Written by Shawn Bakker
Roger Pearman has done a lot of work examining the link between Type and Leadership. This month we will look at some of his findings on how Personality Type can influence leadership communication. There are four communication styles influenced by type preferences. These are Extraverted Thinking types, Extraverted Feeling types, Extraverted Sensing types, and Extraverted Intuitive types. Each of these groups has a communication style that can lead to certain misunderstandings with people.
Extraverted Thinking Types – ESTJ, ENTJ, ISTJ, INTJ
Extraverted Thinkers are decisive and action oriented. When communicating with others they are systematic and logical, and freely offer explanations. These four types tend to be expressive and fluent, and adopt a critical, analytical approach when discussing topics with others. As a result, they can appear as arrogant, condescending, and aggressive to others.
Extraverted Feeling Types – ESFJ, ENFJ, ISFJ, INFJ
Extraverted Feelers are sympathetic and supportive. Their communication style is warm and sociable, and they work hard to include others. In order to be accommodating they adopt a style that is diplomatic and tactful. To others they can come across as overly sentimental, fussy, impulsive and self-dramatizing.
Extraverted Sensing Types – ESFP, ESTP, ISTP, ISFP
Extraverted Sensors are realistic and focus on what is practical. As a result, their communication contains precise references to who, what, where, and when. They prefer efficient and concise communication, and are quite aware of current facts. To others, Extraverted Sensors may come across as rigid, demanding, and unscrupulous.
Extraverted Intuitive Types – ENTP, ENFP, INTP, INFP
Extraverted Intuitives are adaptable and versatile. They tend to communicate enthusiasm and curiosity about situations, and can be quite perceptive. When working with others they are willing to make changes according to the needs of the moment, and are quite resourceful. Extraverted Intuitives may come across as restless, impulsive, distracted, and full of unrealistic expectations.
While we each have a preferred communication style, we are able to become better communicators by learning to adopt different styles when appropriate. Roger Pearman, has a number of good resources that examine these issues in detail, including: “The Leadership Advantage Training Program and Facilitators Guide,” and “Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness through Psychological Type.”