As an ENTJ what do you appreciate about the other MBTI types?
Combined with the following asks:
What value do you see in the other 16 types that perhaps you yourself do not have or how do these other types factor into your life?
could you give the things you like about each 16 types? :3
Te-doms are the anchors in a relay race, they’re the ones to cross the finish line and bring home the gold. Their value in my life is providing a very vital piece of encouragement when things get tough and the future looks hazy: “It can be done– and this how to best do it.” Where other types have the tendency to only give encouragement and stop there, Te-doms add actionable steps and contribute their time and energy. They’re with you to the very end.
Te-doms are able to provide an objective measuring stick when I want feedback on anything in life from my performance to my odds. For example, if I’m applying to Harvard Business School, I want to know if I’m a competitive applicant. Te-doms are able to assess my academic qualifications, weigh them against the competition, and provide immediate feedback on areas for improvement. There’s no fuzzy logic, there’s no open-ended answer that’s obscure or ambiguous, and there are no minced words to spare my feelings. Either I’m a competitive applicant or I’m not and if I’m not I’d like to know how I can be. As a Te-dom myself, I’m able to interpret their feedback (which can sound harsh to other types) as well-meaning because in the example above the goal isn’t to sugarcoat my reality or hide my shortcomings– it’s to get me accepted into Harvard. Any type can be blunt and honest, but Te-doms excel in correctly interpreting and leveraging their knowledge of the world around them to complete the mission.
Intellectual scalpels, flexible thinkers, and detail oriented I go to Ti-doms when I need to know how something should ideally work because their minds can create a perfect logic. For example, if we’re putting together a project I seek input from Ti-doms to understand how the best version of the final product should look and work under ideal conditions. From there, I apply my Te (practical knowledge, people management, resource management, and execution) to bring that vision to life with tweaks to incorporate real life conditions and constraints (like time and budget) that Ti often overlooks. For Ti-doms, I often ask: “Does this make sense?” Similar to the spell check function in word processing programs, Ti-doms are logic checking types who can comb through a ton of data and flag all the faults. I often throw them all sorts of random ideas, questions, problems, and theories to dissect flaws and identify areas for improvement.
Inferior Fe gives Ti-doms a bad rep as emotionless or rude but I’ve experienced that the majority of them are more authentic than other people precisely because Fe is so low in their stack. They skip the social foreplay and deliver their ideas point blank. The Ti-doms I know are genuinely concerned about disappointing others and will do their best to come through for loved ones, they seem to try harder for other people (ex: in team projects) than for themselves (ex: their own grades).
Social firefighters. Se-doms are incredibly adaptable in response to unexpected events and crazy circumstances, they’re my human get-of-jail-free cards when shit hits the fan. Every Se-dom I know (every single one, no exceptions) gets thrown into the most obscene and ridiculous situations so they’ve accumulated a vast library of experiences to leverage when dropped into even more tough spots. I’ve seen Se-doms masterfully maneuver through anything from a technical difficulty during a huge school presentation to stabilizing a complete stranger having a violent seizure in the middle of a movie. It’s a highly prized quality to have mental reflexes that avoid locking up when things go south and that can adjust to respond accordingly. I value their ability to navigate difficult situations with a calm and clear head.
This adaptability and strong Se gives them a fearless characteristic because they’re confident that they can handle whatever life throws at them. Trying new things, going to new places, meeting new people, quickly switching gears, and adopting new techniques aren’t scary and aren’t struggles. I also find hilarious their tendency to panic only after the crisis has passed and they’ve fully processed how awful it was because then we get to hear the best stories when they’re venting.Â
Se-doms also have this ability to be fully present and to enjoy the moment for what it is. When we’re out traveling, eating food, seeing sights– they tend to have genuine appreciation for whatever is in front of them whether it’s an intricately prepared dinner or a sweeping view of the mountains. Se-doms have this charming way of making you wish you could see the world through their eyes.
My world doesn’t work without Si-doms. Period. The most valuable and underrated quality of Si-doms is that they care too much to let you fail. This isn’t always obvious through their trademark exasperation at everyone’s irresponsibility but there’s genuine concern underneath the surface that comes through when the situation calls for it. They’re the most clutch of all the 16 MBTI types simply because they prepare better than everyone else. They’re human safety nets, they’re guardian angels.
I look to Si-doms for consistency which is a rare quality that many people in this world lack. Consistency translates into reliability and reliability translates into trust. I can’t befriend or love someone I can’t trust so making connections with Si-doms comes naturally. When I think about people with selective motivation, errant behavior, and flakiness, I’m even more appreciative of the stability that Si-doms typically bring because their qualities are often overlooked, devalued, and taken for granted. They not only come through, they do it with little to no fanfare. If you asked why they’re this way they’d likely reply with an answer that captures the essence of why I appreciate them so much: “if not me, then who?”Â
I don’t like Ne-doms so I have nothing to write in this section.
