The Leadership Styles of Every Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

When we think of leadership skills and personality types, we often think of the more “domineering” types. ENTJs and ESTJs come to mind, at least for me, right away. But each personality has a unique way of leading that is all their own. Some types are given more opportunities to lead than others, and other types lead in the background by making suggestions and subtly maneuvering situations to their rightful course. Any type can be a leader, but every type is going to do it a little bit differently. Let’s take a look at how each type can lead.

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Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

ISTJ – The Detail-Oriented Leader

ISTJs are quiet, careful leaders. They want to make sure that the people they lead have a clear direction, consistent, honest leadership, and a logical plan of action. Because they have auxiliary Extraverted Thinking (Te), they may feel an irresistible urge to organize people and take charge of projects. They will take plenty of time to make sure their plans are detailed, accurate, and fact-based. They will make it easy for everyone to understand where they’re going and how to get there. When making decisions for a company or team, they will focus first on the facts and details, and then they will look at the pros and cons. Through everything, they will try to stay objective and fair.

Possible Struggles:

ISTJs can get so caught up in the details of a problem that they lose sight of the big picture. They can also have difficulty taking into account the emotions and needs of everyone they lead. Tactfulness and empathy can be a struggle for ISTJs who haven’t gotten in touch with their tertiary feeling function. They should go to intuitive and/or feeling team members to get suggestions on how to maintain morale and get their desired strategic, big-picture outcomes.

Related: Understanding ISTJ Sensing

ESTJ – The Decisive Leader

ESTJs are known as objective, efficient, and fair leaders. As Extraverted Thinking (Te) types, they get a thrill from making tough decisions and organizing a team to get a job done quickly. They are practical, sensible, and down-to-earth. While they may seem domineering to many, they truly enjoy collaborating with people and coming up with goals as a team. When they make decisions they will look at the facts, the pros and cons, and what the most logical process is. They are very no-nonsense, practical leaders and will generally be quick to find a clear direction and stick with it.

Possible Struggles:

ESTJs have to be careful not to   “steamroll” over other people’s working styles, emotions, and differences. They may become so focused on impersonal pros and cons that they ignore how decisions might affect people in a personal way. Because they are so detail oriented, they may also struggle with micro-managing the people they lead. They usually have a very clear idea of what they want and may have difficulty being open-minded to the suggestions of intuitive types. In mid-life when ESTJs develop their extraverted intuition, they may enjoy brainstorming with other intuitive types more.

Related: 24 Signs That You’re an ESTJ, the Captain Personality Type

ISFJ – The Thoughtful Leader

ISFJs are extremely committed, conscientious, and devoted leaders. They know how to stay organized, meet deadlines, and care for their team. As Feeling and Judging types, they care not just about getting the job done, but making sure that harmony is maintained within the group. They are generous, thoughtful, detail-oriented leaders. As Sensors, they have a skill for bringing clarity and specificity to tasks, setting clear expectations and making sure people know the sequential steps they need to take to accomplish an objective. When ISFJs make decisions, they will first consider how those decisions will impact other people. They will also look at the facts, details, and practical implications.

Possible Struggles:

ISFJs are good at staying on track with goals, but they may struggle with knowing which goals to prioritize. They may struggle with seeing “the big picture” or strategizing effectively. They may also try to avoid confrontation to such a degree that they struggle with making decisions. If a decision might negatively impact anyone in their group they may not know how to move forward. Having one or two advisors who have a thinking or intuitive preference can help them to manage the strategic aspect of leading.

Read This Next: An In-Depth Look at the ISFJ Leader

ESFJ – The Generous Leader

ESFJs are encouraging, charismatic, and hard-working leaders. They empathize greatly with people and use that empathy and compassion to ensure that everyone is taken care of and heard. They are dedicated to their team and their shared goals, and they work in a timely, efficient manner. ESFJs are often called “servant leaders.” This is because they will put the needs of their team ahead of their own needs. If a crisis erupts, the ESFJ will be helping and supporting others instead of looking out for themselves. They are very caring and task-oriented individuals who will lead with kindness and clarity.

Possible Struggles:

While ESFJs are experts of diplomacy, they can struggle with strategy and long-range planning. They are good at short-term task completion and practical planning, but taking strategic risks for the long-term benefit of a company or team is a struggle for them. Objectivity can also be a struggle, because they tend to get wrapped up in the emotional well-being of the group so much. Having everyone getting along can take first place to more logical concerns like bottom-lines and efficiency. If they can keep a thinking and/or intuitive type in an advisor position, this can help them to work out their big-picture vision and also ensure they balance their need for harmony with a logic-driven process.

