16 personality types: how to build relationships with remote colleagues

In psychology, the MBTI typology is used, which identifies 16 personality types. Each type has its own characteristics, relationships with people and the outside world. We explain how it will help you communicate with colleagues and build a team

The transition to remote work in 2020 has put us in difficult conditions: we have lost our usual rhythm and routine, we don’t see colleagues for a long time and we are learning to communicate again – now online. All this affects us and our daily life, and most importantly, productivity and relationships with colleagues. The MBTI typology can help put things in order.

What is MBTI typology?

MBTI – Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Myers-Briggs typology – a testing technique that was invented in the 1940s by American women Isabelle Briggs Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs [1]. They relied on “Psychological Types” by Carl Gustav Jung. The creators have been testing and refining the technique for 20 years.

The MBTI is based on four scales with polar values:

To determine which letter corresponds to a person in each of the four manifestations, you need to pass a test (or here – a free analogue in Russian). The result is 16 personality types: ENTP, ISFJ, and so on. For each type, the researchers came up with a capacious definition and described how a person with this type behaves and how to interact with him most effectively. Read also about the typology of the Russian researcher Vladimir Gerchikov, who divides all employees into five psychotypes.

Every year, more than 2 million people take surveys based on the MBTI. In the US, it is used by 89 Fortune 100 companies [2], [3].

1. “Logist” – Responsible Realist (ISTJ)

What is he:

Obediently and consistently performs all tasks, prefers clarity and a clear organization, appreciates honor, diligence and social responsibility. Usually such people behave as restrained as possible. A striking example is the British Queen Elizabeth II.

How to work with it:

Such an employee can be completely trusted, without controlling him even remotely. If you want to entrust something, make a list and formulate the task as clearly and concisely as possible, indicating the deadline. Such a person will be very useful if you need to optimize your workflow, put things in order in task managers and folders, and deal with any other routine.

2. “Lawyer” – insightful visionary (INFJ)

What is he:

Straightforward and creative, bending his line, but has excellent intuition. An empath who understands people well and is attentive to their feelings. A deep thinker who always has a hundred ideas in his head.

How to work with it:

The main trump card of the “lawyer” is his insight: for example, he will help to understand the character of the applicant at the interview. But you should not make him the main speaker during the Zoom conference – such a situation will be uncomfortable for him.

3. “Architect” – conceptual strategist (INTJ)

What is he:

A perfectionist innovator who is most comfortable being alone. Such people tolerate remote work best and do not need a team as such. They have well developed self-organization and personal responsibility. Easily translate ideas into practice, possessing both intuitive and rational thinking.

How to work with it:

The best way to communicate with the “architects” is by text, using calls and Zoom only as a last resort. They strictly adhere to deadlines, but sometimes at the expense of quality. They can make hasty decisions without consulting others. Therefore, carefully monitor their tasks and projects, urging them to pause and think properly in time.

4. “Defender” – a practical assistant (ISFJ)

What is he:

The most extrovert among introverts, has ethics and professionalism, attentive to the feelings and preferences of his colleagues. “Defenders” are born managers who maintain team spirit even at a distance.

How to work with it:

This type is very attentive to details, so he can be entrusted with checking other people’s projects and tasks, editing important documents and presentations. He strictly adheres to the rules, so he will be able to follow his colleagues using time tracking services and increase the efficiency of the team.

5. “Virtuoso” – logical pragmatist (ISTP)

What is he:

Direct, consistent, loyal to colleagues, but not too adherent to the rules. The most unpredictable of all: it can be logical and rational, or maybe spontaneous.

How to work with it:

“Virtuoso” is the hardest to work remotely and the lack of live communication. Therefore, arrange personal meetings for such employees, where you can communicate directly. They are best at fixing bugs, troubleshooting, testing products. However, this type needs constant monitoring, as it often does not comply with the regulations.

6. “Adventurer” – universal assistant (ISFP)

What is he:

Sensitive, active, altruist. Affable, friendly, avoids conflicts and loves to learn new things.

How to work with it:

“Adventurer” is fond of and can immerse himself in work. At home, without personal contact with colleagues, this can lead to overwork and burnout. Therefore, often remind them that they need to take a break, rest or have a snack. But “adventurers” cope even with large volumes and are not afraid of difficulties, if they are properly motivated and encouraged.

7. “Intermediary” – an intelligent idealist (INFP)

What is he:

Balanced, with a developed system of values, immersed in his ideas and fantasies.

How to work with it:

Principles and too high bar “intermediaries” often lead to disappointment and resentment. In the remote mode, all this is even more intensified: grievances accumulate, and there is no way to express them personally. Therefore, try to communicate with them one on one more often, ask what worries them, support and praise. If the values ​​of the team coincide with the vision of the “intermediary”, he will become your reliable support in any situation.