Ne-doms are human heart attacks and the cause of all my gray hairs. What I both like and dislike about Ne-doms is their tendency to procrastinate on everything always, cause an immense amount of anxiety that they’re going to screw things up, and then come through spectacularly at the very last second every single time. They somehow always make it happen as if they live in a constant state of last minute everything. I’d rather just have the happy ending without the heart attack but it’s a packaged deal– you have to accept the chaos with the flashes of brilliance because the former produces the latter.Â
Their real value in my life is the ability to provide multiple perspectives and alternatives especially in times of trouble. For Ne-doms, the questions are: “What am I missing? What have I overlooked?” and “What are my other options?” It’s the brainstorming and troubleshooting skills that I value because it produces solutions off the beaten path. It’s the mental flexibility that makes them highly adaptable to change, responsive to new inputs, and easy to work with because you can cut them loose and they’ll get it done with minimal direction.
Ni-doms are human magnifying glasses. I value that they can get to the core of the matter, person, or situation quicker than everyone else then relay the information back because they want to solve the issue as fast as possible. I use them as mirrors for my own Ni because it’s important to have other people confirm or modify the conclusions I’ve arrived at. It’s a sanity check. It’s a, “you see what I’m seeing too, right?” I often request Ni-doms to turn their Ni towards me because I trust their insights on my thoughts and behavior. I want to know what they think about who I am, how I project myself, decisions I’ve made, and mistakes I can avoid in the future. We tend to be blind to the faults of those we love and I lean hard on Ni-doms to provide objectivity.
My favorite quality about Ni-doms is that because they’re adept at beating everyone to the punch they have the tendency to pre-emptively remove obstacles before they become problems. Whenever a trip, party, gathering, situation, or anything is running smoothly I always have a sneaking suspicion that it’s that way because the Ni-doms worked silently behind the scenes to clear the path for the rest of us.
Fe-doms in my life have a prominent and distinct “leave no man behind” vibe. One of my favorite qualities about them is that they don’t easily give up on people. You get the sense that they love you too much to let you quit even when you’re ready to give up on yourself. Where other people might quickly get annoyed and move on, Fe-doms have the patience to help those who are struggling to get back on their feet. There’s an underrated guardian complex with Fe-doms and they won’t let you down because what’s important to you is important to them.
The biggest problem I used to have with Fe was its tendency to emphasize tone and delivery over actual content in communication. Fe-doms felt oppressive because it seemed like being nice and keeping the peace were more important than telling the truth. What I’ve learned since then is that a clear, logical, and excellent message will not be accepted by another person if that other person feels attacked, patronized, or diminished in any way. When I’m in a rush to accomplish a goal I can often overlook the importance of keeping the team happy, healthy, and intact because I’m so focused on getting to the finish line. Over the years Fe-doms have emphasized (and/or nagged) to drive the point home that an army that’s unhappy, unhealthy, and demoralized becomes ineffective. Beating people down and burning them out jeopardizes the future especially if these same people are needed again. Fe-doms embody the quote: “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This was not only important in refining my skills as a leader and mentor but it’s made me a better person.
My favorite quality about Fi-doms is that they’re able to appreciate people and things that don’t fit neatly into the mainstream; the weird, the strange, and the unique. They can find value where other people might be inclined to overlook, dismiss, or discard. I admire that Fi-doms are extremely protective of the underdog, the weak, the defenseless, and the outcast. They’re not always reactive when unkind words or actions are targeted at them, but when it’s directed towards people who can’t defend themselves I’ve seen them transform into hardened gladiators. As someone who has peer counseled troubled kids, I’ve repeatedly seen firsthand the calming effect an Fi-dom has on someone who’s felt out of place his or her entire life. There’s something very natural and organic about how Fi-doms interact with people who don’t quite fit in; it never feels forced, fake, or pushy. It feels welcoming and safe. There’s a “come as you are” vibe to them.
Fi-doms aren’t distracted or impressed by objective measures of success like money, cars, clothes, or social status. Whether or not I make $20,000 a year working at Target or $200,000 a year working in consulting I’m treated exactly the same. They don’t care if I’m driving my old Toyota with the missing hubcap and busted bumper from 10 years ago or my metallic white Mercedes coupe today. Whether I’m the coolest kid on the playground or the weirdest loner in the classroom I can expect to receive the same amount of love and attention from them as long as my behavior is aligned with their personal value system. Fi-doms aren’t easily swayed by public opinions, in fact, they’re almost completely immune to them so I know they’ll give me the benefit of the doubt in the event of toxic gossip or malicious rumors. They embody that, “I don’t give a fuck what other people think or say about you. This is how I feel about you. You’re good with me” philosophy. This makes them tremendously loyal friends.
