3 Behaviors of Successful Personality Types – That You Can Steal

Every personality type can bring something valuable to the workplace – there are no bad personality traits. Yet it’s common to admire (or even idolize) certain personality types, perhaps because they represent some quality that we ourselves aspire to. Indeed, I look to other types for inspiration as I work on my own growth, both personal and professional. Certain approaches seem to bring success and fulfillment in the real world, so why not try them?

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Today I’m going to shine a spotlight on a few personality strengths that we can admire – and perhaps learn from. I’ll also touch on how it might be challenging (yet worthwhile) to emulate them. Learned behaviors are a thing, and it’s possible to practice qualities that may be latent in us but natural to other personality types. Sort of like borrowing a behavior. So, let’s gawk appreciatively at…

Logicians (INTPs)

Saying Yes to Many Potentials

As members of the Analyst Role group, Logicians tend to have, well, an analytical mindset. Like all Analyst personalities, they typically employ emotionally detached logic to understand things, form conclusions, and guide their actions. But they also have a profound ability to imagine the unlikely, often becoming inspired by potential as much as probability.

Logicians’ thoughts can lead to some esoteric motivations – they are dreamers who are willing to experiment – yet they maintain their rational way of processing information. In a professional context, this means that they can conceive clever but workable ideas that transcend boundaries. And when they’re presented with other people’s ideas, they’re more likely than many to say, “Yeah, let’s try it!” – and to help figure out how to make it work.

Being widely open to potential is something to admire, but practicing that approach may be less comfortable for Judging personalities, especially those with the Observant trait. These types tend to focus more on maximizing results within known parameters than pushing beyond the known. They may see the failures that come with frequent experimentation as too high a price. But seeking a middle ground can be a good idea, as great progress entails some risk.

Consuls (ESFJs)

Caring for the Group

Like all Feeling personality types, Consuls tend to have a notable degree of empathy and concern for other people’s feelings and well-being. But unlike some, Consuls express that care outwardly in direct and practical ways, often stepping in to administer reassuring comfort, hands-on aid, and sensible advice. In the workplace, they can sometimes project a parental energy that can have a cohesive effect on a group.

That translates into a great team vibe, encouraging cooperation and morale. And, often, all Consuls need in return is acknowledgment and appreciation for the part they play. They like creating or adding to social structure, getting great satisfaction from the feeling that they helped maintain harmony. It makes them feel like they’re in charge of something worthwhile, even if it’s not on an official level.

In most workplaces, cooperative, compassionate bonds between coworkers bring great benefits. But individualistic personality types like Introverts with the Thinking trait may not enjoy compromising their own vision or devoting lots of energy for the sake of the group. However, learning to function well as part of an interconnected social structure can be an important step toward professional success – well worth attempting, while still respecting one’s own nature.

Executives (ESTJs)

Taking Firmly Practical Action

There are many things that contribute to workplace success, perhaps none more important than being willing to act decisively and sensibly – and maintaining that approach energetically over time. Executives exemplify that style, rarely letting intangible considerations get in the way of accomplishing goals. This can make them seem a bit brusque at times, but the results tend to be impressive.

The Observant and Thinking traits contribute to this sharp, unfettered style, helping Executives stay focused on facts in the moment without getting too distracted by what-ifs or arbitrary concerns. They value an organized and thorough approach but rarely let their attention to detail stray very far from the relevant into the theoretical. That insistent practicality can bring their goals closer, faster.

Such intense, grounded focus isn’t always easy for people with the Intuitive trait to master – they tend to thrive on what-ifs. Yet mastering the ability to narrow one’s focus to the immediately relevant is an undeniably beneficial technique to employ, on occasion. Sometimes imagination must be reined in in order to get work completed effectively.

Final Thoughts

As individuals, our manifestations of personality type are unique. Looking to other types for inspiration doesn’t diminish us, but it can be a helpful reference as we strive to grow into our potential. There’s no better setting than the workplace to practice beneficial behaviors, even if they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable, and “borrowing” a behavior doesn’t require changing our personality, but perhaps just adding a useful persona.

One way to make adaptive behavior easier and more personal is to seek inspiration from people close to us. So if you know a highly effective, admirable person at work, why not have them take our personality test to understand their awesomeness better?

What personality types do you admire, and why? Let us know in the comments below!