Related: Understanding ESFJ Feeling

ISTP – The Tactical Leader

ISTPs are quiet, observant, and effective leaders. They are open-minded and casual, focusing on realistic opportunities, plans, and tactics for success. They are willing to hear many perspectives, and prefer to “live and let live”. You don’t have to worry about being micro-managed by an ISTP; they like to give others the freedom to find their own unique paths towards success. They like to work alone, and they strive to find the most effective way to achieve goals using the least amount of unnecessary labor. They are adaptable, cool-headed in a crisis, and excellent at troubleshooting. When they make a decision, they will first think of the most logical approach. After that, they will try to find the most efficient, streamlined course of action.

Possible Struggles:

ISTPs are skilled at solving problems in the present moment, but they can struggle with seeing a long-term vision or plan for the future. They’re also on the reserved side, and may appear so impersonal that others see them as insensitive or cold. As Perceivers, they may struggle with being “tied down” to a company or organization, especially if they start to disagree with the direction of the group. Independent-minded, they tend to work best alone and may turn down leadership opportunities if they feel it will infringe on their space. If they are determined to be in leadership positions, they often benefit by having intuitive and/or feeling advisors who can help them to come up with a long-range vision and maintain positive morale in their group.

Related: Why ISTPs Make the Best Action Heroes

ESTP – The Fearless Leader

ESTPs are charismatic, effective, and fun-loving leaders. They are excellent at seeing opportunities and taking advantage of them as quickly as ossible. Skilled troubleshooters, they enjoy thinking quickly on the fly in order to make the most of the moment. They can also make inspiring speakers, and usually lend humor, charm, and a sense of fun to any endeavor. As Thinking types, ESTPs will try to be as logical as possible when making decisions, easily weighing the pros and cons. But they tend to have an inner charm as well; boosting morale if necessary, using humor to dissolve tension, or using their skills of logic and persuasion to make strong negotiators.

Possible Struggles:  

ESTPs are quick to see opportunities, but often find the technicalities of reaching a long-range vision frustrating. They don’t tend to enjoy dwelling excessively on the future and can tire of planning ahead. ESTPs also love their personal freedom and can feel trapped if they are stuck in an organization or culture that asks too much of their time. They may struggle with staying committed to a vision or plan, always seeing new and different opportunities that seem more appealing. ESTPs who are committed to leadership can be helped by having an intuitive advisor to help them with some of the theoretical, long-range planning.

Related: Understanding ESTP Sensing

ISFP – The Sensitive Leader

ISFPs are unassuming, gentle, and compassionate leaders. They are good listeners, adaptable in their vision, and empathetic in their approach. When you need a quiet, thoughtful leader, the ISFP is the person for the job. What matters to them is values more than material gain in most situations. They will only seek out leadership positions in companies or organizations they truly believe in. As Feeling types, they are at their best when they are leading a cause that will help people, especially those that are persecuted or marginalized. They believe in standing up for the underdog, so this is often where you’ll see them lead most determinedly. When ISFPs make decisions, they will first consider how that decision aligns with their conscience and values, then they will think about how that decision will impact the people involved.

Possible Struggles:

ISFPs tend to be flexible and hands-on in their work, and can feel frustrated if they are stuck in an office all day with rigid rules and deadlines. They can feel overwhelmed by long to-do lists and by living up to the expectations of other people. They can also have difficulty finding the most logical, objective approach to meeting a goal. Delivering tough news to team-mates, or firing people can be extremely stressful for them. ISFPs who are determined to be in leadership would be helped by having Intuitive and/or Thinking advisors who can help them to see strategic, long-range plans and can handle critiquing or correcting employees or teammates.

Related: INFPs, ISFPs, and Empathic Mirroring

ESFP – The Charismatic Leader

ESFPs are extremely likable, fun-loving, and inspiring leaders. They are very in-tune with the needs of their team and enjoy getting people excited and collaborating. For the ESFP, leading is about taking action, getting people motivated, and making quick bursts of progress towards goals. They don’t mind getting “into the trenches” to get a job done and to connect with the people around them. It’s important to them that they feel connected to their team, like they are “one of them.” When they make decisions they will first consider how realistic or exciting the outcome will be. They will also think about how that decision will align with their values, and how it will impact the people involved.

Possible Struggles:

ESFPs are free-spirits who don’t like to be tied down or overwhelmed with long to-do lists. They can struggle with long-term commitments unless that commitment stirs their values or compassion for people. ESFPs like to take advantage of the moment, and they are excellent at solving problems spontaneously, but they can tire of focusing extensively on the future. They can also struggle to remain objective in decision-making since they are so concerned about how decisions will impact people. ESFPs who are determined to be in leadership can be helped by getting advice from intuitive and/or thinking friends who can help them with theoretical, big-picture planning.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ESFP

INTJ – The Strategic Leader

INTJs lead with vision, rationality, and determination. They are guided by their intuition to see strategic pathways to a future goal. They have no problem directing, delegating, and putting plans into place. INTJs have a calm, focused demeanor that inspires confidence in their teammates. They develop enterprising plans and they have a strong determination to see those plans succeed. When they make decisions, they will first consider how those decisions will play out in the future. Then they will think of the most efficient, logical course of action.

