Shared by eTACSEN Managing Director Terence Yeung

I recently had the opportunity to facilitate an MBTI workshop with a finance team in a logistics company. The insights gained from this experience were very much worth sharing with everyone, underscoring the value of embracing our authentic selves and leveraging personality preferences to unlock team potential.

Let me share two stories that emerged from this workshop:

Finding Your Voice: How an ENFP Blossomed in an ISTJ-Dominated Team

Mark, a member of the finance department, had initially tested as an INFP but later confirmed that he was actually an ENFP. Over the years, he had suppressed his natural extroverted and sociable tendencies to fit in with the predominantly ISTJ team. The team members’ singular focus on work and lack of casual conversation left Mark feeling unvalued and disconnected.

During the MBTI workshop, Mark was encouraged to share his true feelings with the team. To his surprise, the team members expressed a desire for a more lively and upbeat work environment, and they enthusiastically welcomed Mark’s unique ENFP qualities. After this revelation, Mark immediately embraced his authentic self, bringing his trademark humor and energy back to the team.

This story highlights the importance of creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to be their true selves. By understanding and appreciating each team member’s personality preferences, organizations can foster a more inclusive and engaging culture, where everyone’s contributions are valued.

Unlocking Potential: Leveraging MBTI Insights to Motivate and Empower

Mary, an INFP responsible for compliance in the company, was initially misunderstood by her superior, John, who assumed she must be an ISTJ due to her excellent performance in developing standards and ensuring adherence. However, I explained to John that the only person who can truly confirm their type is the individual themselves.

I suggested that John look at the situation from a different angle. As an INFP, Mary likely sought meaning and the opportunity to help others, which may not have been fully fulfilled in her current role. I recommended that John explore ways to align Mary’s work with her deeper desire to make a meaningful impact, such as by involving her in mentoring newer team members or helping her see the broader significance of her compliance work.

Mary confirmed that I was correct, sharing that she often went for volunteer work on the weekends, as it allowed her to find the deeper sense of purpose she craved. This story highlights the importance of understanding employees’ personality preferences and using that knowledge to better motivate and empower them, ultimately driving higher levels of engagement and performance.

These real-life examples demonstrate the substantial value of embracing authenticity and leveraging MBTI insights within a team. By creating an environment that promotes diversity, encourages self-awareness, and aligns work with individual motivations, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams and foster a more engaged, collaborative, and fulfilling workplace.

I hope these stories provide valuable inspiration as you continue to develop your own teams and leadership practices.  By embracing authenticity and leveraging personality insights, we can create more fulfilling and productive work environments.