ENTJ vs INFP: What Are the Differences?

The difference between ENTJ vs INFP personalities is that ENTJs are outgoing, determined individuals who are driven by success, while INFPs are calm and creative people with high emotional intelligence. These two personalities are quite easy to tell apart, but both can succeed with their own unique skill sets.

Key personality differences of ENTJ and INFP explained

Personality overview - ENTJ vs INFP

ENTJ - The Commander

ENTJ personalities are dominated by extraverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging personality traits. These natural-born leaders have huge amounts of energy, charisma and confidence in themselves and their abilities. Incredibly rational in nature, ENTJs know what they need to do to succeed and can be ruthless in the pursuit of their goals.

Commanders strive for greatness and are especially adept at solving problems and inspiring others. While they can be a little insensitive, ENTJs are very charismatic and garner a lot of respect from those around them.

INFP - The Mediator

An INFP personality type is someone who exhibits strong traits of introversion, intuitiveness, feeling, and prospecting. This personality type is known for its caring, empathetic and compassionate nature. Mediators understand the emotions of others and a huge priority for them is making sure they keep the people around them happy.

INFPs are also extremely creative and are drawn to art, music and nature. In fact, this personality is likely to have very deep and emotional connections to creative arts – don’t be surprised if Mediators start crying in a movie.

Strengths - INFP vs ENTJ

ENTJ

ENTJs are efficient and strong-willed personalities who know how to set goals and attain them. Commanders are strong workhorses and don’t let laziness ever get in their way. ENTJs have a strong strategic mindset; this personality can see problems from a mile away and knows how to fend them off time and again.

With high levels of energy and self confidence, ENTJs are also extremely inspiring and charismatic individuals. Hearing a Commander talk about their goals with such vigor, it’s hard to not feel invigorated or won over.

INFP

While ENTJs succeed in goal setting, INFPs strengths lie in their empathy. Mediators have great intuition into how others are feeling and are sensitive, thoughtful types, often well-regarded by the people in their lives. INFPs are also very generous and accepting people – they’ll give credit to people who deserve it and can never be called judgemental.

INFPs also have a strong creative streak that means they’re likely to succeed as writers or artists. Once they find something that piques their interest and creativity, Mediators will become extremely passionate and want to put everything into it.

Weaknesses - ENTJ vs INFP

ENTJ

ENTJs do need to look out for their stubbornness. When this personality decides on a tactic they tend to dig their heels in and blind themselves to the opinions of others, even if they’re helpful. Unsurprisingly, ENTJs also have a bit of an arrogant streak and need to be careful to ensure they don’t come across as snobbish or better than other people.

Emotions are not Commanders’ strong suit. These individuals value rationality and practicality, so when they don’t understand or value how someone else is feeling it can be all too easy for them to dismiss and even trample on others’ emotions. Reaching their goals is especially important to ENTJs, but they can become rather ruthless and cold in their pursuit of success.

INFP

Quite the opposite to ENTJs, INFPs lean towards daydreaming and setting unrealistic expectations that they likely can’t achieve. Mediators see the world through rose-tinted glasses and can’t face disappointment when their big dreams aren’t met. This is especially so when combined with INFP’s tendency to be unfocused and unproductive.

People-pleasing is another weakness that INFPs need to be wary of. Mediators can find themselves desperate for the affection of others and can waste a lot of time and energy in getting people to like them.

Career - INFP vs ENTJ

ENTJ

With strong leadership skills, ENTJs are an asset to most organizations. Bold and able to foresee the work that needs to be done, Commanders tend to gravitate towards leadership positions that come with freedom and responsibility.

Failure is an ENTJ’s least favorite word, this personality will do anything to succeed, and over time will develop an impressive work ethic and reputation. Commanders can be harsh critics of subordinates, especially when they make mistakes. ENTJs need to make sure they don’t develop too much of a ruthless reputation as it could alienate them from their colleagues.

INFP

Success and drive aren’t as important to INFPs as fulfillment and passion. Mediators need to feel like they’re making a difference, stretching their creative muscles, and reaching their full potential. The corporate rat race isn’t the best fit for INFPs, instead, you’ll likely find them as writers, artists, or working in service roles like healthcare and counseling.

INFPs should stay away from high-stress environments, instead they tend to thrive in roles that give them independence but still provide some structure to help keep them on track and productive.

Relationships - ENTJ vs INFP

ENTJ

Commanders work towards goals, and they’re not different when it comes to relationships. ENTJs value long-term committed relationships and aren’t afraid to end things when they can see that they aren’t working out. With endless amounts of confidence and energy, ENTJs have no trouble pursuing those they’re interested in.

You can rely on an ENTJ to put the work in to keep a relationship fresh, exciting and thriving. However, they can falter when it comes to understanding what emotional support their partners need. With a bit of maturity and growth, this personality can learn to compromise and become steady and supportive partners.

INFP

INFP personalities couldn’t be more different to ENTJs when it comes to relationships. True love is the goal for Mediators and they can spend most of their life imagining the perfect partner. Unfortunately, this means that finding someone can be difficult when they have high expectations to meet.

Once Mediators become more realistic and compromise to find someone to be in a relationship with, they’ll often evolve into romantic, passionate, and respectful partners. INFPs love to help their partners succeed in life, but they need to make sure they don’t sacrifice their own needs in a relationship.

The bottom line

ENTJ and INFP personalities are driven by very different goals. For outgoing ENTJs, success is always a priority and they can be single-minded in achieving their dreams. INFPs see the world very differently, and Mediators are instead drawn to creative pursuits that ignite their passion.