Possible Struggles:

INTJs can get so caught up in their vision that they lose sight of details that may be important. They can also struggle with maintaining morale because they tend to disregard “social niceties” or tact in favor of being objective and decisive. Because INTJs are intuitive-dominant, they may have difficulties putting their vision into words that will motivate sensing types. INTJs who are in leadership positions tend to be more balanced when they have sensing and/or feeling advisors who can help them to see important details and maintain morale with team members.

Related: 24 Signs That You’re an INTJ, the Strategist Personality Type 

ENTJ – The Assertive Leader

ENTJs lead with confidence, strategic insight, and decisiveness. These straight-forward, ambitious leaders inspire confidence in their team-mates. You can count on them to deliver on their promises and dream big. ENTJs will lead with honesty; saying what they mean, and sometimes not in the most conscientious manner. However, their determination and hard work is an example that will motivate others.  Their visionary outlook will inspire the people around them, and their rational logic and swift decisiveness will keep things moving at a steady pace. They may not be the most sensitive people in the room, but they’re often the most driven and intensely focused. When they make decisions they will first focus on what’s logical, what will work quickly, followed by what will work most effectively in the long run.

Possible Struggles:

ENTJs have to work to take their teammates’ feelings and needs into account. They are so determined to be objective and get things done quickly that they can “steamroll” over the feelings and ideas of other people. They can also be so caught up in getting things done quickly and so focused on their vision that they miss out on important details that need attending to. ENTJs work best when they have a mixed team of advisors. Fellow intuitives can help flesh out the ENTJ’s innovative ideas. Sensors can help them to see the details. Feeling types can help the ENTJ to maintain morale and take into account people’s personal needs.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an ENTJ

INTP – The Unconventional Leader

INTPs lead with accuracy, knowledge, and open-minded curiosity. These aren’t your typical “do what I say or else!” leaders. INTPs strive to be democratic leaders, taking in opinions and ensuring that everyone feels heard (even if they disagree with their opinions). INTPs are not micro-managers or dictators. They like to give their teammates the freedom to creatively find solutions to problems. That said, they will step in quickly if they see their company or organization headed toward dangerous waters. Their insight and strategic thinking make it easy for them to see how things will play out and how to avoid trouble. They have a strong vision for the future, and they will try to casually and gradually lead others towards that vision.

Possible Struggles:

INTPs are extremely autonomous individuals, and will tire of leadership positions that put them in crowded rooms and at the mercy of other people’s schedules and whims. They tend to like leading in the background through suggestions and with plenty of space to think creatively. INTPs also dislike bureaucratic “red tape” and get frustrated by dealing with details that get in the way of their overall goal. Several INTPs I spoke with found having ESXP partners helpful. They could inspire team-members, keep people motivated, and take care of the details when the INTP needs alone time to think.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an INTP

ENTP – The Innovative Leader

ENTPs are enterprising, strategic, and competitive leaders. They have a knack for entrepreneurship and they strive to challenge themselves and continually grow. They are intensely focused on their vision, always moving forward, always experimenting, always trying something new. ENTP leaders quickly see potential pitfalls and are skilled at troubleshooting and problem-solving in a crisis. They have a strong visionary focus and try to inspire that same vision and hopeful determination in their teammates. When ENTPs make decisions, they will focus first on how decisions could play out, what opportunities might be available, and then what the most logical course of action is.

Possible Struggles:

ENTPs can get so excited about new possibilities that they leave other projects unfinished. They can struggle with procrastination or finding ways to prioritize their many visions and plans. In their excitement to reach their goals, they may unintentionally overwork their staff and teammates. This stems from trying to give priority to every single idea and possibility that comes into their mind. They may also be argumentative and overly competitive with their teammates, unintentionally offending others or steamrolling over their feelings.  Many ENTPs find the advice of a trusted feeling partner helpful as they can offer advice about how to maintain morale and communicate praise.

Related: Understanding ENTP Intuition

INFJ – The Perceptive Leader

INFJs are passionate, insightful, and visionary leaders. They are most often found in leadership positions that have a humanitarian cause. For these Idealists, leadership is about taking care of their team, listening to them, and understanding where everyone is coming from. INFJs also have a strategic side, and you’ll find them constantly pointing their team towards the future. Although they can be perfectionists, they’re also encouraging and motivating to their team, and push themselves as hard (or harder) as they push others. When they make decisions, they will first consider how a decision will play out in the future, and how that decision will impact the people involved.

