Leadership Style

Typically my interaction with others in an everyday setting is that I tend to try and bring everyone together, get everyone on the same page, ensure everyone involved knows the details of the situation, what the conversation is about etc. My goal is to always include everyone, make sure no one ever feels left out. I make it a point to listen to those around me, and contribute appropriately and try to engage those involved to do so as well. When it comes to responsibilities at work, at home, or on the various sports teams I play for, I am not “above” any job, or task that needs to be done. In most situations, this attitude tends to work out nicely because we are all equals for the most part, and should share in the necessary duties.

Through work, I have recently received the results back for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. My MBTI type is ESFJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging).  A quick summary of this type is that ESFJs are helpful, tactful, compassionate and orderly. They place high value on harmonious relationships and enjoy organizing people and projects to help complete the tasks at hand. Specific to leadership style, my MBTI type is described as one who leads through personal attention, gains cooperation through good relationships, keep people well informed, set an example of hard work and follow-through and likes to uphold organizational traditions. Ironically, I had written the first paragraph of this blog before I pulled out my MBTI results…so I guess the results were pretty accurate!!!What I think is most prominent about my leadership style and just my interactions with others overall, is that I really like to form new relationships and work hard to strengthen ongoing relationships. I love getting to know people on a more personal level. This can be a very good quality as well as bad for obvious reasons, not everyone can be your “friend” and can make certain situations difficult, and especially for someone like me who avoids conflict at all costs. One trait of this “type” which is very applicable to me is that I empathize with people, and am  always concerned with how they feel, which can sometimes get in the way of accomplishing whatever it is we are working towards, but I always appreciate everyone’s contributions. The overall effect of my presence on a team is that I bring a high energy level and try to keep people positive and moving forward.

I would have to say in general that most of my experiences have been very positive as far as group settings and goals are concerned. I always aim to bring a very upbeat and optimistic attitude to the groups I am involved with, especially when there is a lot of stress. At times this means I may have to be a cheerleader for a bit, oh well, whatever gets people motivated and gets the job done or game won!!!