Leadership Potential: Cultivating Traits for Success
One of my therapy clients once shared with me her hesitation in applying for a VP position at her company. She believed that her personality type, an ISTJ, deemed her unfit for a leadership role. The personality test she took at work labeled her as structured, detailed, and reserved, leading her to believe that she lacked the necessary qualities to lead teams or set strategies.
This mindset of certain individuals being “leadership material” while others are not is a common misconception. The idea that a leader must possess natural confidence, assertiveness, decisiveness, and charisma overlooks two essential truths:
1. There are various personality paths to becoming a strong leader.
2. Personality is not fixed, allowing everyone to develop traits that support success in desired roles.
Upon seeking my guidance, my client expressed a desire for new responsibilities and a promotion. Together, we reframed her existing traits as strengths. Her reserved nature was seen as a strength in considering others’ perspectives when making decisions, and her preference to stay out of the spotlight was beneficial in elevating her team’s performance.
We then focused on actively developing traits that would enhance her success in the VP role. Personality science suggests that traits evolve over time, and intentional actions can accelerate these changes. For instance, my client aimed to be more assertive in making final decisions during team meetings.
The concept of a ‘leadership type’ often categorizes individuals into specific boxes based on personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Enneagram. However, personality scientists rely on the Big Five personality traits – openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability – as a more scientifically supported framework.
Imagine each trait as a slider on a soundboard, with each person having a unique combination that shapes their personality. Effective leaders come in various forms, whether they are extroverted or introverted, highly conscientious or more flexible, agreeable or assertive, open to new ideas or traditional in their approach.
Contrary to popular belief, personality traits are not set in stone. Modern personality science reveals that traits evolve over time and can change even faster with intentional effort. By challenging self-limiting beliefs and engaging in behaviors aligned with the leader you aspire to be, you can cultivate the necessary traits for success.
I guided my client through identifying the traits essential for her VP role and breaking them down into actionable behaviors. Through consistent practice and stepping outside her comfort zone, she began to see herself as a leader. These new behaviors seamlessly integrated into her leadership style, showcasing the transformational power of intentional trait development.
Leadership potential is not innate but rather a collection of traits that emerge through practice, consistency, and a willingness to grow. If you’re interested in exploring your natural leadership potential and developing key traits, consider utilizing the Personal Compass Roadmap for guidance.