Personality, Communication, and Leadership

Personality types can be classified differently depending on which test is taken, but for the purposes of this blog I will only consider the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

The test classifies personality traits into 3 categories

Attitudes

• Extraversion (E)
• Introversion (I)

Function

• iNtuition (N)
• Sensing (S)
• Feeling (F)
• Judging (J)

Lifestyle

• Judging
• Perceiving

How does knowing your personality type connect to communication and leadership?

Knowing your OWN personality type can help you understand why you react to people the way you do. But what's more valuable is understanding OTHER personality types.

To effectively communicate with different personality types the key traits we must acknowledge are

• Sensing vs iNtuition
• Thinking vs Feeling
• Judging vs Perceiving

Sensing vs Intuition

People with a tendency towards Sensing appreciate details whereas those with a tendency towards iNtuition prefer generalizations.

Student: How long many pages are expected for the report?

Sensing Teacher: Exactly 9 pages

iNtuition Teacher: As many pages as necessary, but no longer.

Thinking vs Feeling

People with a tendency towards Thinking appreciate direct straightforward communication whereas those with a tendency towards Feeling prefer to be eased into communication.

A company is downsizing and has to let go of some employees. Below are how a T and F would break the news:

T: Due to budget cuts we will be laying off some employees. If you need assistance finding a new job you can call the HR line. Do you have any questions?

F: I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but XYZ is downsizing and we have to let some people go. It has nothing to do with your performance. I understand that this may be a difficult time for you, so I want to help you in any way. Again, I apologize for this and will be happy to help you find employment elsewhere.

Judging vs Perceiving

People with a tendency towards Judging appreciate concrete timelines whereas those with a tendency towards Perceiving prefer to go with the flow.

Below are some examples of how you might assign deadlines to a J and P:

Assigning deadline to a J: Please have the assignment completed by March 11th, 11:59 PM.

Assigning deadline to a P: When do you think you have the assignment completed?

By asking a P to create their own deadline you can increase accountability and leave less room for excuses.

By understanding different personality types and how they take in information you can reduce misunderstandings and increase accountability.

Learn more about the MBTI!