Knowing Yourself as a Leader – Myers-Briggs
Leadership isn’t just about guiding teams and making decisions; it’s also about self-awareness. The better you understand yourself—your strengths, communication style, and decision-making approach—the more effectively you can lead. One of the most widely used tools for self-awareness in leadership is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Why Self-Awareness Matters in Leadership
Effective leaders recognise that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Self-awareness allows leaders to:
- Understand their natural leadership style
- Recognise how they interact with others
- Adapt their approach based on the needs of their team
- Make more informed decisions under pressure
- Build stronger relationships through effective communication
Understanding MBTI and Leadership Styles
The MBTI framework categorises personalities based on four dimensions:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) – Do you draw energy from interacting with others or from reflection and solitude?
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) – Do you focus on concrete facts or the bigger picture and possibilities?
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) – Do you make decisions based on logic and objectivity or values and emotions?
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P) – Do you prefer structured planning or flexibility and adaptability?
These combinations result in 16 personality types, each with distinct leadership tendencies. For instance:
- ESTJ (The Executive) – Organised, decisive, and natural at driving teams towards results.
- INFJ (The Advocate) – Visionary leaders who inspire through empathy and deep insights.
- ENTP (The Debater) – Energetic and innovative, thriving in fast-paced, idea-driven environments.
- ISFP (The Adventurer) – Quiet yet action-oriented, leading through hands-on experience.
How to Use MBTI for Leadership Growth
Once you identify your MBTI type, you can use this knowledge to refine your leadership style:
- Play to Your Strengths – Leverage your natural tendencies to create an authentic leadership approach.
- Develop Awareness of Blind Spots – Recognise areas where you might struggle and seek growth opportunities.
- Adapt to Different Team Needs – Understanding others’ MBTI types can help you tailor communication and collaboration.
- Improve Decision-Making – Be mindful of how your preferences influence your leadership choices.
Implementing MBTI Insights in Your Leadership Journey
At Crystal Lean Solutions, we believe in continuous improvement and leadership development. Whether you’re leading projects, managing change, or fostering innovation, self-awareness is key to long-term success.
If you’re interested in learning more about how self-awareness can enhance your leadership effectiveness, reach out to us today!
