Project Leadership and Communication: Assignment - I

The Jung typology test classified my preference type as INTJ (Masterminds). The
quantitative analysis of the type test showed that I am slightly expressed introvert (11%),
moderately expressed intuitive personality (38%), moderately expressed thinking
personality (38%) and moderately expressed judging personality (44%). When I repeated
the Jung typology test my preference was classified as ENTJ (Field Marshal) with
slightly expressed introvert and the other personality types being about the same.
Although the test indicated that I am both an introvert and extrovert personality types, my
personal experience indicates that I am a combination of both types and observed these
traits independently depending on the situation I am in. The Kersey Temperament Sorter-
II test indicated a SJ (Guardian) temperament. However, this disagrees with the inclusion
of auxiliary NT (Rationals) personality type based on Jung typology classification of
INTJ and ENTJ. I concur with this finding too because my interactions at work and
family situations is a composite of rational and the guardian auxiliary types. At work I am
more rational and less guardian in approach and at home more of guardian and less of a
rational.

Although the tests did not turn out to be a single personality type, the results were
closely identified with a combination of personality types. My personal experience in
working with different companies and in different roles closely agrees with the
personality types indicated by each of the test. In leadership roles I tend to use the
combination of both the INTJ (Master Mind) and ENTJ (Field Marshal) personality
types. I like to work both on individual and teams based projects and have succeeded in
both the environments. I believe that INTJ introvert part of my personality plays a role, as
I like to do the logical analysis and research the problem to solve it or come up with new
ideas. This also happens when I am confronted with situations where the context of the
problem is complex and needs deep thinking and introspection in order to investigate the
root-cause and obtain solutions for them.

The ENTJ extrovert part of personality helps me to work on team projects. On

those types of projects I find the need to understand the big picture first quickly, once that
is done I organize and educate the team, set goals and schedule the tasks. I plan for
contingencies and in more than one occasions it has helped the team to adapt smoothly to
sudden change in requirements. I like challenges that come about because these changes
but it should be within the scope and reason. I agree with ENTJ personality type of
getting things done, which is demonstrated by the fact that on many team projects I am
not averse to fold the sleeve and get down to troubleshoot the issues arising during the
system integration and subsequent stages of the project. I had not taken any of the
personality type testing before, but as a team leader I made sincere effort to match the
team members with the tasks they want to do. As a leader I find that teaching the team
members to fully understand the issues, helps a lot in the successful completion of
projects and also empowers them. The aspect of teaching is in line with the ENTJ
personality type. On the flip side ENTJ desires order to accomplish tasks and I find that
need to be very true for me.

My job is New Product Introduction (Manufacturing) and I am responsible for all

hardware and software aspects of the product from concept to first customer shipment.
This involves in working with many departments starting from Marketing, Engineering,
Manufacturing, Test, and Customer Service, also involves in coordinating with Suppliers,
Contractors to launch a successful first product shipment. The sustaining team will
handle all issues once the product has been shipped. The main functions of new product
engineering are reviewing the product requirements; collaborate with internal and
external teams for all manufacturability requirements and implementation and transfer of
information to Contract Manufacturing. Based on my personality type I am well suited to
perform the functions of my job. INTJ personality type is helpful in reviewing and
critiquing the concepts and to investigate new and efficient way of doing the tasks. ENTJ
personality type helps in the organizing, scheduling, communicating and collaboration
aspects of the project. The ‘Rational’ and ‘Guardian’ auxiliary type guides in conflict
resolution and communications with internal team members and external partners. Most
of the projects I work are on are global. The “Guardian” auxiliary type helps to better
understand the needs of the teams that are culturally diverse. Extrovert ENTJ personality
type helps in effectively communicating with team members to avoid the ‘Abilene’s
Paradox’. By understanding the different personality type as a leader I can make a better
choices when assigning tasks to team members and try to match them to their personality
types as close as possible. Taking the personality type tests and writing this paper on
leadership gave me a better understanding of my personality type and how to use
personality type testing when forming teams. It has also guided me in identifying the
areas of improvement to become a better leader. On a personal level it has helped me to
agree with the maxim stated at the beginning of our class that most “Leaders are made
not born”.

1) Lewis, J. Project Leadership. McGraw Hill (2003)

2) Dillard, J. UCSC Project Leadership and Communication notes (2007)
3) Jacobsen, I. Leadership at your fingertips (2003)