 1 of this article I’ll first cover some MBTI Basics, but if you already know these, feel free to skip ahead to Section 2.

Section 1: Personality Backgrounds Explained: Myers-Briggs, MBTI, and Big Five (Big 5)

The MBTI is a personality typology system, which does its best to measure your personality in four areas:

• Introverted (I) versus Extroverted (E)
• Sensing (S) versus iNtuition (N)
• Thinking (T) versus Feeling (F)
• Judging (J) versus Perceiving (P)

So in 3 of these 4 areas, the ESTP and ENTP are very similar. Both the ESTP and the ENTP are people who are extroverted, thinking, and perceiving people.

What are the differences in ESTP vs ENTP personality traits?

The ESTP tends to be more physical and action-oriented, while the ENTP tends to be more creative and idea-oriented.

That’s a good start. But we need to understand a bit more about the personality tools as well. What do these personality systems tell us?

First, it helps to keep in mind: any personality type system has some advantages, as well as some limitations. These are feedback tools; they are here to help you get some neutral, objective feedback. This helps to know what kind of person you are, but the traits from these tests are by no means “right” or “wrong” or definitive.

Just like you will get different feedback from different friends on your latest haircut, there will always be some variation. Yet when your personality tools (and friends!) are relatively honest and reliable, then the results will be useful to you.

This is because people of each personality type tend to share some strengths and weaknesses in how they interact with the world, and with other people. Knowing in advance what these strengths and weaknesses are will help you learn which areas to pay attention to. This can have powerful effects both on your personal and career development at home and in the workplace.

Besides the MBTI, there is a newer personality profile called the Big 5. Between these two, the MBTI is a bit easier to understand, and a bit easier to use in your head when you meet new people. However, the MBTI isn’t always accurate, so you might have to take it 3 or 4 times in a year to see which result you get most often.

Meanwhile, the Big Five is currently considered more scientifically valid. This is because its results tend to be more consistent. I cover the Big 5 in-depth in my YouTube video series, so check that out if you’re interested in the Big 5.

So before going forward, make sure you have consistent results from your MBTI test, from at least 2 sittings, one month apart. 

Section 2: Personality Traits of the ESTP Personality Type and ENTP Personality Type

Let’s take a look at ESTP vs ENTP characteristics, and then we’ll compare these in Section 3. While both of these groups are known for being outgoing and social, they are quite different in many ways:

Section 2a: The Famous ESTP: Characteristics of the ESTP Personality Type

ESTP people are known for:

1. Entrepreneurial smoothness
2. Being rational (also when exposed to emotional surroundings)
3. Flexibility (outgoing and social)
4. Working hard (comes naturally)
5. Getting bored easily
6. Disliking long-term commitment
7. Bold in behaviour
8. Energetic in attitude
9. Adventurous
10. Enjoying sports and athletic performances (team sports and adventure sports).

Some ESTP Famous People are:

Section 2b: The Famous ENTP: Characteristics of the ENTP Personality Type

ENTP people are known for:

1. Versatile Pattern-Thinking
2. Being self-confident (comfortable in their own skin)
3. Inquisitive, curious, and inventive (deep desire to learn)
4. Thinking (good at researching, analyzing, and experimenting)
5. Procrastination
6. Spontaneity
7. Expressive (having a need to express themselves)
8. Liking to read and write
9. Appreciating art
10. Enjoying sports, computers, video games, travel, and cultural events.

Some ENTP Famous People are:

Section 3: How do the ESTP vs ENTP differ from each other, and other people in Myers Briggs?

ESTP and ENTP people complement each other well. They both have the common traits of rational thinking, flexibility in work, and good energy levels. With these skills, they are able to help each other focus on the problem at hand, and thus solve complex problems.

A distinction is that the ENTP creatively solves problems: they are curious, like to find patterns, and enjoy looking for an inventive solution. The ENTP is an innovator, who wants to be challenged intellectually, thus finding solutions to complex and abstract problems. So the ENTP tends to be a bit more geeky or nerdy.

Meanwhile, the ESTP thinks in a more practical way, in terms of physical and sensual experiences. They tend to be action-oriented, yet also concerned with social status. So as a physical person, they focus on the action in the moment. This lets them interact well with the environment and solve practical problems quickly. So the ESTP has a cool or trendy vibe.

But who are they compatible with? We will cover this topic more in Section 6, but here is a quick summary:

ESTP people seem to be a good fit with ESTP or ESTJ people. However, they might find challenges with INTP or INFP people.

ENTP people usually fit well with xNxx personalities, like ENFP, INFP, INFJ, and INTP. They should take care of ISFJ, ESFJ, and ISTJ people.

Section 4: In which areas should the ESTP and ENTP exercise care?

Incompatible People

One of the useful aspects of the Myers-Briggs personality system is being able to quickly identify who you are compatible with (as listed above in Section 3). As well, take time to notice when you have friendships or professional relationships with the “non-ideal” or “challenging” type of people.

In such cases, it may take a bit of extra effort to have a good business or personal relationship. Take the time and effort here. This is so you can bridge the gaps between your different personality types, and your different ways of seeing and interacting with the world.

Dealing with Stress, Self-Criticism, and Loneliness

Everyone has some stress in modern life. And it’s not always bad; we do need a bit of positive stress to function well.

When ESTP folks are faced with stress they seem to become lonely or hollow inside. Results might include seeking revenge against the cause of stress, or becoming antisocial as well as disdainful of other people.

If you’re an ESTP under stress, reach out to a best friend. Take a self-care day and get yourself back into balance.

