Ask any successful team leader why effective team communication is important, and they’ll likely have an extensive list of reasons at the ready to report back. A great leader knows that good communication is quite possibly the single most important quality of high-performing teams.
After all, if a team leader can’t relay their message, or if a team member doesn’t know how to ask for help, how can anyone be expected to get anything done? Accomplishing your common goals starts and ends with effective team communication.
But knowing that good communication is essential is only the beginning – the real work starts when you put this information to practice and develop a team communication strategy. And this goes far beyond the typical suggestions to practice active listening, pay attention to your body language and nonverbal communication cues, and employ an open communication policy.
Better Teamwork Starts with Good Communication
Good communication can only be fostered in a team if you truly know its individual team members and understand their communication tendencies and preferences. What communication channels do they prefer? Do they perform better with real-time, face-to-face communication, phone calls, or video conferencing over Zoom? Or do they thrive using asynchronous apps like Slack? Where is miscommunication happening the most?
Designing a team culture around your team members’ specific communication preferences – rather than applying generic practices for effective group communication – can go a very long way toward keeping team members happy, engaged, and productive.
And there’s no better way to quickly understand communication styles and preferences among your team members than by using personality theory.
Poor communication within a team can quickly be made more effective by taking an interest in each individual team member and fostering a work environment that is conducive to better communication. In this way, simply understanding personality theory can help you improve communication in in-person, hybrid, and remote teams.
Effective Team Communication and Personality Type: What Does Each Type Bring to Good Communication?
Are you new to personality theory? Let us quickly break it down for you. Our core theory explains that there are 16 personality types, each made up of different combinations of traits:
- Introverted (I) versus Extraverted (E) influences how we interact with our surroundings.
- Intuitive (N) versus Observant (S) determines how we see the world and process information.
- Thinking (T) versus Feeling (F) speaks to how we make decisions and cope with emotions.
- Judging (J) versus Prospecting (P) reflects our approach to work, planning, and decision-making.
There’s another aspect – Assertive (A) versus Turbulent (T) – which acts as a modifier and alters how confident we are in our abilities and decisions.
Each of the 16 personality types are assigned to one of four Roles: Analyst, Diplomat, Sentinel, or Explorer. Feel free to read our core theory article if you’d like a more comprehensive overview. For now, let’s dive into the personality Roles and types to see how each influences workplace communication.
Analyst Team Members
Analysts share the Intuitive (N) and Thinking (T) personality traits. This Role includes Architects (INTJ), Logicians (INTP), Commanders (ENTJ), and Debaters (ENTP).
These personality types are firm believers in thinking with their head rather than their heart. They embrace rationality and impartiality, often excelling in intellectual debates. To them, effective communication delivers the facts and advances the group forward. Analysts are fiercely independent, open-minded, strong-willed, and imaginative, and they generally don’t hesitate to voice their opinions in a discussion.
Analysts approach many things from a utilitarian perspective and are far more interested in what works than what satisfies everybody. Without meaning to, they may come across as cold or unfeeling to more sensitive personality types. But Analysts are certainly capable of feeling deeply – they just generally choose to prioritize facts over feelings.
On average, 84% of Analysts say they find it easier to maintain deep conversations than lighthearted ones – perhaps because, in their eyes, small talk simply isn’t efficient. Analysts’ strategic thinking skills are unsurpassed, making these types valuable team members who are capable of shaping communication to help achieve common goals.
Now let’s explore strategies for effective team communication in the workplace when interacting with each of the Analyst personality types.
Architect (INTJ)
Architects are Introverted (I), Intuitive (N), Thinking (T), and Judging (J).
Not ones to waste time, mince words, or carefully consider emotional implications, Architects are often very direct and clear in their communication. In team meetings, they’ll say what they mean and mean what they say, a refreshingly straightforward approach that can often help avoid misunderstandings or clarify common goals. They won’t shy away from questioning team leaders in their pursuit to understand why a certain workflow is the way it is. Indeed, 76% of Architects say they prefer to have conversations in person, perhaps for efficiency’s sake.
These personalities bring an earnest but serious-minded curiosity to communication with team leaders and colleagues alike – but their straightforward approach can mean that they underestimate the role of emotional tact in the workplace. Even when speaking with good intentions – which they generally do – they can occasionally miss the mark if a team member isn’t expecting honest criticism, leaving them feeling surprised (and maybe a little regretful) that things didn’t go as they had expected.
