Feb 9

Leadership Styles: What is Your Personality Type?

Updated: Aug 13

This article includes an overview of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the 16 personality types according to Myers & Briggs, how your personality type applies to being a leader, a vocabulary list for advanced English vocabulary found in the article, and a vocabulary worksheet.

NOTE: Click any underlined word to see the vocabulary list and definitions at the bottom of the page.

For Example: overview

The Myers and Briggs Personality Types

What are the Myers & Briggs Personality Types and how do they work?

The Myers and Briggs personality types, also known as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), is a widely used personality assessment tool that was developed by mother-daughter duo Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers. It is based on the work of renowned psychologist Carl Jung and his theory of psychological types. The MBTI aims to categorize individuals into specific personality types, providing insights into their preferences and tendencies in various aspects of life.

The assessment consists of a series of questions that measure four dichotomies:

Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)

Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)

Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)

Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)

By assessing an individual's preferences for each of these dichotomies, the MBTI assigns them a four-letter code representing their personality type. For example, an individual may be classified as an "ISTJ" (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) or an "ENFP" (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving).

These types are further grouped into sixteen different combinations, each with its own unique characteristics. The MBTI suggests that individuals have inherent preferences in how they perceive the world, make decisions, and interact with others.

It is important to note that the MBTI is not a measure of intelligence or ability, but rather a tool for self-awareness and understanding. It can be used in various settings, such as personal development, career counselling, team-building, and relationships.

While some critics argue that the MBTI lacks scientific rigor and may oversimplify human personality, many individuals find it valuable in gaining insights into their own strengths, weaknesses, and potential career paths. It helps people understand themselves and others, fostering better communication and interpersonal relationships.

Ultimately, the Myers and Briggs personality types offer a framework for exploring and appreciating the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and engage with the world around them.

Learn more about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) here:

https://www.myersbriggs.org/

The 16 Personality Types According to Myers & Briggs

The resulting 16 personality types offer valuable insights into the different preferences, strengths, and potential areas for growth of each individual.

Each personality type has its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these can be incredibly useful for personal growth, career development, and building effective relationships.

ISTJ - "The Inspector"

ISTJ, also known as the Inspector, is characterized by their quiet and serious nature. They value success and achieve it by being thorough and dependable. ISTJs are practical and realistic individuals who have a strong sense of responsibility. They decide logically what needs to be done and work towards it steadily, even in the face of distractions. Making everything orderly and organized brings them pleasure, be it their work, home, or life in general. ISTJs also hold traditions and loyalty in high regard.

ISFJ - "The Protector"

ISFJ, or the Protector, is known for being quiet, friendly, and responsible. They are conscientious and committed to meeting their obligations. ISFJs are thorough, painstaking, and accurate in their work. They are loyal and considerate towards others, often noticing and remembering specific details about those who are important to them. They are genuinely concerned with how others feel and strive to create an orderly and harmonious environment both at work and at home.

INFJ – "The Counselor"

INFJ, also referred to as the Counselor, seeks meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. They have a deep desire to understand what motivates people and possess great insights about others. INFJs are conscientious and committed to their firm values. They develop a clear vision of how they can best serve the common good and are organized and decisive in implementing their vision.

INTJ – "The Mastermind"

INTJ, known as the Mastermind, is characterized by their original minds and strong drive to implement their ideas and achieve their goals. They possess the ability to quickly see patterns in external events and develop long-range explanatory perspectives. When committed, INTJs organize their tasks efficiently and carry them through. They are skeptical and independent, holding themselves and others to high standards of competence and performance.

ISTP – "The Craftsman"

ISTP, also known as the Craftsman, is tolerant and flexible. They observe quietly until a problem arises and then act quickly to find workable solutions. ISTPs analyze what makes things work and readily sift through large amounts of data to isolate the core of practical problems. They are interested in cause and effect, organizing facts using logical principles, and greatly value efficiency.

ISFP – "The Composer"

ISFP, or the Composer, is characterized by their quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind nature. They enjoy living in the present moment and paying attention to what's going on around them. ISFPs prefer to have their own space and work within their own time frame. They are loyal and committed to their values and the people who hold importance in their lives. They dislike conflicts and disagreements and do not force their opinions or values onto others.

