What Kind of a Leader are you?

One of the greatest things about people is their difference.

Different backgrounds and cultures as well as differences of opinion, working style, and outlook on life are what make humans vibrant and interesting.

On a business level, research has shown that generational diversity creates a more productive, dynamic and innovative workforce. In fact a recent McKinsey study demonstrated that companies who promote gender and ethnic diversity will likely perform better than competitors financially.

Although the benefits of cultural diversity are clear, the influence of personality diversity on organisational success isn’t something that has been explored in its entirety as of yet. 

Why personality diversity is important

Personality diversity offers a greater mix of strengths and weaknesses - and this is important for companies to thrive.

Different people are needed in an organisation to fulfil a myriad of roles. Think of employees as the different pieces of the puzzle, all of which are needed to drive a company forward. From analytical and intuitive minds to risk takers and explorers, each personality is as important as the next. 

Personality types

Did you know there are 16 personality types? Understanding these different personalities will not only make your team more efficient, but it will ultimately make you a more competent leader. 

These 16 personalities are split up into four categories:

Analysts are intuitive (N) and thinking (T) personality types known for their rationality, impartiality and intellectual excellence: 

• Architects (INTJ) 
• Logicians (INTP) 
• Commanders (ENTJ) 
• Debaters (ENTP)

Diplomats are intuitive (N) and feeling (F) personality types, known for their empathy, diplomatic skills, and passionate idealism:

• Advocates (INFJ)
• Mediators (INFP)
• Protagonists (ENFJ)
• Campaigner (ENFP)

Sentinels are observant (s) and judging (j) personality types, known for their practicality and focus on order, security, and stability:

• Logistician (ISTJ)
• Defender (ISFJ)
• Executive (ESTJ)
• Consul (ESFJ)

Explorers are observant (s) and prospecting (p) personality types known for their spontaneity, ingenuity, and flexibility. 

• Virtuoso (ISTP) 
• Adventurer (ISFP)
• Entrepreneur (ESTP)
• Entertainer (ESFP)

The cryptic-sounding letters associated with each personality offer a closer look into the basic makeup of each personality:

• Extraversion (E)
• Introversion (I)
• Sensing (S)
• Intuition (N)
• Thinking (T)
• Feeling (F)
• Judging (J)
• Perceiving (P)

By delving a little deeper into our personality traits and quirks, it might make it easier for employees and leaders to work more harmoniously together.

Different personalities offer a greater variety of perspectives on problems and situations your company will face. If everyone thought the same, problem solving opportunities would be somewhat limited.

Taking a more business-focused understanding of how different people think and are likely to work enables leaders to develop more effective teams and build on the diversity that many organisations value today. 

However, it’s important to remember that although personality traits are a good jumping off point, nobody fits nearly into one set category. That’s the beauty of humans, our uniqueness is in our complexity.

What kind of a leader are you?

Your leadership style should have a natural affinity with your personality - something that grows from who you are as a person.

Just as each personality type offers unique gifts to contribute to your organisation and society, different types of leadership are needed to keep the world turning.

Let’s take a look at the different types of leaders.

The analyst

The logical analyst leader creates and adapts systems for the sake of improving a product or organisation.

Rationality is the prominent principle with analyst leaders who tend to take matter-of-fact approaches and have little patience for anything not firmly rooted in logic. Analyst leaders often value inventiveness.

The diplomat

The visionary diplomat leader focuses on ideas linked to higher causes and the values associated with them. 

Although active in their organisation, diplomats offer greater value through their ability to inspire and share the big picture. Diplomat leaders look to what the future holds rather than thinking about past and present offerings.

The sentinel

The responsible sentinel leader takes care of business as an administrator who is meticulous in approach and conscious of the details. 

Sentinel leaders honour the learnings of the past and are strict about rules and protocols. Sentinel personalities work from a sense of responsibility for taking care of the greater good.

The explorer

The agile explorer leader will likely find quick solutions to problems that arise and take their organisation in new and exciting directions.

Explorers don’t mind taking risks when they think there’s a decent chance risks will pay off, but more importantly they aren’t phased by how things were done before - they care about the next big thing on the horizon. Explorer leaders prefer to act rather than over analyse.

Leadership styles

There are a number of different leadership styles that will be unique to individuals, but experts agree most leaders fit into at least one of these nine leadership styles:

1. Autocratic leadership is one of the strictest styles. These leaders tend to have complete control over the decision-making process.
2. Although not as strict as autocratic leaders, bureaucratic leaders usually enforce strict regulations and statuses in the hierarchy.
3. Charismatic leaders motivate teams to follow their lead through their infectious presence, while their likability helps them and their teams achieve business success too.
4. Democratic leaders welcome subordinate participation in decision-making processes.
5. Laissez-faire leaders take a hands-off approach, allowing employees to take responsibility in the decision-making process - but will still monitor employee performance and set expectations. 
6. Servant leadership allows for power and decision-making to be shared with subordinates, often directing the organisation to align with team interest.
7. Situational leaders are able to modify their style and implement a range of leadership types depending on employee and environmental needs.
8. A transactional leader uses a reward/consequence system to encourage success and discourage failure.
9. Similar to charismatic leaders, transformational leaders use their inspiring personality and energy to create and incubate infectious workplaces. Transformational leadership also motivates teams to build accountability and confidence.

Why understanding yourself matters

Understanding personal leadership style is a key element in effective leadership practice.

If leaders have an understanding of different approaches they will be more effective comprehending how and why they do what they do, as well as helping them identify where and when they need to adapt their leadership style.

Once you’re determined what sort of a leader you are, you can look ahead to the leader you may want to be in the future.

Ask yourself questions like, ‘Do you believe accountability lies with the leader or with the group?’, ‘Do you feel your team works alone or with support?’, ‘Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with input from others?’

Asking yourself these questions will help you find the leadership style that works best for you, your team and your business.

Find out your personality type here.