6 personalities, 1 team
When I joined my first work call at Anove, I saw a group of men who, at first glance, seemed fairly similar. But as time passed, their personalities unfolded in completely different ways. Some jumped from one idea to the next at lightning speed, while others carefully dissected each problem before speaking. It didn’t take long to realize that we weren’t just a team, we were an exciting mix of minds, each wired differently. And that got me thinking: how do we make sure everyone is working in a way that brings out their best?
That’s where the MBTI personality test came in. It’s a system that sorts people into 16 personality types based on how they process information, make decisions and interact with the world. It’s not about boxing people in but rather understanding what makes them tick, what motivates them and what drains them. So, I made the whole team take it, and the results were *chef’s kiss* fascinating. But beyond just understanding my team better, I realized that these insights can help anyone working with different personalities. So, let’s break down how you can support different personality types in the workplace and make the most of their strengths.
Take ENFPs, for example. Natural idea generators who bring energy and enthusiasm to any discussion. They love brainstorming and thrive on innovation, much like my CEO, Jean-Hugues. If you work with an ENFP, give them space to explore creative solutions and be open to their often unconventional thinking. However, follow-through can sometimes be a challenge. To help them stay on track, gently remind them of ongoing tasks and provide support in executing ideas so they don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Then there are the ENTJs, the big-picture strategists who don’t just dream but execute with precision. Our information security officer, Niels, embodies this as he is decisive and efficient. If you have an ENTJ on your team, give them challenging projects that allow them to fully immerse themselves in it and don’t be afraid to let them push boundaries.
On my favorite side of the spectrum, ESFJs bring a people-first approach to work. These are the team players who make sure everyone feels valued, much like my co-founder and team cheerleader, Yuri. He brings structure, warmth, and a natural ability to create harmony. A stressful situation? Yuri’s positive approach can melt the tension in an instant. But his people-first approach also means he sometimes avoids difficult conversations. He thrives when he knows his efforts are recognized, and with a little encouragement, he can learn to embrace the uncomfortable moments that come with leadership.
Then there’s the ESTJ, the structured and results-driven professional who thrives on efficiency and clear expectations. Guy, our sales officer, is basically the human embodiment of a well-organized planner. If you need something done, Guy doesn’t just do it, he does it immediately. Guy really is your Guy. When I asked for his MBTI results, he sent me the entire report within minutes, neatly formatted in my inbox and ready to go. His strength lies in his reliability and decisiveness, but sometimes, that strong sense of order makes it hard for him to entertain unconventional approaches. He thrives in an environment where expectations are clear and structure is maintained, but he benefits from a gentle push to consider alternative ideas and adapt when needed.
For those more inclined towards introspection, INTJs are the strategic masterminds who prefer independence and precision. Our assistant to the CEO, Ezra, is a perfect example: analytical, driven, and always focused on making things better. INTJs thrive when they have autonomy to execute their ideas but may struggle with delegation. If you manage or collaborate with an INTJ, build trust by showing competency in your work and reassuring them that teamwork doesn’t mean losing control.
Now, breaking the fourth wall again, we have me, Nia. As a marketing officer my results are quite in line with what my job requires me to do. As an INFP, I’m described as a person who is in tune with her emotions, creative and values-driven. I enjoy bringing up topics I find important in society to any place I'm in, especially my job. This need has been met by letting me lead a mental health campaign for Anove. My personal Achilles heel however is that I often stay stuck at the idea part of the process, while neglecting the execution. Tasks that feel too rigid become unappealing. To thrive, I need a flexible work environment that values creativity and feedback given in a supportive and constructive way. Most importantly, I need balance between visionary ideas and practical execution.
So, what’s the takeaway? Great teams aren’t built on sameness, they’re built on understanding. Each personality type brings something valuable to the table, and by recognizing what makes each individual thrive, you can create a work environment where everyone does their best work. Whether it’s giving an ENFP room to ideate, allowing an ENTJ to lead bold initiatives, or reassuring an INFP that their ideas are worth pursuing, the key is adapting to the strengths and needs of those around you. When you do that, you don’t just work together, you click together. And that’s when the magic happens.