INFP – "The Healer"

INFP, also known as the Healer, is idealistic and loyal to their values and the people who are important to them. They strive to live a life that aligns with their values. INFPs are curious and quick to see possibilities, often acting as catalysts for implementing ideas. They seek to understand people and help them fulfill their potential. They are adaptable, flexible, and accepting unless their values are threatened.

INTP – "The Architect"

INTP, the Architect, seeks to develop logical explanations for everything that interests them. They have a theoretical and abstract mindset, being more interested in ideas than social interaction. INTPs are quiet, contained, flexible, and adaptable. They have an unusual ability to focus in-depth to solve problems in their area of interest. They are skeptical, sometimes critical, but always analytical.

ESTP – "The Dynamo"

ESTP, known as the Dynamo, is flexible and tolerant. They take a pragmatic approach, focusing on immediate results. ESTPs are often bored by theories and conceptual explanations and prefer energetic action to solve problems. They are focused on the present moment, spontaneous, and enjoy being active with others. ESTPs appreciate material comforts and style and learn best through hands-on experience.

ESFP – "The Performer"

ESFP, or the Performer, is outgoing, friendly, and accepting. They are exuberant lovers of life, people, and material comforts. ESFPs enjoy working with others to make things happen. They bring common sense and a realistic approach to their work and make it fun. They are flexible and spontaneous, adapting readily to new people and environments. ESFPs learn best by trying new skills with others.

ENFP – "The Champion"

ENFP, known as the Champion, is warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. They see life as full of possibilities and quickly make connections between events and information. ENFPs confidently proceed based on the patterns they see. They seek affirmation from others and readily give appreciation and support. They are spontaneous, flexible, and often rely on their ability to improvise and their verbal fluency.

ENTP – "The Visionary"

ENTP, or the Visionary, is quick, ingenious, stimulating, alert, and outspoken. They are resourceful when it comes to solving new and challenging problems. ENTPs excel at generating conceptual possibilities and analyzing them strategically. They have a good understanding of people and are often bored by routine, seldom doing the same thing the same way. They frequently turn to new interests.

ESTJ – "The Supervisor"

ESTJ, known as the Supervisor, is practical, realistic, and matter-of-fact. They are decisive and quickly move to implement decisions. ESTJs are excellent at organizing projects and people to get things done efficiently. They focus on results and take care of routine details. They have a clear set of logical standards that they systematically follow and expect others to do the same. They are forceful in implementing their plans.

ESFJ – "The Provider"

ESFJ, or the Provider, is warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. They strive for harmony in their environment and work determinedly to establish it. ESFJs like working with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. They are loyal and follow through even in small matters. ESFJs have a keen eye for noticing what others need in their day-to-day lives and make an effort to provide it. They seek appreciation for who they are and what they contribute.

ENFJ – "The Teacher"

ENFJ, also known as "The Teacher," is characterized by warmth, empathy, responsiveness, and responsibility. These individuals possess a unique ability to understand and connect with the emotions, needs, and motivations of others. They have a natural inclination to recognize the potential in everyone and are driven to help others fulfill that potential. ENFJs often serve as catalysts for individual and group growth, inspiring those around them to strive for excellence. Loyalty is a defining trait of ENFJs, and they are highly responsive to both praise and criticism. They excel in social situations, effortlessly facilitating others in a group setting and providing inspiring leadership.

ENTJ – "The Commander"

ENTJ, known as "The Commander," is characterized by being frank and decisive, readily assuming leadership roles. They have a keen eye for identifying illogical and inefficient procedures and policies, and they excel at developing and implementing comprehensive systems to solve organizational problems. ENTJs derive satisfaction from long-term planning and goal setting, as well as acquiring knowledge and sharing it with others. They are well-informed and well-read individuals who enjoy expanding their understanding of various subjects. When presenting their ideas, ENTJs are forceful and persuasive, ensuring their message is heard.

Want to know your personality type?

Take a free personality test here:

https://www.truity.com/test/type-finder-personality-test-new

So, how does your personality type(s) apply to you as a leader?

When it comes to leadership, understanding these personality types can be instrumental in identifying and developing effective leaders. Each personality type possesses unique strengths and preferences that can shape their leadership style.

For instance, individuals with extroverted personalities, such as the ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging), often excel in leadership roles due to their natural ability to communicate and motivate others.

On the other hand, introverted types, like the ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), may bring a more thoughtful and meticulous approach to leadership, focusing on detail-oriented planning and organization.

