Workplace Personality Types: How to Manage Them

06 September 2021

You might discover that you prefer most of the benefits of working at home. Your schedule is more flexible, and you may have fewer disruptions during the workday. Many of us have gained a fresh perspective on how we execute our jobs due to the transition to remote employment. Without the setting of a shared workstation or the cadence of a conventional office day, our personalities have significantly more influence over our performance. As a result, getting to know our qualities—as well as the personalities of our scattered colleagues—is the most excellent strategy to maximize our performance in a WFH setting. The tried-and-true Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is an effective (and fascinating) technique to coordinate this type of conflict (MBTI). The MBTI is frequently used in the corporate world and is usually recognized as one of the most precise personality tests available.

Myers-Briggs Personality Types

Myers-Briggs Personality Types

The MBTI is a self-reported personality assessment that has been available since the 1940s in various forms. Respondents will be asked a series of simple questions about their emotions and interests, and they are eventually assigned to one of 16 personality types. Each of these categories is denoted by four letters:

E or I (for extrovert/introvert)
S or N (sensibility/intuition)
T or F (thinking/feeling),
J or P (judgment/perception)

Each type of personality also has a descriptor that describes the personality type in action.

Once you know your team members' type, the theory goes that you can appropriately allocate them to tasks that fit their interests, competence, and tendencies. You will also effectively communicate if you have a deeper understanding of how others perceive information.

Explorer Types

Explorer Types

They enjoy learning, experimenting, and discovering new things. Explorer types go with the flow and are inherently adaptable, even in the face of adversity. They are excellent in a crisis because of their unpredictability and flexibility. The rigidity of quarantine may be challenging for Explorer personality types, who are inclined to be unmotivated right now.

ISTP (The Virtuoso)

These are straightforward, to-the-point personalities devoted to their peers yet unconcerned about rules and policies. Because they are generally rational and sensible but may also be exuberant and spontaneous, ISTPs are the most unexpected of the 16 personality types. A random list will make their day of stuff that needs to be remedied or dealt with. Virtuosos have an uncanny ability to tackle urgent, hands-on tasks with astonishing zeal, as long as they are clearly defined.

ISFP (The Adventurer)

Adventurers are warm, personable, pleasant, and reluctant to conflict. They are sensitive doers who flourish when producing for others. They also recognize the importance of trying something different and having fresh experiences. Use the impromptu nature of these personality types to your advantage by assigning them to an essential mission, such as joining a sales presentation or attending a conference to learn more about a major competition.

ESTP (The Entrepreneur)

Risk-takers who relish tackling challenges quickly are enthusiastic about their hobbies, but they can become frustrated with longer-term undertakings because they have short attention spans. Entrepreneurs can be a valuable asset to any organization, but they could also be challenging to manage since they are not especially rule-following. Get them enthused about what your business is doing that is cutting-edge, whether this is a new product or office technology that will make their tasks easier.

ESFP (The Entertainer)

This personality type is the heart and spirit of the workplace, and they prefer to show up and show off. They are enthusiastic, energetic, and natural presenters who frequently work in creative or artistic fields. While they enjoy being in the limelight, they are also compassionate, kind, and giving. Make use of their sense of humor. 

Analyst Types

Analyst Types

The Analyst personality types approach problems logically and maintain their composure in stressful times. They may have acclimated to the adjustments brought about by COVID-19 more quickly than other personality types. Yet, because they are problem-solvers, they may be dissatisfied by the scarcity of remedies to the current dilemma. Their skills are well-suited for separating fact from fiction and determining how to enhance any scenario. This can help the entire team, as long as the Analysts understand the importance of cooperating and adapting with the other personality types.

INTP (The Logician)

Renegade problem-solvers who appreciate structures are quick to spot anomalies and value skill and logic. They survive being alone and will want confinement more than in any other sort. Logicians prefer to be offered an intellectually demanding task and then left alone. Give these personality types advice rather than rules.

INTJ (The Architect)

Perfectionist innovators are at ease working alone and excel in remote work situations. People with this personality type are excellent problem solvers who specialize in transforming an idea into an action plan. They pose a twofold threat since they are adept at both intuitive and practical reasoning. Give them a well-defined problem to deal with, a timeframe, and the resources they need to find the solution. Then let them be for a while to work.

