Which personality type makes the best leader?

Effective leadership is crucial in guaranteeing an organization's success. We question whether leaders are born or made? Is there a specific personality type that excels in leadership roles? There is no one size fits all when it comes to leadership or finding the best person for the job. Leaders, or those in leadership roles like supervisors, managers or executives have different leadership styles to suit various situations.

Different organizations have different needs, and the "best" leadership type often depends on the specific industry, company culture, and organizational goals. Psychometric assessments are key in identifying which personality traits align best with the company's needs, leading to more effective and successful leadership.

Zenithr’s competency-based assessments delve deeper than resumes and surface-level details to reveal the true talents and skills of individuals. These assessments enable businesses to identify specific skills and behaviors relevant to the job, helping them identify candidates who are the best fit and highlight current employees who excel in their roles.

Personality Type and Leadership Style

Every person brings a specific set of leadership skills to the business. However, certain personality types are often associated with leadership, such as:

·         Decisiveness

·         Emotional intelligence

·         Adaptability

·         Communication skills

·         Integrity

The following personality types, based on the Meyers Briggs assessment, details the styles of a good leader:

The Visionary Leader (ENTJ)

Leaders with ENTJ personalities are usually extroverted, intuitive, and thinking-oriented. They are strategic thinkers and natural-born leaders, excelling in roles that require decisive action, strategic planning, and strong communication.

The Empathetic Leader (ENFJ)

ENJFs are known for their emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, excelling in people-centric leadership roles. They thrive in environments that expresses empathy, team building, and a focus on employee well-being.

The Analytical Leader (INTJ)

Analytical and logical, INTJs are adept at problem-solving and long-term planning. They are suitable for roles that demand innovation, critical thinking, and the ability to foresee future challenges.

Approaches to Leadership Assessment

While the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a well-known personality assessment tool, it's important to note that there are several psychometric tests companies use in leadership evaluation. Some popular assessments include:

Thomas International PPA (Personal Profile Analysis)

Provides insight into an individual's work behavior, motivation, and potential fit within a leadership role.

DiSC Assessment

The DiSC Assessment focuses on four primary behavioral styles (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness). Businesses use this leadership assessment test for a better understanding of leadership behaviors, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.

Leadership Versatility Index (LVI)

Businesses can use LVI to assess a leader's ability to adapt and balance opposing leadership styles, like being forceful versus enabling.

Hogan Assessments

Hogan Assessments evaluates personality characteristics impacting workplace behavior, particularly in leadership roles, and includes assessments of the "dark side" traits that could derail leadership effectiveness.

In addition to these leadership assessments, businesses may employ Behavioral and Competency-Based Tools, like the 360-Degree Feedback and Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs), which are used to assess leadership skills by gathering input from various sources or simulating real-life leadership challenges.

Conclusion

Companies incorporating psychometric assessments into their recruitment and development process have proven that it is a crucial and effective method of identifying and nurturing effective leaders. By understanding the unique traits, strengths and personality types, organizations can strengthen their leadership teams.

Zenithr, in partnership with Thomas International, offers various psychometric assessments tailored to your organization's specific needs, ensuring that they equip your leadership team with the correct tools to navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape.

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