The best and most successful teams are made up of a mix of people with very different traits and skills that are all important in reaching the end goal and the key to success as a leader is bringing these people together.
So, what are the main personality types? There are many tests on the market that can give you numerous titles and names but most are based on the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. Although they may go by different names, depending on whom you talk to, the characteristics of each personality type correspond to a basic set of personality traits.
So what are they?
Dominant
The dominant personality type is the hard-working and objective-focused person who is sometimes referred to as the “type A” personality. This is businessperson who knows how to achieve their goals and doesn’t mind being straightforward and to-the-point in how they handle employees and business relationships. Often business leaders, they generally work with a high level of energy and are objective-driven, always trying to accomplish the next important business task.
The is a downside though, dominant of type A personalities may over look the finer details in the quest to get things done.
Expressive
Expressive people are the ones who make natural salespeople and have the ability to use their extroversion to their advantage. The expressive businessperson is the one who generally tends to be optimistic and competitive in her approach to business. These people are also high-energy types who are always on the go and are always willing and ready to accept the next challenge. These extroverts make great marketing professionals and even business trainers because of their outwardly obvious personality. They know how to establish business relationships and maintain them through their enthusiastic approach to their business endeavours.
Introverts
The introvert is the exact opposite of the expressive personality type in business. This person is the analytical type who thinks things through very carefully before acting. The introvert tends to not be driven by emotion but rather by facts and data that helps her make an informed business decision. They are the one who must know all of the necessary details before making such a decision through careful deliberation. Although sometimes portrayed as the pessimist, the introvert simply prefers to be the voice of reason or the devil’s advocate among her co-workers and employer. She prefers to act in a rational manner and not make a business mistake.
Introverts are often thought to be bad manager material due to the above traits however in one-to-one situations they can fly. Their knowledge of details and analytical nature means they can also be great sellers, just in a different environment. An introvert’s love of detail is also great when thinking about the long-term plan.
Relational
The relational personality type is someone who is similar to the expressive type in that he is outwardly expressive — but only to a certain extent. These businesspeople are the ones who work best in group situations and are driven by their relations to other employees. Even though driven by outward relations, this personality type does sometimes have an introverted side to his personality as well. He can be easygoing and will sometimes exhibit the “go with the flow” mentality that helps him avoid conflict in the business world. Because of this, the relational businessperson tends to be a better follower in business matters, rather than a leader.
So, the question is are you getting the best out of your teams? Could you be doing more as a leader to help the different personalities in the company?
