Before anyone starts with the "I'm not asking ENTPs" snark, please note that I swing between J & P, last test I took, I got 65% J. So consider me a part-time ENTJ.
Anyway, it's usually pretty obvious from the get-go.
It's the body language, dress, speech, verbosity or lack thereof, and curiously, casual behavior. For instance, the CEO may feel free to listen to Rihanna in his office (loudly, with the door open, the same song over and over and over and again...) But a lowly Research Analyst wouldn't
dare do that. Because she
hates Rihanna.
Higher-ups tend to joke around more, and speak more crassly. An AVP might not use the word "shit", but the EVP might - sparingly yet deliberately.
Schedules are another give-away. It's usually the middle management who work the long hours and weekends. The entry levels work the perfectly standard 9-5 hours, whereas the executives will come as they please, though sometimes on weekends, or whenever they see the need. They also tend to travel more and visit external clients.
I've read in some instances that Te dominants are able to quickly grasp the "pecking order" in new settings and find their place in it.. and after that, they really only look up. Is this true? I figured I'd share it with you ENTJs first. Are you aware of your "place" in groups, whether you care or not or are deluded into thinking you're always on top?
A lot of people do, but not all. Some are not willing to play games to rise up, or just don't have the "right stuff" or care more about people and relationships than rank and power.
As far as value and respect go, (and don't lie to me) who do you respect more in the "order"?
I respect those who can help me achieve my goals - they tend to be the top dogs, as well as a good circle of equals who exert a pleasant-neutral or positive influence on success, and as well as my subordinates who do their jobs to make things easier for you. I've been fortunate with this, but I think it's because I treat everybody with human respect and dignity - even the guy on the street who shines my shoes. I'm not afraid to admit that I do respect those up on top - or more to the point, rank and power. It's what I want, it's what's best for me, and if I was concerned about people and relationships, rank/power would only make it easier for me to assist them. With power and support, one has much more leverage. If I was a CEO of a known company, it'd be that much easier to raise money for scientific causes than as a working-class Joe Blow on his own, living from paycheck to paycheck.
As for "not playing games", I don't think it's a choice. We're all in the running. You can either just give up in the race and let others win your prize, or participate to enjoy the chase and the victory. Play fairly, but feel free to jump through any loopholes available.
Now I just sound hokey. I think I ate too much licorice. :crazy: