16 personality types: how to build relationships with remote colleagues
We use the personality typology, which identifies 16 personality types. Each type has its characteristics and relationships with people and the outside world. We explain how this will help you communicate with colleagues and build a team. But first, subscribe to our Telegram channel. We often publish such valuable articles!
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. It affects us, our daily life, and most importantly, productivity and relationships with colleagues. The Menteora personality typology can help put things in order.
What is personality typology?
Learn more about personality test.
The personality test Menteora is based on four scales with polar values:
- Orientation of consciousness: extraversion (E) or introversion (I);
- Orientation in situations: reliance on material information (S) or intuition (N);
- Decision making: logic (T) or emotions (F);
- We prepare solutions: precise planning (J) or circumstantial orientation (P).
You must pass a test to determine which letter corresponds to a person in the four manifestations.
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.
1. “Administrator” — responsible realist (ISTJ)
What is he:
Obediently and consistently performs all tasks, prefers clarity and a transparent organization, and appreciates the honor, diligence, and social responsibility. Usually, such people behave as restrainedly as possible. A striking example is the British Queen Elizabeth II.
How to work with it:
Such an employee can be wholly trusted without a remotely controlling. 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 handy if you need to optimize your workflow, put things in order in task managers and folders, and deal with any other routine.
2. “Oracle” — insightful visionary (INFJ)
What is he:
INFJ is straightforward and creative, bending his line, but has excellent intuition — an empath who understands people well and is attentive to their feelings. INFJ is a deep thinker who always has a hundred ideas.
How to work with it:
The main trump card of the “lawyer” is INFJ insight: for example, INFJ will help to understand the applicant’s character at the interview. But you should not make INFJ the main speaker during the Zoom conference — such a situation will be uncomfortable for INFJ.
3. “Strategist” — conceptual strategist (INTJ)
What is he:
A perfectionist innovator who is comfortable alone. INTJ tolerates remote work best and does not need a team. INTJ has developed self-organization and personal responsibility. Easily translate ideas into practice.
How to work with it:
The best way to communicate with INTJ is by text, calling, and Zooming only as a last resort. INTJ adheres to deadlines, but sometimes at the expense of quality. Therefore, monitor tasks and projects, urging INTJ to pause and think appropriately in time.
4. “Caring helper” — a practical assistant (ISFJ)
What is he:
Most extrovert, among introverts, has ethics and professionalism, attentive to the feelings and preferences of ISFJ colleagues. ISFJ is a born manager who keeps the team spirit alive even when ISFJ is away.
How to work with it:
This type is very attentive to details, so ISFJ can be entrusted with checking other people’s projects and tasks and editing important documents and presentations. ISFJ strictly adheres to the rules, so ISFJ can follow his colleagues using time-tracking services and increase the team’s efficiency.
5. “Virtuoso” — logical pragmatist (ISTP)
What is he:
Direct, consistent, loyal to colleagues, but not too tacky to the rules. It is the most unpredictable of all: it can be logical, rational, or spontaneous.
How to work with it:
ISTP is the best at fixing bugs, troubleshooting, and testing products. However, this type needs constant monitoring.
6. “Creator” — universal assistant (ISFP)
What is he:
Sensitive, active, altruist. Affable, friendly, avoid conflicts and loves to learn new things.
How to work with it:
The ISFP is passionate and can throw himself into his work. Without personal contact with colleagues at home, this can lead to burnout. Therefore, often remind ISFP to take a break, rest, or have a snack. But ISFP copes with large volumes and is not afraid of difficulties.
7. “Moral fighter” — intelligent idealist (INFP)
What is he:
INFP is balanced, with a developed system of values, immersed in INFP ideas and fantasies.
How to work with it:
Principles and 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 INFP personally. Therefore, try to communicate with INFP more often, ask what worries them, and support and praise INFP. If the team’s values align with the vision of INFP, he will be your reliable support in any situation.
8. “Scientist” — objective analyst (INTP)
What is he:
Changeable but competent, likes to work according to the algorithm and solve problems, quickly finds errors and inconsistencies. INTP does well in isolation and is very productive when alone. Albert Einstein had a pronounced INTP type.
How to work with it:
This type should give freedom of action and the opportunity to speak in public. When discussing or defending a project, INTP comes up with the best solutions. The weak point of INTP is corporate services and tools. Therefore, make sure that INTP uses and fixes all tasks and documents.