Possible Struggles:

INFJs can be workaholics as leaders and can burn themselves out as they push themselves to an unattainable “perfect” standard. INFJs also may struggle with presenting their vision in a clear way, with sequential steps and a  straightforward course. Because INFJs keep their visions mostly internalized (through Introverted Intuition), they often feel flustered when trying to put that vision out into the world. This can be frustrating for them and the people they work with.

Another difficulty INFJs face is giving negative feedback, critique, or dealing with conflict. Conflict is anathema to the INFJ and they may ignore negative situations or handing out criticism when it’s needed. They are often helped by having a partner or advisor with a thinking (T) preference who can help them to deal with conflict situations and maintain objectivity.

Related: Understanding INFJ Intuition

ENFJ – The Passionate Leader

ENFJs are charismatic, understanding, and motivational leaders. They believe in encouraging their team, leading by example, and making the world a better place. As Judgers, they tend to have an organized, goal-oriented approach. But they’re also not dictators! They enjoy motivating their team to work together, collaborate, and get excited about their vision for the future. ENFJs tend to be highly disciplined and focused, taking time to tune in to their team and make sure everyone’s doing well emotionally in order to effectively meet their goals. They are not afraid to get in the trenches with their team and work hard alongside them to make plans succeed. They use their intuition and feeling to navigate social settings with ease, making them excellent diplomats.

Possible Struggles:

ENFJs hate conflict and try to be encouraging and withhold criticism as much as possible. This can cause negative situations to escalate as they put off dealing with them for too long. They may also be so focused on their personal relationships that they lose sight of a clear, objective, logical course of action. As EJ types, ENFJs can also be too hasty to make decisions and may need to remind themselves to take the time to reflect on decisions before moving forward. ENFJs are often helped by having an ISTX or INTX advisor on their team. These types (although very different from each other) can help them to take the time to see alternate viewpoints and logical ways to deal with conflict situations.

Related: How ENFJs Handle Conflict

INFP – The Sincere Leader

INFPs are passionate, caring, and empathetic leaders. They often take up leadership positions that allow them to fight for a humanitarian cause they believe in. Innovative and creative, they enjoy hearing many different viewpoints and thinking outside of the box. They tend to have excellent written communication skills and are gifted at conveying a viewpoint in a moving and compassionate manner. Listening is also their forte, and they strive not just to achieve a goal but to encourage and connect with their team. More than anything, the INFP leader longs to improve the world for people. When they make a decision, they will first consider how that decision will align with their values and morals. Afterward, they will consider how that decision will affect the people involved.

Possible Struggles: 

INFPs are very accepting people who like to create an encouraging atmosphere for their team. They may struggle with dishing out criticism or dealing with conflict. Unless someone has violated one of their personal values, they may refrain from giving correction. They may also struggle with accepting criticism from their team. Leaders inevitably get criticism at some point from their teammates, and this can also be a struggle for INFPs who take criticism very personally. INFPs find a lot of deadlines and huge to-do lists overwhelming, and they may find themselves feeling trapped if they are having to rush to get everything done. INFPs can be helped by having advisors with a thinking or judging preference. The thinking types can help them to stay objective, and the judging types can help them to prioritize and manage deadlines.

Related: 10 Surprising Truths About INFPs

ENFP – The Inspirational Leader

ENFPs lead with imagination, vision, and passion. For them life is about innovating and trailblazing new paths to improve the world for individuals. As Idealists, ENFPS enjoy having frequent brainstorming sessions with their team and enjoy giving everyone a chance to speak their mind. Open-minded and encouraging, they enjoy inspiring others with breakthrough ideas for the future. ENFPs are not micro-managers and they enjoy giving their team the freedom to complete tasks in their own creative ways. They don’t mind sharing leadership and they are very open to a plethora of ideas and viewpoints. When making decisions, ENFPs focus first on the potential possibilities of each decision, then they think about how that decision will impact the people involved.

Possible Struggles:

ENFPs may struggle with prioritizing their many ideas. Some ENFPs try to give each of their ideas and ambitions equal priority and wind up overworking themselves or their team. ENFPs can also struggle with finishing projects. They may feel pulled to so many new ideas and projects, that they lose interest in the projects they’ve already started and leave them unfinished. ENFPs may struggle with keeping track of the details of all their tasks. They may get so focused on their vision that they lose track of important facts and nuances that need attending to. Many ENFPs find that having an SJ advisor or partner helps them to prioritize, keep track of details, and follow through on important tasks.

What Do You Think? Do you have any experience or thoughts you’d like to add? Let me know in the comments!

Read This Next: 24 Signs That You’re an ENFP, the Visionary Personality Type

Find out more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic,  The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer, and The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

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