Architects pride themselves on the power of their logical, rational mind, which helps them remain objective in workplace communications and form evidence-based opinions unclouded by speculation or personal bias. This reliance on facts, data, and sound reasoning gives Architects the confidence to stand up for their ideas in the face of disagreement – though they are certainly open to hearing differing views and opinions if such communication moves the entire team closer to its goals.
Logician (INTP)
Logicians are Introverted (I), Intuitive (N), Thinking (T), and Prospecting (P).
While Logicians are the least likely personality type to say they prefer having conversations in person, 68% do still report a preference for this form of communication. Being logical and analytical thinkers, Logicians seek the objective truth, relying on extrapolations of facts and data to support their quests. This means that they’re often happy to engage in intellectually stimulating communication with team members but also won’t hesitate to call out bias or misinformation if they see it.
Nearly anything can spark Logicians’ imagination, but even a brief foray into their own internal dialogue can allow an external conversation to move on without them before they have a chance to speak. This, unfortunately, leaves them to keep their no-longer-timely insights to themselves. What may look to a team leader like poor employee engagement in large, in-person or remote teams might actually be Logicians’ efforts to show tact. Despite these efforts, Logicians’ focus on rationality over emotion when they do speak may cause team members to view them as insensitive or unkind, when that is not their intention.
Logicians are driven by an intense curiosity about the world around them – wanting to know what is and what could be. As abstract thinkers, they’ll joyfully discuss theoretical concepts as a part of group communication, perhaps even viewing this exchange of the minds as a sort of team-building opportunity. Open-minded Logicians are often quite receptive to team collaboration, welcoming new ideas and ways of doing things – as long as the ideas put forth are backed by sound reasoning, of course.
Commander (ENTJ)
Commanders are Extraverted (E), Intuitive (N), Thinking (T), and Judging (J).
If you disagreed with everyone else in a 10-person group, would you speak up? If you’re a Commander, chances are high that you would, with 94% of people with this personality type saying they’d speak up – the highest percentage of any type. Commanders trust in their abilities and aren’t afraid to make their opinions known – even if they differ from the norm. Self-confident and efficient, Commanders feel comfortable taking the lead in group communication and tend to be natural team leaders (with or without a formal leadership title).
Commanders are very good at using all of the communication tools at their disposal to push their vision – but their stubborn, dominant nature can sometimes mean that their vision is the only one that they’re willing to push. They’re unsupportive of ideas that don’t move team goals forward, and they won’t hesitate to communicate their – sometimes harsh – opinions to team members.
But when they want to be, Commanders can also be incredibly charismatic. They’re often very good at articulating their ideas by communicating clearly and persuasively, with a seemingly effortless ability to motivate the entire team to achieve its common goals. Their communication strategy can be summarized in three words: direct, efficient, and strategic.
Debater (ENTP)
Debaters are Extraverted (E), Intuitive (N), Thinking (T), and Prospecting (P).
The vast majority of Debaters – 94% – say they prefer to have conversations in person. When you consider the aptly named Debaters’ love of verbal sparring, that statistic comes as no surprise. Debaters bring an unmatched energy and enthusiasm to both one-on-one and group communication in the work environment, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything that they love more than a mentally stimulating conversation.
But Debaters can forget that not everyone is comfortable with their default contrarianism, and they can quickly become frustrated if team members refuse to engage in lively debates. They can also forget the importance of active listening, dismissing emotional appeals and listening to “win” rather than listening to understand. Over time, they may come to realize that resolving conflicts with team members by embracing a more compassionate approach is more important than outmaneuvering them in arguments.
Debaters greatly value open-minded communication and have been known to argue against their own beliefs simply for the sake of playing devil’s advocate – all meant in good fun, of course. They have a way with wit and words that team members may find compelling and a very unique communication style that manages to be simultaneously charming, entertaining, informative, and impishly clever. They never pass up the opportunity to learn something new – or share their findings with the group.
Diplomat Team Members
Diplomats share the Intuitive (N) and Feeling (F) personality traits. This Role includes Advocates (INFJ), Mediators (INFP), Protagonists (ENFJ), and Campaigners (ENFP).
