Understanding Personality Types The 16 Personality Types That Affect Our Leadership Styles

A Brief History… Carl Jung – Swiss-born psychologist suggested that human behavior was not random but was in fact predictable and, therefore, classifiable. Jungian Theory – People are born with a predisposition for certain personality preferences. Wrote Psychological Types (1923)

How can we measure this? Needed a psychological instrument that would explain, in scientifically rigorous & reliable terms, differences according to Jung’s theory. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) : % Keirsey Temperament Sorter : 80-85%

What exactly do the tests measure? The MBTI measures your PREFERRED ways of thinking and behaving… pref·er·ence / n. 1. a. The selecting of someone or something over another or others. b. The right or chance to so choose. c. Someone or something so chosen. See Synonyms at choice.choice 2. The state of being preferred.

How does understanding your personality type and those of others help you to become a better leader? Understanding your preferences can help you to: -Be more successful -Deal with other people better -Contribute more to the team -Reduce stress -Resolve conflicts effectively -Get the most out of yourself & others

Understanding the Types Extraversion vs. Introversion Sensing vs. iNtuition Thinking vs. Feeling Judging vs. Perceiving

Basic Functions of Personality Information-Gathering vs. Decision-Making We gather information about our world and we make decisions based on the information.

The Information-Gathering Function Sensors vs. iNtuitives Nothing else takes place without first gathering some information Sensors (S) Sequential Present Realistic Perspiration Actual Down-to-earth Fact Practicality Specific iNtuitives (N) Random Future Conceptual Inspiration Theoretical Head-in-clouds Fantasy Ingenuity General The S-N Interaction:“What time is it?”

Sensor:“What time is it?” iNtuitive:“It’s late!” Sensor:“What time is it?” (somewhat surprised) iNtuitive:“It’s time to go!” (insistent) Sensor:“Hey, read my lips! I asked, (getting impatient) ‘What time is it?’” iNtuitive:“It’s past three.” (equally impatient) Sensor:“Close, but no cigar! I shouldn’t (exasperated) have to ask a simple question four times to get a close answer.” iNtuitive:“You shouldn’t be so picky.” (perturbed, because he believes he answered correctly the first time)

Thinkers vs. Feelers With information in hand we seek closure to make judgments Thinkers (T) Objective Firm-minded Laws Firmness Just Clarity Critique Policy Detached Feelers (F) Subjective Fair-hearted Circumstances Persuasion Humane Harmony Appreciative Social Values Involved The T or F Decision-Making Process:“Does she get the car?”

The T-F Decision-Making Process: “Does She Get the Car?” The car was promised earlier in the week to the teenage daughter to go to a Friday night party. But, a snowstorm has begun and the road conditions aren’t great. Mom’s a Thinker and Dad’s a Feeler. Even though they both agree to let her go, their arguments for deciding so are different: Thinking Mom: “We can each learn a lesson from this. Parenting involves learning how to take risks and growing up requires learning how to take responsibility. Parenting involves training yourself to let go and this will be good practice for letting go when she is no longer under this roof. According to my calculations, the risks here are outweighed by the benefits of the learning experience.” Feeling Dad: “How would I feel if the car was indiscriminately snatched out from under me without any regard for my personal feelings? She will feel embarrassed if she has to call her friends and ask for a ride when she was going to be one of the drivers. If I were she I would be crushed and understandably so. There is no way I could be so insensitive.”

Basic Functions of Personality Source of Energy vs. Life Style Do we prefer to gather information & make decisions in the outer or inner worlds and Do we information gather or decision make more naturally as we relate to the outer world?

Extraverts vs. Introverts Determines how and where we gather information or make decisions Extraverts (E) Sociability Interaction External Breadth Extensive Multiple Relationships Energy Expenditure External Events Gregarious Speak, then think Introverts (I) Territoriality Concentration Internal Depth Intensive Limited Relationships Energy Conservation Internal Reactions Reflective Think, then speak How E’s & I’s Cope:3:1 Ratio in U.S.

How E’s & I’s Cope: 3:1 Ratio in the U.S. In American society, Introverts are outnumbered about three to one. Thus, the Introvert is pressured daily to respond and conform to the outer world Classroom Participation puts I’s at a disadvantage. Raise your hand or wait? E’s can “invade the space of others

Judgers vs. Perceivers Do you information gather or decision make more naturally as you deal with the outer world? Judgers (J) Resolved Decided Fixed Control Closure Planned Structure Definite Scheduled Deadline Perceivers (P) Pending Wait and See Flexible Adapt Openness Open-ended Flow Tentative Spontaneous What Deadline? The Most Difficult Preference to Hide:“Did you go to the movies? How was it?”

The Most Difficult Preference to Hide: Did you go to the movies? How was it? “P” Statements: “Yes. I saw the new Will Ferrell movie.” “Yes. The new Will Ferrell movie is out and getting a lot of press.” “Yes. The new Will Ferrell movie just opened at the Galleria.” “J” Statements: “Yes. The new Will Ferrell movie was hilarious, but it was a little too long.” “Yes. I think Will Ferrell should win an Oscar for his new movie.” “Yes. Make sure you don’t miss Will Ferrell’s new movie.”

Type Development is a Lifelong Process The development of your four preferences and coming to terms with your non-preferences, continues throughout life. While your four-letter type probably remains the same your entire life, the strength of your four preferences may vary considerably. The more you understand your type and the types of others, the more effective you will be in dealing with others and the more influence you will have.