ENTJs and the Perception of Authority: A Personal Insight

As an ENTJ female, I have a unique perspective on leadership and authority. I do not shy away from sharing my observations, especially when it comes to the concept of being directed by those I perceive as less knowledgeable or less experienced than myself. This essay delves into my personal experiences and thoughts, exploring the reasons behind my aversion to being told what to do and how it affects my interactions with others.

Disliking Directives: A Time Management Issue

ENTJs are often described as individuals who prioritize efficiency and effective use of time. My own experience aligns with this trait. I am not fond of being given instructions or directions by people, especially when I believe they are not as qualified or knowledgeable as I am. One of the primary reasons for this is the perceived waste of time. To me, being provided with instructions is an unnecessary step, given that I can typically visualize and plan out the task several times in my mind.

Before accepting any input or guidance, I usually run through the task in my head, carefully examining every detail. This mental rehearsal allows me to identify any potential oversights or missing components. In my view, taking someone else's advice at face value can be a waste of time, as it often does not account for the depth of my own understanding or the nuances of the task at hand. For example, I often ask for colleagues' opinions to double-check if I have covered all necessary bases, but more often than not, my thought processes are already well-formed.

Evaluating Ideas Based on Content, Not Title

Another important aspect of my approach to authority and guidance is the principle of evaluating ideas based on their content rather than the status or title of the person presenting them. In my professional and personal life, I have encountered numerous instances where the quality and relevance of an idea far outweighed the significance of the person’s position or title. A perfect example of this occurred during a conversation in the office with a cleaner. She put forward an innovative idea that I immediately recognized as valuable. Her enthusiasm and clarity in explaining the idea made me appreciate her more than I did towards some of my own supervisors at that time, despite their more formal roles.

I firmly believe that a good idea is a good idea, irrespective of who suggests it. Whether it comes from the person with the highest rank or the lowest, the merit of the idea lies in its practicality, applicability, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the task at hand. This perspective has helped me to foster a more open-minded mindset, wherein credit and recognition are given where they are due, regardless of the origin of the idea.

The Impact of Condescending Communication

The way people communicate can significantly influence how ENTJs perceive them. My observation is that being spoken to in a condescending manner can be particularly distressing and counterproductive. When someone is explaining something to me, I often find myself able to predict the full extent of their message before they finish expressing it. This tendency to anticipate ideas and explanations can sometimes lead me to interject or complete their thoughts, believing that further elaboration is unnecessary.

However, when people continue to explain their points even after I have demonstrated that I have grasped their core message, it can be frustrating. This repetition feels redundant and undermines the value of their words. In such moments, I might feel a surge of contempt, reinforced by the thought that they are unnecessarily belaboring an obvious point. The persistence of such conversations can make me feel undervalued and could exacerbate any pre-existing feelings of frustration.

It is important to recognize that these feelings are transient and that, after the communication has concluded, the negative emotions typically subside. Nevertheless, the momentary frustration and sense of being dismissed can be intense, especially when I have already demonstrated my understanding.

Evaluation and Appreciation of Good Ideas

In summary, ENTJs, myself included, tend to view being directed by those perceived as inferior to us with skepticism and, in some cases, contempt. This is not to say that we completely disregard all forms of instruction or guidance. However, we place a high value on the content of the advice or idea before accepting it. The quality and practicality of the advice often supersede the authority or status of the provider. An idea's value is judged by its ability to solve a problem or contribute meaningfully to a project, not by who is presenting it.

Overall, my approach to ideas and advice is rooted in the conviction that a good idea can come from anywhere, and it is the content of the idea, rather than the source, that matters most. This mindset fosters an environment where individuals are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas, knowing that the focus will be on the merit of the proposal, rather than the perceived hierarchy or status of the person presenting it.