Eric Chavez Leaders 481, Northouse Chapter 13 8/10/14

According to Northouse (2012), the psychodynamic approach to leadership uses personality types to assess the strengths and weaknesses of individuals in leadership positions.

Understanding personality types of leaders and followers gives insight into how these individuals will relate to each other and how they may function in a work setting. The personality types discussed in chapter 13 of the textbook are based on work by Carl Jung and consist of the following classifications: extroverted versus introverted, sensing versus intuiting, thinking versus feeling, and judging versus perceiving (Northouse, 2012, Chapter 13, Carl Jung and Personality

Types). Personality types can be assessed by using instruments such as the Myers-Briggs Type

Indicator® test. Northouse (2012) reports that most research indicates that there is a preference for thinker and judger personality types in executive and upper management positions.

When reading about Jung’s personality types, I was able to quickly pick out my own personality type. My initial thoughts were validated when I took the Psychodynamic Approach

Survey in the textbook (Northouse, 2012, Chapter 13, Leadership Instrument). My results showed that I am introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. As an introvert I would rather listen than talk. I seek knowledge from reading and quiet introspection. I need time to ponder and consider options before I make a decision. Being intuitive, I like to look at the big picture and to think conceptually. I use creativity when solving problems. The feeling aspect of my personality means that I use emotions to make decisions. I like to consider facts as a thinker personality type would, but I ultimately make “gut decisions” based on my feelings about things. As a judger, I like structure, plans, and organization. Although I am capable of adapting and demonstrating flexibility as a perceiver type would, I prefer to have a plan and follow an organized schedule.

Chapter 13 of the textbook also discusses the three personality types proposed by

Sigmund Freud (erotic, obsessive, narcissistic) and a fourth type (marketing) added by Erich Eric Chavez Leaders 481, Northouse Chapter 13 8/10/14

Fromm (Northouse, 2012, Chapter 13, Sigmund Freud and Personality Types). I identify myself as the obsessive personality type. I like to follow rules and regulations. I prefer to maintain order even if I have to sacrifice acceptance and liking from others. I would rather be knowledgeable and competent than be admired and respected.

The discussion of Freud’s personality types also gives me insight into the relationship that I have with my current boss who is the chief medical officer of our organization. I serve as his associate medical director. I would classify my boss as a productive narcissist. According to the list of strengths and weaknesses of the productive narcissist (Northouse, 2012, Chapter 13,

Table 13.1), my boss has the personality type that is well suited for his job because he has vision, passion, charisma, perseverance, and a sense of humor. I admire him for those traits. Most of the time, we get along well because we have complementary areas of expertise within the field of psychiatry. However, our relationship has its difficulties because he often shows an unwillingness to listen to me when I want to share my creative ideas, he is very sensitive when I offer any criticism, and I feel that he is over-competitive with me and that he sometimes thinks that I am a threat.

Using personality assessments, organizations may be able to predict the strengths and weaknesses of individuals in leadership positions and may be able to determine why problems are occurring in different leader-follower relationships. Even though personality types cannot be changed, it is important for leaders to try to understand the personality types of their followers and vice versa so that relationships can be improved through acceptance and adjustments in communication styles. Eric Chavez Leaders 481, Northouse Chapter 13 8/10/14

Reference:

Northouse, P (2012). Leadership: Theory and Practice [Kindle for iPad version 4.3]. Retrieved

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