9. “Enthusiast” — an energetic person (ESTP)
What is he:
Gambling, enthusiastic, loves risk and solves the most challenging problems with a swoop. However, they often give up and lose focus on monotonous, long-term tasks.
How to work with it:
ESTP is especially effective in extreme conditions and projects where you must act quickly and decisively. Allow ESTP to show his abilities, do not overload him with routine, and keep ESTP within limits, directing energy in the right direction. Can lead a team within the project but subject to authority from above.
10. “Everybody’s friend” — enthusiast and improviser (ESFP)
What is he:
The soul of the team, artist, and speaker. Energetic, creative, gushes with ideas, and openly expresses emotions. ESFP loves to be the center of attention, but at the same time, ESFP is generous and responsive to colleagues.
How to work with it:
Allow ESFP to speak, show off their charisma and show themselves in all ESFP glory: public speaking, presentations, online corporate events, participation in interviews, and podcasts. It is the best motivation for ESFP, especially at a distance when there is no personal contact. ESFP quickly infects others with energy, but ESFP needs constant nourishment and unobtrusive external control.
11. “Ignition spark” — creative motivator (ENFP)
What is he:
Insightful, lover of experiments, with developed intuition. ENFP 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 believes in ideals.
How to work with it:
ENFP generates ideas independently and works excellently in a team. Connecting it to brainstorming sessions and projects where an extraordinary approach is needed is helpful. However, at the start, ENFP can slow down, not always meet deadlines, and may ignore correspondence. Therefore, in the remote work mode, ENFP must be monitored at every stage, periodically communicating in person or by phone.
12. “Entrepreneur” — 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:
ENTP is good at debating, so use ENFP during brainstorming sessions, public debates, and presentations. ENFP is ideal for promoting new ideas and product launches and impressing customers and partners, so that ENFP will be indispensable in decisive online meetings. You just need to interrupt ENFP in time, allowing others to speak.
13. “Manager” — a practical organizer (ESTJ)
What is he:
It is a pragmatist who makes conservative decisions and deals with the daily routine. ESTJ is hardworking, loyal, and organized.
How to work with it:
ESTJ usually organizes everything around him without trying to seize power and be in the spotlight. ESTJ can be entrusted with any guides, manuals, instructions, and control over compliance with the regulations. It is easy to endure remote work: it is more accessible for such people to communicate via e-mail or in corporate services, where there are explicit schemes and a clear hierarchy.
14. “Consul” — a reliable partner (ESFJ)
What is he:
Loyal to the team, friendly, and attentive. Puts team interests ahead of personal interests. It is not easy for ESFJ to work remotely: this type is very fond of personal communication on non-work topics.
How to work with it:
ESFJ makes the best team leads and project managers: ESFJ gets in touch with everyone and knows how to support and motivate. ESFJ meets deadlines, resolves conflicts, and shows unlimited patience. With ESFJ, you can hire new employees remotely and transfer ESFJ guardianship.
15. “Promoter of Values” — sympathetic coordinator (ENFJ)
What is he:
A born leader is driven more by intuition and feelings than logic and rationality. In managerial positions, ENFJ knows how to inspire: purposeful, but at the same time extremely sensitive to the needs of others. Classic ENFJ is 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 tasks. It is helpful to discuss all current issues and issues in the group, allowing them to speak. Often such people organize online meetings themselves and remind all participants of ENFJ.
16. “Commander” — determined strategist (ENTJ)
What is he:
A consistent planner who loves to break boundaries and find solutions in any situation. ENTJ values productivity and professionalism, including setting goals and defining structure and hierarchy. Charismatic and self-confident motivate others to achieve a common goal.
How to work with it:
ENTJ focuses on global goals and life-changing decisions. When working remotely and doing routine tasks, ENTJ has difficulties. ENTJ often ignores small details and takes risks without consulting with the team. Therefore, it is essential for ENTJ to be reminded of balance and constantly encouraged to discuss decisions with superiors and colleagues.
Find your personality type now with the Menteora job quiz! As a bonus, our career guidance artificial intelligence will name your most suitable professions. The accuracy of the test is 70-80% because we use a mathematical-statistical algorithm (read about Menteora's unique career guidance methodology).