ENTP Development

To understand the ENTP’s development, we have to understand the hierarchy of mental functions for the ENTP. The hierarchy of mental functions for the ENTP is about which mental function (Sensing, Intuiting, Thinking or Feeling) the ENTP is most comfortable with using and which they are least comfortable in using.

Without going too much into Type dynamics, let’s look at the ENTP’s hierarchy of mental functions:

ENTPs are most comfortable with the Dominant Function Extraverted Intuition and least comfortable with the Inferior Function Introverted Sensing.

ENTP Development: Childhood to Puberty

DEVELOPMENT OF EXTRAVERTED INTUITION

As children, ENTPs will develop the Extraverted Intuition function. They will enjoy fairy tales and may ask their parents to read them stories about fantasy continually.

They may also find it hard to be attentive in the classroom, being more interested in the future and their imaginations than in the present.

If this function has not been supported for development, they may grow up to be overly stubborn or narrow-minded, not having sufficient insights to make wise conclusions.

ENTP Development: Puberty to Age 30

DEVELOPMENT OF INTROVERTED THINKING

During puberty, the ENTP will start developing the auxiliary function, Introverted Thinking. They will develop a strategic mind and enjoy games and activities that require them to stretch their thinking and imagination like chess or bridge.

They will enjoy subjects that combine their capacity for imagination and logical thought like Astronomy.

If they have not properly developed this function, they may grow up to be extremely overbearing and stubborn, not willing to listen to the viewpoints of others and to come to conclusions prematurely.

Areas of Development

Assuming an environment supportive of their development of the dominant and auxiliary functions, most ENTPs would have developed Extraverted Intuition and Introverted Thinking by 20 years old or so.

Their areas of improvement will most likely come from the underdeveloped sides of Extraverted Feeling and Introverted Sensing.

Here are some suggestions for improvement:

• Follow through on your projects
• Give encouragement and praise to others for good work
• Be attentive to detail
• Be more sensitive to the feelings of others
• Organise your time and your life better

ENTP Development: Age 30 to Midlife

DEVELOPMENT OF EXTRAVERTED FEELING

At the age of 30, the ENTP will feel the tension to continue growing and start developing the tertiary function, Extraverted Feeling.  The ENTP can further develop the Extraverted Feeling function through these simple exercises:

• Think about the people in your workplace that have aided you or have done good work for you, write a note of thanks and encouragement either by email or preferably by a handwritten note.
• When you get into a debate with someone, consider the other person’s point of view and what is important to him/her. Learn to adjust your stance to find a mutually beneficial outcome.
• Ask some of your co-workers out for lunch and get to know them personally. Put all work-related discussions aside and seek to know them as individuals.

ENTP Development: From Midlife

DEVELOPMENT OF INTROVERTED SENSING

At midlife onward, the ENTP’s focus turns toward the inferior function, Introverted Sensing.

The underdeveloped Introverted Sensing of the ENTP comes out childishly when they are under stress; they become extremely indulgent in material pleasure or put their focus on unimportant details.

But in midlife, there is an unconscious shift and desire to develop that inferior function in order to achieve wholeness and continual growth. It is an uncomfortable but necessary transition.

Here are some simple exercises to consciously develop the Introverted Sensing function:

• When you are given a task, do not jump into it immediately. Instead, break the task down into sequential steps and allocate a certain time to each task before proceeding to execute the task.
• Recall a significant event that happened before in your life, recount the details of this event: the sights, sound, smell, touch and taste.  Do not try to make connections or consider implications, but consider the event as it is.
• Close your eyes and observe your bodily functions: your breathing and the sensation that your body is feeling right now

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