These personality types focus on cooperation and harmony in the workplace over competition or “getting ahead.” Diplomats are often warm, imaginative, and empathetic individuals, and they can be quite influential in their personal and professional social circles. In a bid to understand themselves and others, they tend to have deep insights into human nature and are happy to discuss such insights in a way that’s sensitive to others’ feelings.
But Diplomats’ sensitive nature means that they might struggle in situations that call for cold rationality, such as making difficult team or personnel decisions. They’re also driven by a strong need to belong and may worry that expressing their real, authentic selves won’t lead to acceptance, driving them to act in ways that they otherwise wouldn’t.
On average, 83% of Diplomats say they often imagine how a conversation might go in advance. Because these personality types have such active mental lives and imaginations, communication with team members is oftentimes thoughtfully considered before it occurs. Such attentiveness can go a long way toward better communication and team collaboration.
Let’s take a look at how each of the personality types within the Diplomat Role approach effective team communication.
Advocate (INFJ)
Advocates are Introverted (I), Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J).
Advocates strive to move beyond superficiality to the deeper truths in life – a tendency that holds true for their communication style as well. These personality types aren’t satisfied with simple small talk. They approach conversations with a warm sense of compassion and empathy, seeking true understanding and connection. They’re keenly aware of how their words impact others and keep this in mind when choosing how to contribute to a conversation.
Advocates deeply value integrity and authenticity, and they may quickly become frustrated with team members who don’t portray such values. They also act with great meaning and care and can get frustrated when it seems like others are critical – or ignorant – of their good intentions. They might become defensive or dismissive if they feel that colleagues are challenging their values or questioning projects that are near and dear to their heart.
These types may have a preference for written communication over face-to-face discussions – 92% of Advocates say writing lets them express things that they’d otherwise find very difficult to say, which is the highest percentage of all types. But no matter the form of communication, Advocates are sure to approach it with the trademark intuitiveness that makes them able to astutely discern their team members’ motivations, feelings, and needs.
Mediator (INFP)
Mediators are Introverted (I), Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), and Prospecting (P).
Quiet and unassuming on the outside, introspective Mediators have rich inner lives, often losing themselves in vibrant conversations that take place entirely inside their mind. These types bring a deep sense of empathy and compassion to their interactions and are able to deftly tune in to others’ emotions while in the work environment. They strive for every voice to be heard during workplace communication. Though they won’t advocate for it in an outspoken way, they feel honored when team members choose to confide in them.
The same sensitivity that serves as such a strength can become a weakness, however. Kindhearted Mediators despise the idea of hurting anyone and may choose their words with too much care, ultimately talking around an issue, rather than addressing it head on, or not speaking up at all. Also, if the team or company culture is consistently stressful or negative, Mediators might internalize those moods and have a hard time with effective teamwork in such an environment.
The vast majority of Mediators – 81% – say they enjoy one-on-one conversations more than group discussions. Mediators long to connect with people on a deeper level. Whether they’re drinking tea with friends or sitting with coworkers at team meetings, curious and passionate Mediators are simply not satisfied by surface-level conversations.
Protagonist (ENFJ)
Protagonists are Extraverted (E), Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J).
An overwhelming majority of Protagonists – 95% – say they prefer to have conversations in person. Perhaps that’s because they bring such a passionate energy to face-to-face interactions themselves. Interpersonal skills are a strength for these personality types. Protagonists’ charismatic nature allows them to easily inspire others, making them more than capable of driving effective team collaboration.
While compassion is among Protagonists’ greatest strengths, it can also be one of their biggest weaknesses when they take on other people’s problems as their own. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, and everything from workplace communication to performance could suffer because of it. Protagonists may also come across as condescending or patronizing when teaching or sharing something that they feel passionate about, which can frustrate team members and lead to overall poor communication if left unaddressed.
These personality types often have strong opinions and do not shy away from sharing them, but they also strive to be receptive to differing viewpoints and encourage team members to speak their truths. Protagonists have the unique ability to make the people around them feel heard and understood – a quality that is sure to inspire better communication.
Campaigner (ENFP)
Campaigners are Extraverted (E), Intuitive (N), Feeling (F), and Prospecting (P).