Meanwhile, ENTP folks usually have a good tolerance for stress, since they thrive on challenges and experience. However, they might tend to become self-critical or lose focus. This can cause a frustration cycle and even a bit of anxiety. As well, ENTPs can become impatient and compulsive, which might lead to making more mistakes.

If you’re an ENTP under stress, stay proactive with your fitness, sleep, and meditation routines. Make sure you’re using positive self-talk, and build a good inner-coach in your mind.

Helping keep the ESTP and ENTP In Balance

We are all human, and when our environment is mismatched, or we are too overwhelmed, anyone can fall into a dangerous habit pattern. The key is to catch such thoughts or actions as early as possible, and bring yourself gently into more healthy and sustainable habits.

For ESTPs, their bad habits are concerned with social attention. They tend to be thrill-seekers, prone to hedonism and addiction, and over-indulging in sex, drugs, and other vices.

What are some good ways to balance this? The ESTP benefits from a fun and healthy social group, which is engaged in constructive activities. This is because when the social connections are strong, and the activities are engaging, the ESTP has much less risk of substance issues.

As well, to satisfy their need for thrill & adventure, ESTP people can join groups for hobbies like climbing, bouldering, adventure travel, football, singing, and improv comedy.

On the other hand, ENTPs can be chaotic, and even considered weird from an outsider perspective. Part of this is because ENTPs have a lot of diverse interests, and don’t care if others like them. They actually enjoy disagreeing with people… so this makes them seem a bit eccentric. This leads us to Section 5.

Section 5: How do Other People View ENTP vs ESTP People?

Both the ENTP and ESTP are rare to encounter. As we said earlier, the ESTP is about 4% in the population, and the ENTP is about 3% in the population. Both personalities have strong social skills and enjoy being around other people. They both enjoy new experiences, and can be attractive to others due to their rare qualities.

Yet both of these personalities might seem insensitive at times, although their deeper intentions are usually well-meaning. And of course, there are several key differences between the ENTP vs ESTP.

Starting with the ENTP, they are known as “one of the most introverted extraverts.” This is because they apply their introverted thinking function quite a bit.

They work to acquire knowledge, as their goals include understanding, analyzing, and influencing other people. They are eager and curious to learn, including both people and technological systems.

This is also because they want to be seen as rational, devoted, and innovative. And they enjoy exercising this knowledge in debates with other people.

But because of their love of debates, sometimes the ENTP can come across as argumentative. Their intention is well-meaning, however, as they are really looking for an innovative and creative solution. With their ability to influence people, they can certainly help to accomplish challenging projects.

Meanwhile, the ESTP wants to be seen as intelligent, resourceful, and brave. Their dominant function is “extraverted sensing” which leads them to focus on real-world actions.

People see ESTPs as very action-oriented people, who don’t like to waste time. The ESTP wants to live in the present moment, and actually do something. This is because they strongly prefer the practical world versus any abstract concepts.

ESTP folks care about their social status. This leads them to be less outlandish than ENTP types, in order to maintain their social standing. However, they like to make decisions quickly, and they can sometimes come across as being insensitive.

Deep inside though, the ESTP does want to establish a good rapport with people, and use their skills to make the world a better place. With their skills of observation, adaptability, and influencing others, they can be quite effective at this.

Section 6: Relationships and Careers for the ESTP and ENTP

As unusual personalities, both ESTP and ENTP professionals need a good match. This applies both to their work career, and their personal relationships. This is so they can avoid burnout, and enjoy success with their work, friends, and life partner.

Good Careers for ESTP People

These include:

• Sales
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Police & Emergency Services
• Manager or Supervisor

Easy Personality Matches for ESTP Friends and Relationships

These include:

• ESTP
• ESTJ
• ENTP
• ISTP

Long-Term Matches for ESTP Relationships and Friends

Here, a bit more time is needed to get to know each other, yet they have a lot of potential to complement each other:

• ESFJ
• ENFJ
• ISFP
• INTJ

Good Careers for ENTP People

These include:

• Advertising or Marketing
• Lawyer
• Scientist
• Psychologist
• Producer or Director
• Consultant

Easy Personality Matches for ENTP Friends and Relationships

These include the:

• ENTP
• ENTJ
• ENFP
• INTP

Long-Term Matches for ENTP Relationships and Friends

Here, a bit more time is needed to get to know each other, yet they have a lot of potential to complement each other:

• ESTJ
• ESFP
• ISTP
• INFJ, INFP

Section 7: Are you yourself an ENTP or ESTP, or is a friend?

Are you yourself an ESTP or ENTP? Or are you getting to know this person as a friend or colleague?

If the ENTP or ESTP is a friend in your life, take some time to understand who they are. Try to accept their quirks, and see their strengths as a person. If you can make this effort, and they reciprocate, they can be a wonderful person in your life.

As an ESTP or ENTP yourself, you have a special journey in your life, with rare possibilities. While so much potential is open to you, this also requires some special effort on your part, to build your abilities, and the vision for your life.

This is because the rare personality types don’t “fit in” with the common standards. They have to work extra hard, on specific topics in their life, to achieve focus and direction. When they can accomplish this, the sky is the limit.

How’s it going for you? Drop me an email at personality (at) elevanation.com and let me know.

Thanks for joining.

For all the great things your education gave you, they didn’t teach you how to have great work and a strong career. My mission is to teach you the most effective tools for your ongoing success.

All my best,

Christian Pyrros,
Senior Mentor & Coach at elevanation.com