8. “Logic” – an objective analyst (INTP)

What is he:

Changeable but competent, likes to work according to the algorithm and solve problems, quickly finds errors and inconsistencies. Logicians do well in isolation and are very productive when alone. Albert Einstein had a pronounced INTP type.

How to work with it:

It is better for this type to give freedom of action and the opportunity to speak out in public. In the process of discussing or defending a project, he comes up with the best solutions. The weak point of “logic” is corporate services and tools. Therefore, make sure that he uses them and fixes all tasks and documents.

9. “Entrepreneur” – Energetic Doer (ESTP)

What is he:

Gambling, enthusiastic, loves risk and solves the most difficult problems with a swoop. However, in long-term and monotonous tasks, they often give up and lose focus.

How to work with it:

“Entrepreneur” is especially effective in extreme conditions and projects where you need to act quickly and decisively. Give him the opportunity to show his abilities, do not overload him with routine and keep him within limits, directing energy in the right direction. Can lead a team within the project, but subject to authority from above.

10. “Artist” – enthusiast and improviser (ESFP)

What is he:

The soul of the team, artist and speaker. Energetic, creative, gushing with ideas and openly expresses emotions. He loves to be the center of attention, but at the same time he is generous and responsive to colleagues.

How to work with it:

Give the “artist” the opportunity to perform, show off their charisma and show themselves in all their glory: public speaking, presentations, online corporate events, participation in interviews and podcasts. This is the best motivation for him, especially at a distance, when there is no personal contact. With their energy, “artists” easily infect others, but they themselves need constant nourishment and unobtrusive control from the outside.

11. “Activist” – creative motivator (ENFP)

What is he:

Insightful, lover of experiments, with developed intuition. He likes to be in society and is guided by feelings, not logic. The main plus is that this type is committed to intangible values ​​​​and sincerely believes in his ideals.

How to work with it:

“Activist” generates ideas on his own and works great in a team. It is useful to connect it to brainstorming sessions and projects where an extraordinary approach is needed. However, at the start, they can slow down, do not always meet deadlines, and may ignore correspondence. Therefore, in the remote work mode, they need to be monitored at every stage, periodically communicating in person or by phone.

12. “Controversial” – Entrepreneurial Explorer (ENTP)

What is he:

A charismatic intellectual who likes to pull strings. Leaders are often of this type. It is logical, rational and objective, but requires constant mental stimulation. Often these leaders focus on big ideas and hate routine.

How to work with it:

Debaters are good at debating, so use them during brainstorming sessions, public debates, and presentations. They are ideal for promoting new ideas and product launches, impressing customers and partners, so they will be indispensable in decisive online meetings. You just need to interrupt them in time, giving others the opportunity to speak.

No. 13: “Administrator” is an effective organizer (ESTJ)

What is he:

This is a pragmatist who makes conservative decisions and deals with the daily routine. He is hardworking, loyal and methodical.

How to work with it:

The “administrator” usually organizes everything around him, without trying to seize power and be the center of attention. He can be entrusted with any guides, manuals, instructions and control over compliance with the regulations. It is easy to endure remote work: it is easier for such people to communicate via e-mail or in corporate services, where there are clear schemes and a clear hierarchy.

No. 14: “Advisor” – a reliable partner (ESFJ)

What is he:

Loyal to the team, sociable, attentive. Puts team interests ahead of personal interests. It is not easy for him to work remotely: this type is very fond of personal communication on non-work topics.

How to work with it:

“Advisors” make the best team leads and project managers: they establish contact with everyone, know how to support and motivate. They meet deadlines, resolve conflicts and show unlimited patience. With their help, you can hire new employees remotely and transfer them under guardianship.

#15: “Protagonist” – Sympathetic Coordinator (ENFJ)

What is he:

A born leader, driven more by intuition and feelings than by logic and rationality. In managerial positions, he knows how to inspire: purposeful, but at the same time extremely sensitive to the needs of others. Classic ENFJs are Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.

How to work with it:

Being other-oriented, “protagonists” often forget about themselves, which sometimes leads to burnout and delays in their personal tasks. It is useful to discuss all current issues and issues in the group, giving them the opportunity to speak. Often such people organize online meetings themselves and remind all participants of them.

#16: “Commander” – Determined Strategist (ENTJ)

What is he:

Consistent planner who loves to break boundaries and find solutions in any situation. He values ​​productivity and professionalism, including in goal setting, structure and hierarchy. Charismatic and self-confident, motivates others to achieve a common goal.

How to work with it:

“Commanders” focuses on global goals and life-changing decisions. When working remotely and routine tasks, they have difficulties, they often ignore small details and take risks without consulting with the team. Therefore, it is important for ENTJs to be reminded of balance and constantly encouraged to discuss decisions with superiors and colleagues.

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