A staggering 96% of Campaigners say they prefer to have conversations in person – the highest percentage of any personality type. These sociable free spirits bring a lively, upbeat energy to any and all conversations. They have a unique way of making discussions with friends and coworkers alike feel fun and engaging, and at the same time, they connect deeply with others on an emotional level.
But these personalities – especially those who score high on Extraversion – might also dominate the conversation or unintentionally engage in long discussions with team members about off-topic things. While this isn’t necessarily a weakness when socializing on their own time, it can cause problems in the workplace when efficiency is called for. Campaigners also tend to be people pleasers, and they might uncharacteristically hold back in a conversation if they’re worried about the prospect of being disliked.
Deeply empathetic Campaigners are excellent at creating safe spaces where even the most reticent team members feel comfortable opening up and sharing their ideas – a strength that serves them well in situations that require team collaboration. They bring a warm optimism in their communication and a sense of wonderment and magic to everyday life at their workplace.
Sentinel Team Members
Sentinels share the Observant (S) and Judging (J) personality traits. This Role includes Logisticians (ISTJ), Defenders (ISFJ), Executives (ESTJ), and Consuls (ESFJ).
These personality types seek security, order, and stability in all that they do, including their communication with others. They appreciate clear hierarchies and rules more than most and believe that guidelines are in place to be followed, not broken. They aim never to let team members down, so they tend to communicate well and set clear expectations around their roles or deliverables.
Sentinels may have trouble effectively communicating with more spontaneous team members who are happy to deviate from a well-made plan. In a bid to establish their beloved security and order, Sentinels may have a hard time accepting different points of view from these teammates, which may cause them to come off as stubborn or inflexible.
On average, 68% of Sentinels say they find it easier to maintain deep conversations than lighthearted ones – the second-lowest average of all Roles. Perhaps this percentage is relatively lower because Sentinels are such pragmatic people, slowly investing time and energy in others over the course of careful and consistent interactions while preserving a certain social propriety.
Now let’s explore how each of the Sentinel personality types can uniquely influence team communication skills.
Logistician (ISTJ)
Logisticians are Introverted (I), Observant (S), Thinking (T), and Judging (J).
A strong sense of personal integrity underpins all that Logisticians do and say. They’re not the type to choose their words based on what they think others want to hear – they speak plainly and always mean what they say. At 17%, Logisticians are the most likely personality type to say they rarely use body language to help them communicate. (However, it’s worth noting that 45% still say they very often or often use body language as part of communication.)
Because they hold themselves to such rigorous standards, Logisticians expect their team members to embrace such principles as well, and they can misjudge those who fail to meet the mark. And while they may not voice their disdain aloud in conversations, it could seep through in other forms of communication, resulting in the impression that they’re strict or unempathetic.
Logisticians can often stay grounded and logical during stressful or heated discussions. They bring a cool, rational perspective that can temper the heat of the moment, a quality that comes in handy when resolving conflicts. No matter what they’ve put their mind to, Logisticians’ singular goal is to be effective – a goal that extends to their communication style as well.
Defender (ISFJ)
Defenders are Introverted (I), Observant (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J).
Defenders find joy in supporting and mentoring others and will go out of their way to lend a helping hand or word if their team members should ask for it. They value harmony over competition, which is likely why just 36% of Defenders say they would speak up if they disagreed with everyone else in a 10-person group – the lowest percentage of all personality types.
This aversion to conflict can become a weakness when it prevents Defenders from speaking up to their bosses or coworkers, even if doing so would save the entire team wasted time, energy, or money. They may also become frustrated with coworkers who don’t communicate clearly or considerately. If left unaddressed, this feeling could grow into quiet resentment and later affect team dynamics.
Defenders may contribute less to a conversation than other team members, but chances are they’ve carefully considered what they choose to say, and it’s worth listening to. Their conscientious communication style is matched by an equally empathetic ability to listen intently to concerns – and help their team members find ways to resolve them. These personality types have a special talent for making the people in their lives feel known and seen, an ability that extends to their work environments.
Executive (ESTJ)
Executives are Extraverted (E), Observant (S), Thinking (T), and Judging (J).
