Is there a certain personality type that best lends itself toward leadership?

CPL Brendan Hayes — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:10:42 -0500

Within the civilian world there has been a push to self identify personality types/traits as a means of determining leadership/role potential, as an example the Myers-Briggs Typology Indicator (MBTI).

In a nutshell, this tool breaks the population down into 16 personality types. http://www.16personalities.com/personality-types

Which type seems best suited to lead?

Personality Types | 16Personalities

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 29 at 2016 12:12 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:12:47 -0500

Yes and no.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 12:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:13:31 -0500

I think the key to being a good leader is communication skills and versatility. You must realize that there is no one size fits all for every subordinate or situation. Maintain focus on the mission and ensure your subordinates know what is expected of them at all times and stay on track.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 29 at 2016 12:18 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:18:10 -0500

In my 34 years of serving I went through numerous personality tests CPL Brendan Hayes. They all attempt to find out which "group" you and other test takers fit into. The basic problem is that we are each unique in many ways and grouping us into somebodies preconceived concept may be interesting but doesn't shed a lot of light.
The best test for leadership is crisis.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jan 29 at 2016 12:18 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:18:50 -0500

The MBTI is not a test for leadership tendencies. The MBTI tests what personality type you possess and consequently what types of situations and environments you thrive in. It is designed to show you and your coworkers what environments they prefer, as well as how people interact and solve problems. This test should never be used in any sort of determination of leadership abilities, or for that matter, ability to work in a team. That is exactly what this test is not supposed to do. You should never judge a person with an MBTI test result -personality type is not motivation, not behavior, not mood, not energy level not work ethic, and not moral judgement ability. There are many tests out there to evaluate leadership ability -this is not one of them.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jan 29 at 2016 12:35 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:35:14 -0500

Knowing who you are, and how to adjust your approach based on mission and team, is probably more important than where you fall in the 4x4 matrix. Beyond that, Masterminds make the best evil genius dictators. That's me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 12:52 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:52:54 -0500

I've taken the Myer-Briggs two or three different times. I found it helpful in understanding myself in different situations with other people. From what I remember reading about the test a person's personality may change over time offering the person a different result at a different time.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jan 29 at 2016 12:56 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:56:46 -0500

I think these personality isn't stagnant. Sometimes I am an INFJ and other times an ENTJ

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 29 at 2016 1:02 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 13:02:55 -0500

I think the real importance in this test is not in identifying leadership traits but more so in understanding of the dynamics at play with all the different personalities. I think its important to understand that your personality is not fixed - you can take the same test 2 years later and might come up with a different result.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 29 at 2016 1:20 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 13:20:28 -0500

We must understand that just like there are different personalities, there are also different roles.

How you lead a Team is different than how you lead a Squad, or a Platoon, or a Battalion. The approaches are different, and the personality you "present" can be different can be different as well. When you are dealing with 4 people, being a counselor or teacher is great. When you are dealing with 12-40 Inspector & Supervisor works well. When you have 1000 or 10000 we jump to Mastermind or Field Marshal.

However, these are merely "dominant" traits. Just because it is the most prevalent doesn't mean we don't possess the others as well, and can't use them as needed. It's all "scalable."

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 4:40 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:40:11 -0500

I'm an ISTP, you'll have to give me a few minutes to process the information. And for those that believe I don't have a heart, I'm a 30 T; emotion does not belong in fact based conversations, period.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 30 at 2016 8:57 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:57:47 -0500

MBTIs are about as useful as astrological signs.