Leadership Personality
Leadership personalities can be understood and analysed through various personality assessments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DISC personality, and the Big Five Personality Traits.
The MBTI categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on four dichotomies: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving. No one in the 16 types identified in the MBTI is better than any other, although there are some studies which suggest that some types are more common amongst leaders. Leadership personalities according to MBTI include ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) and ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) as they are organized, responsible, and conscientious. The ENTJ profile also featured prominently in famous leaders such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Stalin and Steve Jobs.
Amongst Singapore’s political leaders, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is likely ESTJ, Heng Swee Keat is likely ISTJ, Lawrence Wong is likely ESFJ, Chan Chun Sing is likely ISTP and Ong Ye Kung is likely ENTJ, based on general observations of their demeanour on mass media and social media. While one’s personality type will certainly influence one’s leadership style, we would like to quote Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong who said that every leader has to adapt his style to the circumstances and needs of society in his time. And as Singapore faces different challenges and needs, and its society evolves, “his leadership style has to adjust” when he becomes the new Prime Minister of Singapore. So in your view what is the best Singapore leadership style?
The DISC personality assessment categorizes individuals into four behavior styles: dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness. Dominance-style leaders are assertive and goal-oriented, while influence-style leaders are charismatic and persuasive. Steadiness-style leaders are reliable and patient, and conscientiousness-style leaders are meticulous and detail-oriented.
The Big Five Personality Traits, also known as the Five Factor Model, include openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Conscientiousness and extraversion are particularly important for leadership as leaders who score high in conscientiousness are organized and dependable, while extraverted leaders are outgoing and assertive. Neuroticism in this context refers to a leader’s emotional stability.
It’s important to note that while personality assessments provide valuable insights, they should not be used to stereotype or limit individuals. Rather, they should be utilized as tools for self-awareness and personal growth, and to understand how one’s personality can impact their leadership style and effectiveness.
These assessments provide valuable insights into an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to become more self-aware and effective leaders.
Attend our leadership course to find out if you have the personality for a leadership role and which personality traits are often associated with leadership.