Additionally, the intuitive types, such as the ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving), may be known for their innovative ideas and ability to inspire others with their vision.

Meanwhile, the sensing types, like the ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging), may prioritize practicality and reliability, making them dependable leaders in executing plans.

The thinking types, such as the ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), often emphasize logic and rationality, while the feeling types, like the INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging), tend to prioritize empathy and values in their leadership approach.

Finally, the judging types, such as the ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging), may demonstrate a preference for structure and decisiveness, while the perceiving types, like the ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving), may embrace adaptability and openness to new ideas.

Overall, understanding the Myers & Briggs 16 personality types can help identify individuals' leadership strengths and provide guidance for developing effective leadership strategies that align with their unique personalities.

For more clarification of the Myers & Briggs 16 personality types, watch this video!

Vocabulary & Definitions

Overview	noun a general review or summary of a subject. verb give a general review or summary of.
Duo	noun a pair of people or things, especially in music or entertainment.
Psychologist	noun an expert or specialist in psychology.
Dichotomies	plural noun a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Extraversion	noun a disposition that is energized through social engagement and languishes or chafes in solitude, resulting in a personality that is gregarious, outgoing, and sociable.
Introversion	noun the act of introverting or the state of being introverted; a turning inward
Interact	verb to communicate, work, or participate in an activity with someone or something:
Oversimplify	verb to simplify to the point of error, distortion, or misrepresentation.
Interpersonal	adjective of or pertaining to the relations between persons
Painstaking	adjective taking or characterized by taking pains or trouble; expending or showing diligent care and effort; careful
Counselor	noun a person who counsels; adviser. 2. a faculty member who advises students on personal and academic problems, career choices, and the like.
Mastermind	noun a person who originates or is primarily responsible for the execution of a particular idea, project, or the like
Craftsman	noun,plural crafts·men. a person who practices or is highly skilled in a craft; artisan. an artist.
Workable	adjective practicable or feasible capable of or suitable for being worked.
Sift	verb (used without object) to sift through (separate and analyze) 2. to pass or fall through or as if through a sieve.
Focused	noun,plural fo·cus·es a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity 2. close attention or concentration:
Healer	noun a person or thing that heals wounds, cures illness, restores health, or otherwise makes well and whole.
Idealistic	adjective characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection.
Aligns	verb to arrange in a straight line; adjust according to a line. to bring into a line or alignment.
Catalysts	noun Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.
Mindset	noun a fixed attitude, disposition, or mood an intention or inclination
Interaction	noun reciprocal action, effect, or influence. Physics. the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another. the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.
Dynamo	noun,plural dy·na·mos. an electric generator, especially for direct current. an energetic, hardworking, forceful person.
Pragmatic	adjective Also prag·mat·i·cal of or relating to a practical point of view or practical considerations.
Conceptual	adjective pertaining to concepts or to the forming of concepts.
Outgoing	adjective going out; departing Having a sociable persona
Improvise	verb to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; extemporize to compose, play, recite, or sing (verse, music, etc.) on the spur of the moment.
Fluency	noun the quality of being fluent, esp facility in speech or writing
Outspoken	adjective uttered or expressed with frankness or without reserve free or unreserved in speech. verb past participle of outspeak.
Supervisor	noun a person who supervises workers or the work done by others; superintendent. Education. an official responsible for assisting teachers in the preparation of syllabuses, in devising teaching methods, etc., in a department of instruction, especially in public schools.
Warmhearted	adjective sympathetic and kind.
Determinedly	adverb in a manner displaying resolve and determination.
Empathy	noun the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Effortlessly	adverb in a manner requiring no physical or mental exertion.
Illogical	adjective lacking sense or clear, sound reasoning.
Inefficient	adjective not achieving maximum productivity; wasting or failing to make the best use of time or resources.
Organizational	adjective relating to an organization or the way it is set up. relating to the action of organizing something.
Meticulous	adjective showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Additionally	adverb as an extra factor or circumstance.
Overall	adjective taking everything into account.

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All of the information has been provided by the website https://www.myersbriggs.org. The information has been paraphrased and properly cited to ensure that the original source is acknowledged and respected.

Reference:

The 16 MBTI® Personality Types. (2023, July 20). 2003-2024, Myers & Briggs Foundation. https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/the-16-mbti-personality-types/