8 Challenges to Watch Out for When ENTJ Personalities Go Remote

Remote or hybrid working is often touted as beneficial for employees who seek flexibility and a better work-life balance. However, what works for one personality may not work for another. For ENTJ personalities, known for their decisive and leadership-oriented nature, moving to a remote work environment can present unique challenges that can hinder their productivity and overall job satisfaction.

We're not saying that ENTJs can't thrive in remote work, but rather that they should be aware of the potential pitfalls and take proactive measures to overcome them. With that in mind, here are 8 things to watch out for when transitioning to remote work, plus some tips on how to navigate them successfully.

#1: Pushing through decisions even faster than usual

ENTJ personalities are known for being fast decision-makers who thrive in high-pressure and dynamic work environments. In a remote setting where the pace may be slower, ENTJs may feel frustrated or restless, leading them to push for faster decision-making even when it's not necessary. This can create unnecessary stress and tension within teams, as well as potentially lead to rushed and unwise decisions.

Overcome this challenge by: Slowing down and making a conscious effort to involve  teammates in the decision-making process. This not only allows for more well-rounded decisions but also fosters teamwork and collaboration.

#2: Struggling with a lack of immediate feedback

ENTJ personalities rely heavily on immediate feedback to gauge their performance and make quick adjustments. In a remote environment, the delay in receiving feedback can cause frustration and uncertainty, potentially impacting their motivation and efficiency.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Setting up consistent, scheduled meetings with your team or manager to ensure timely feedback and updates.
• Using communication platforms and project management tools to track progress and receive real-time input.
• Encouraging a feedback culture where team members feel comfortable providing and requesting feedback frequently.

#3: Lapsing into intuition over analysis

While they may not always appreciate it, ENTJs benefit from the checks and balances provided by close proximity to coworkers. When that's missing, due to the distance of working remotely, it means there's no one to slow you down and make sure you are considering all the evidence before making a decision. This can lead to an over reliance on intuition and potentially overlooking important details.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Actively seeking out differing perspectives and soliciting feedback from team members, even if they are not physically present.
• Setting aside time for self-reflection and considering alternative viewpoints before making important decisions.

#4: Difficulty disconnecting from work

ENTJs are known for their ambitious and driven nature, which can make it challenging for them to switch off from work even when they're not in the office. With remote work blurring the boundaries between personal and professional life, ENTJs may struggle with disconnecting and taking much-needed breaks.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Setting clear boundaries and limiting work hours to prevent burnout.
• Creating a designated workspace and only using it for work, leaving the rest of your home as a personal space.
• Making time for hobbies and activities outside of work to recharge and reset.

#5: Struggling with reduced social interaction

ENTJs enjoy intellectual stimulation and thrive on collaborating with others. In a remote setting where face-to-face interactions are limited, ENTJs may feel isolated and miss the social aspect of office life.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Scheduling virtual coffee breaks or team building activities to maintain a sense of connection with colleagues.
• Joining online communities or forums related to their industry to network and engage in discussions with like-minded individuals.
• Making an effort to reach out and connect with team members regularly, even if it's just for a casual chat.

#6: Working harder but not smarter

ENTJs are normally the first people to spot inefficiencies in a workplace and make improvements. However, in a remote setting, efficiency can be harder to gauge. ENTJs may find themselves working longer hours without necessarily seeing the same level of productivity, then getting frustrated because they can't pinpoint why.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Setting clear goals and benchmarks for productivity, and regularly reassessing them to identify potential areas for improvement.
• Collaborating with team members to streamline processes and find more efficient methods of completing tasks.
• Utilizing time-management techniques such as the Pomodoro method or task batching to increase focus and productivity.

#7: Picking up on social cues

ENTJs are generally perceptive individuals and can easily read the room in face-to-face interactions. However, this may not translate as well in virtual meetings where body language and nonverbal cues may be harder to pick up on.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Asking for clarification or feedback if you're unsure about how a colleague is reacting to something in a virtual setting.
• Making an effort to be more attentive and actively listen during virtual meetings to pick up on subtleties in communication.
• Being mindful of your own body language and tone when communicating virtually to ensure clear and effective communication.

#8: Being too directive online

ENTJs are natural leaders who excel in delegating tasks and guiding others. However, in a remote setting where there's more flexibility to do things on your own terms, ENTJs may fall into a habit of being too bossy or micromanaging – "my way or the highway" mentality.

Overcome this challenge by:

• Giving team members autonomy and trusting them to complete tasks in their own way.
• Refraining from constantly checking in on team members' progress and instead offering support when needed.
• Checking emails or other written communications before you send them.

Final words

As their name says, Commanders function best in positions of power where they can do things on their own terms. Leading projects and teams is natural to them, so they may struggle when distance and lack of control come into play. At the same time, ENTJs are good communicators and highly driven. If they want to make remote work successful for their team and themselves, they will. It just may take a little more effort and adaptation than they're used to. 

To get a great understanding of your own working style, take Truity's Career Aptitude Test. Even if you're not in the market for a new job right now, it can provide valuable information about the environments in which you thrive and potential challenges you might encounter. If nothing else, ENTJs are driven to turn problems into opportunities –  and that's a skillset that will serve you well in any work arrangement.