Executives live by their two favorite tenets: tradition and order. They have a clear idea of what – to them – constitutes right, wrong, and what’s socially acceptable, and they strive to operate within the “confines” of what they view as appropriate. They tend to adopt a very direct communication style and are excellent at giving clear advice and guidance. These types do not feel shy about standing behind their ideas in a discussion, and they will defend such views relentlessly, unless they’re proven conclusively wrong.
Executives are willing to work hard to meet common goals – and they expect the entire team to be equally driven. If team members come across as lazy, dishonest, or incompetent, Executives might show their frustration by verbally lashing out. This may cause peers to view them as rigid and inflexible, and their focus on rationality and logic over emotion could clash with more sensitive personality types.
A staggering 94% of Executives say they prefer to have conversations in person. These personality types can always be counted on to deliver direct and honest communication with an emphasis on facts rather than hypotheses. They appreciate clarity and structure in all things, including communication, and will generally stick only to the relevant details in a discussion. One thing is certain – this is a type to be taken at their word. If they say that something will get done, you can consider it done.
Consul (ESFJ)
Consuls are Extraverted (E), Observant (S), Feeling (F), and Judging (J).
Consuls seek harmony in their communications – they respect team members’ feelings and will communicate with the clarity required to carry out routine work tasks. These personality types are generally well-liked and quite comfortable in social situations, able to navigate anything from small talk to deep discussions with relative ease. They have the remarkable ability to make everyone feel involved, which likely stems from their own strong need to belong.
Consuls have a very clear definition of right and wrong – and if a team member says something that is misaligned with Consuls’ moral compass, they’ll often speak up and voice their disagreement. They’re also quite sensitive when it comes to criticism or rejection and can feel demoralized because of it. A few simple words of appreciation from team members can go a long way to assuaging Consuls’ fears.
A majority of Consuls – 90% – say they prefer to have conversations in person. Though they greatly prefer that workplace communication be defined by clear hierarchies and roles, Consuls will often seek out friendships at work and are always willing to lend a helping hand. The warmth, consideration, and sincerity that Consuls bring to discussions with peers and team leaders alike can certainly help a team move toward effective communication and collaboration.
Explorer Team Members
Explorers share the Observant (S) and Prospecting (P) personality traits. This Role group includes Virtuosos (ISTP), Adventurers (ISFP), Entrepreneurs (ESTP), and Entertainers (ESFP).
These personality types are the most spontaneous of all, and they have a unique ability to connect with their surroundings in a way that’s beyond the reach of others. Such connection helps them excel in situations that require quick reactions and thinking on one’s feet. They shine in moments of crisis, where good communication and effective team collaboration are more important than ever.
Explorers’ spontaneous nature can also become a weakness in the workplace. Ask them to discuss a topic that they find frustrating or unexciting, and it’s going to be particularly challenging for them to stay focused and on task. They’re likely to perceive anything that’s unaligned with their interests as dull or boring.
A slight majority of Explorers – 60%, on average – say they find it easier to maintain deep conversations than lighthearted ones. But as long as they’re having fun and they find the discussion interesting, Explorers are likely to continue engaging in it. One thing is for certain – communication with an enthusiastic Explorer is almost never boring or repetitive.
Now let’s explore strategies for effective team communication in the workplace when interacting with each of the Explorer personality types.
Virtuoso (ISTP)
Virtuosos are Introverted (I), Observant (S), Thinking (T), and Prospecting (P).
Quiet and reserved by nature, Virtuosos seem to greatly prefer one-on-one conversations to big group discussions, with 79% saying they prefer the former. Their communication style tends to lean toward straightforward and practical, as these personalities opt for conciseness over unnecessary sharing or abstract ideas. To them, effective communication is brief, direct, and free from emotional appeals. They streamline the process, saying what needs to be said without wasting time on unnecessary words.
Virtuosos are not chatty personalities. Effusive praise isn’t in their nature, and more sensitive personality types may see them as cold or distant. Virtuosos are also not naturally empathetic or emotional, so their somewhat blunt way of communicating can, ironically, lead to unintended misunderstandings or hurt feelings among team members.
These personalities would rather spend their time doing as opposed to talking about doing. They may find hands-on demonstrations of their ideas easier than explaining them in words. Indeed, just 34% of Virtuosos say they’re good at articulating exactly what they’re thinking. Virtuosos generally adopt a dispassionate attitude, but they’re astute observers of the work environment. They know when they’re needed and when it’s best to leave others to get things done in their own way.