ENT (The Commander)

Logical thinkers who enjoy tearing down barriers and finding answers. They place a high priority on knowledge and have limited tolerance for incompetence. They are mainly concerned with structure, goal-setting, and organization. They are often charming and self-assured, and they can inspire others around a common purpose. They will pay attention to others who display equal competence. Give them your advice with conviction, but ensure you have the knowledge to back it up.

ENTP (The Debater)

Many CEOs fall into this category of brilliant intellectuals who enjoy controlling things. This type of personality is analytical, logical, and realistic, but it requires cognitive stimulation regularly. Managers and leaders frequently prefer to focus on big concepts rather than on monotonous duties and routines. Allow them some autonomy. Although Debaters enjoy being amongst others, they function best in a consultancy capacity or a flexible working setting.

Sentinel Types

Sentinel Types

Sentinels may be relied on and see complex tasks through to accomplishment since they are committed and persistent. Their practicality enables them to handle even the most severe challenges while remaining task-oriented and organized. They can help convey discipline and security to their teammates during this period since they are so reliable — as long as they remember to allow some flexibility.

ISTJ (The Logistician)

Obedient doers appreciate transparency, enjoy routines, and hold ideals such as honor, hard effort, and social duty. They are modest, discreet, and dependable. Following a session, state your position and future actions, and then ensure sure you follow through.

ISFJ (The Defender)

ISFJs, the most extroverted of the introverts, prioritize cooperation and coordination, have a great work ethic, and are sympathetic to the plight and feelings of teammates. However, there is steel behind their fervor: they are typically incredibly conscientious workers who are excellent managers, capable of maintaining distant teams connected and pleased. Defenders seldom ask for assistance, so ask them what you can do to help.

ESFJ (The Consul)

Fostering caregivers who focus on helping the greater good, this group is gregarious, courteous, and caring - and will usually prioritize the needs of others. They'll be the people messaging coworkers personally to zero in on their well-being while also attempting to coordinate mock tests and virtual movie nights. Make more effort to recognize their initiatives and accomplishments and clearly explain their job and responsibilities.

ESTJ (The Executive)

This kind consists of conventional, orderly, competent, systematic, and loyal decision-makers. If your company were a sports team, they would be the seasoned captain. Demonstrate that you abide by the rules and are devoted to being honest and straightforward.

Diplomat Types

Diplomat Types

These personality types may be fearful or disheartened due to their innate sympathy. They are most likely feeling a high level of concern about others at the moment. They have a holistic approach that qualifies them to promote happiness and help the emotional well-being of everyone else amid this crisis. They'll be fantastic at showing their workers that they care — as long as they remember to take breaks to avoid burnout.

ENFJ (The Protagonist)

Another category of natural leaders, however unlike their ENTP counterparts, this group is motivated by instincts and emotions rather than reasoning and logic. If they are managers, they are the inspirational type: highly motivated but also sensitive to people's needs. Allow these personalities to work in groups to freely voice their comments or suggestions, communicate with their teammates, and encourage others.

ENFP (The Campaigner)

Insightful people-pleasers who enjoy experimenting and exploring, campaigners have a strong, instinctive inclination and prefer to be with others, relying on feelings rather than rationality. Significantly, they are influenced more by emotional desires than by monetary rewards. Campaigners are pleased when they are trying out new things and collaborating with others.

INFP (The Mediator)

INFPs are laid-back idea-people with a very well moral code who can quickly become lost in their ideas and fantasies. While they contribute enthusiasm and passion to undertakings, they frequently struggle to maintain their interest for long durations. Encourage them to trust in your purpose and provide them with the quiet environment they require to explore their innovative ideas.

INFJ (The Advocate)

Honorable creative types who are discreetly aggressive while also perceptive about individuals and sensitive about the sentiments of their teammates, they are usually deep thinkers with a lot of ideas. Be precise about what you want to achieve in the long run. Respect their privacy and stay out of their boundaries

Workplaces that address the needs of everyone are a vital part of successful leadership. You may want to consider a more flexible office arrangement that accommodates everyone's talents and accommodates their distinct personality types. The MBTI is straightforward, but it's also an effective tool for determining how coworkers are essentially different and how you might work together more effectively. It is a method of enhancing workplace efficiency, improving their involvement, and generally making employees pleased at work.