5 MOST SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSONALITY TYPES

Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur? Your personality may be an indicator of how likely you are to succeed. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and why you clash with certain people.

WHAT IS THE MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR?

The MBTI is one of the most widely-used personality tests and is popular among recruitment teams around the world. Through a series of multiple-choice questions, the test places each of your four personality traits into one of two opposing categories:

• Extravert or Introvert
• INtuitive or Sensing
• Thinking or Feeling
• Judgement or Perceiving

Each of these four outcomes then combine to form one of the sixteen unique personality types. With help from the research compiled in the infographic below by Sage South Africa, here are the five personality types most like to thrive in business.

THE TOP 5 PERSONALITY TYPES IN BUSINESS

• ENTJ (aka “The CEO”, “The Chief”)

ENTJs are natural born leaders. Whether they have been elected or not, chiefs will always attempt to take control. They are excellent at presenting options in sticky situations and are known for being extremely hard working. They value structure and quick decisions, although this tendency can sometimes see them rushing ahead without considering the consequences.

Most likely to clash with: Anyone who says something cannot be done or who takes their time.

Famous chiefs: Franklin D. Roosevelt; Bill Gates

• INTJ (aka “The Mastermind”, “The Strategist”)

Like chiefs, INTJs are constantly looking to the future, are natural leaders, brimming with confidence and are very adaptable. However, they prefer to work independently and take their time to ensure plans are iron-clad and have contingencies. Masterminds are often perfectionists. While they can be abrupt with people, they are quite often right, too.

Most likely to clash with: Anyone who values action over intellect and care.

Famous masterminds: Elon Musk; Arnold Schwarzenegger

• ESTJ (aka “The Supervisor”, “The Overseer”)

Extremely organized and a lover of mental gymnastics, they are punctual, hard-working and confident. They crave structure so are often found in positions of management or are brought in to sort out troubled projects. They live in the present, which is brilliant for achieving quick, tangible results, but they sometimes need to be reminded about the long-term objectives.

Most likely to clash with: People who value wellbeing or emotion over achieving the end goal.

Famous supervisors: John D. Rockefeller; George W. Bush

• ISTJ (aka “The Inspector”, “The Examiner”)

ISTJs often find themselves climbing the ladder in banks, law firms, or anywhere that involves pouring over fine detail. They are the number one for spotting tiny mistakes in contracts or ensuring projects deliver as promised, but hate being forced to make decisions quickly.

Most likely to clash with: People who demand fast decisions and action, especially chiefs.

Famous inspectors: George Washington; Warren Buffet

• ENTP (aka “The Inventor”, “The Originator”)

These are the risk takers! They are the most likely to be self-employed, and are in the top three for most likely to accept international positions. They see new perspectives and possibilities in everything, are carefree, inventive, and highly adaptable. However, for all their ideas, it can be difficult to keep them focused on one long enough to actually achieve it. ENTP Most likely to clash with: Anyone that likes to follow an agreed plan.

Famous inventors: Alexander the Great; Thomas Edison

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER PERSONALITY TYPES?

While those of you that are one of the five types above are statistically more likely to achieve higher salaries and positions of responsibility in business, other personalities are also capable of achieving enormous success.

ISFPs tend to be artists, like Steven Spielberg, while ESFPs are nicknames “entertainers,” which goes some way to explaining the presidencies of both Reagan and Clinton.

Men of all personality types are capable of success, however you define it. So, use this information to understand yourself better, but don’t let it hold you back.