Adventurer (ISFP)
Adventurers are Introverted (I), Observant (S), Feeling (F), and Prospecting (P).
Thoughtful and perceptive, Adventurers can pick up on nonverbal communication signals like body language, facial expressions, and eye contact to discern team members’ true feelings and opinions. They’re naturally empathetic and can easily relate to others’ emotions and needs, weaving this into conversations to create a communication style that is both engaging and sincere.
Adventurers dearly want to feel liked, appreciated, and approved of in the workplace – so criticism can be hard for them to deal with, particularly if they see it as unnecessarily harsh or unfair. In these instances, normally easygoing Adventurers might lose their temper or simply shut down. They may also lose their characteristic charm in moments of stress or overwhelm.
These personality types have a strong preference for one-on-one conversations over group discussions, with 77% saying they usually enjoy the former. Despite – or perhaps because of – their quiet shyness, Adventurers bring a relaxed warmth to interactions with team members, creating a space where everyone can express their true selves.
Entrepreneur (ESTP)
Entrepreneurs are Extraverted (E), Observant (S), Thinking (T), and Prospecting (P).
At 67%, Entrepreneurs are the most likely personality type to say they usually enjoy conversations more with a group of people versus one person. Perhaps that’s because they dearly love to be the center of attention. But it’s not all about them – Entrepreneurs are incredibly perceptive and can easily pick up on nonverbal communication cues to discern team members’ underlying thoughts and motivations.
Entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to immediately act on the observations that they make and will call out changes or ask questions in an attempt to understand them. But their direct approach often holds little regard for emotions or feelings, which can burn bridges with more sensitive team members. They can also be impatient and have little desire to repeat conversations for team members who “don’t get it.”
These personality types bring a contagious energy to their communication. Behind this lively approach lies an analytical and action-oriented communication style – Entrepreneurs value rationality and practicality over emotional or arbitrary discussions. They prefer to remain focused on intelligent discussions of what is or what could be rather than abstract ponderings. (Or they may just dive right in and do without prior discussion.)
Entertainer (ESFP)
Entertainers are Extraverted (E), Observant (S), Feeling (F), and Prospecting (P).
Entertainers love putting on a show and have the unique ability to turn a simple conversation into an exciting, witty event. They’re hard-pressed to run out of topics to discuss, and with their warm, enthusiastic, and engaging communication style, they can easily build rapport with the entire team. These personality types are observant and sensitive to others’ emotions – they love helping team members talk out challenging problems and can provide both emotional support and practical advice, making for effective communication.
But they also enjoy a less practical side of communication – specifically, engaging in drama and gossip with team members. It’s important to note that these personalities are not ones to spread malicious rumors – rather, they’re genuinely excited to talk about whatever happens to be on their mind at the time, be that for better or worse.
The vast majority of Entertainers – 90% – say they prefer to have conversations in person. But that seems to be about all that they’ve reached a consensus on. When asked if they’d choose one-on-one versus group discussions or lighthearted versus deep conversations, Entertainers remained evenly split, with roughly half reporting a preference for each. Despite fluctuating preferences, one thing remains certain – Entertainers derive true happiness and satisfaction from time spent communicating with others.
Wrapping Up Personality Theory’s Influence on Teamwork and Effective Team Communication
Personality theory greatly influences an individual’s preferred communication style and can be used to predict where miscommunication is likely to occur. Understanding such preferences is the first step to developing a team communication strategy that works for everyone while enhancing collaboration, effectiveness, and performance.
But we caution you to remember that these observations are merely general tendencies. Your team members may have different communication strengths and weaknesses than what we have identified in this article, as influenced by their personality type, life experiences, and personal characteristics. Some individuals may have already done the work to identify their so-called weaknesses around effective team communication and developed strategies and techniques to overcome them.
Good communication is perhaps the single most important factor to cultivate in your team, and it will pay dividends for years to come – but it’s not the only factor that contributes to a team’s effectiveness. If you’d like to get insight into the whole picture – and get personalized recommendations to improve your team – we invite you to take our free Team Dynamics Quiz. You’ll see how well your team currently works together and get tips on how to improve areas that may need a boost.