Running Head: PERSONALITY AND LEADERSHIP1
Running head: Relationship between Personality traits and Leadership Styles 1
Relationship between Personality Traits and Leadership Styles
Estrella Gonzalez
Relationship between Personality Traits and Leadership Styles
Personality affects the manner in which people think, behave and feel in any given situation including the place of work. There are different types of personalities and it’s for this reason that we cannot be similar to one another. Therefore, personality plays a significant role when it comes to determining the effectiveness of any leader. Research shows that there is a good correlation when it comes to the relationship between leadership and personality traits. In addition, there are some types of personalities that make better leaders than others. However, the best leader is made by the environment that one is in; every given position is different just like the personalities are. The workload, schedule, environment, command chain and work hours help to determine how effective or not a particular person can be at a given position. Personality types help in allowing one to know their weaknesses and strengths; what areas to improve on and what enable them to be successful.
My personality type is INFJ according to the Jung Typology Theory; a personality test. This means that I have an introvert, intuitive, feeling and judging combination. How then does my INFJ personality type hinder or enhance my leadership in a healthcare environment? Usually, people with this type of personality are said to be strategic leaders. Their leadership style is one that is full of determination, vision and is rational. They are mainly led by their intuition to make plans that lead to future goal achievements. They are good at delegating work, directing others and strategic planning. They are also calm and focused on making them role models for their employees (Simic & Rustic, 2017).
As an introvert, I may struggle with being the centre of attention and directing others on what to do. This can be one of the hindrances to becoming an effective leader. However, being a reserved person will help set the stage for others and let them shine. This will help to develop the loyalty of the employees, improve their morale on the job and also motivate them to shine more since they are given the stage to do so (Jenifer, 2018). As much as being an introvert is a hindrance, it is also an effective characteristic. Introversive leaders disregard the social particulars leading to them having a low morale.
Being intuitive enables me to focus on the meanings and patterns of the data that were presented with. Intuitive people think critically about all the possible possibilities before making a decision. This attribute makes intuitive people think more about the future than the present (Simic & Rustic, 2017). It is, however, a hindrance since intuitive people find it hard to conclude and make a present decision. They are good when it comes to long-term decisions and future planning. They are not also able to put their plans in words making it difficult to work with people with a sensing personality.
A feeling personality kind of person considers the feelings of others and their reactions when making a decision. This, however, is a hindrance since, at times, feelings can get the better of them and influence their decision making as they are afraid of hurting other people (Jenifer, 2018). The feeling of personality can best work in a healthcare setting since they are sympathetic and empathetic. They care and take care of others making them the best people to lead in any healthcare environment. The needs of the patients will also be put ahead ensuring that efficient care is given to the clients.
Judging personality people are said to be organized and structured. These traits enable them to effectively do their work efficiently. However, due to their rigid processes, they can be passed on by new and better opportunities as they only stick to what is planned (Resolution technologies, 2015).
The INFJ personality type can, therefore, make an effective leader in a healthcare environment. There being introversive will enable a chance to guide and help others upgrade themselves which is a key role for any leader; to develop others and make them better. Their intuitive trait will help in ensuring that the future plans of the organization are well structured and implemented: helping with the development and growth of the healthcare. Having a feeling trait will enable the leader to put the needs of others before their own which is an important aspect of any healthcare environment and a good leader. Lastly, a judging leader will ensure that all is well organized and structured ensuring that work is done effectively.
In conclusion, any type of personality can be a successful leader in a particular setting. The most significant factor is to know that we all have our strengths and weakness and we cannot all be perfect. Balance is the significant aspect that enables us to manage who we are and what we can do, with the correct balance in one’s personality and leadership duties, then success is possible for any leader in any given environment. Knowing one’s personality type and that of other employees brings harmony to work and results in better opportunities and a good working relationship in the workplace.
References
Jennifer, O. (2018). How Personality Type Influences Leadership Style. Retrieved from: www.fastcompany.com/3045121/how-personality-type-influences-leadership-style
Resolution Technologies. (2015). How Does Personality Affect Leadership Style? Nashville: Brentwood.
Simic, J, Rustic, D. (2017). The Relationship Between Personality Traits and managers Leadership Styles. The European journal of social sciences education and research.
