It's official, we have a new president!
Barack Obama made history yesterday by becoming the first African American President of the United States!
Many websites, blogs, and news articles have attempted to "type" Barack Obama for the past year using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Hypotheses have ranged from INFP to INTJ to ENFP. After tons of reading, researching, and consideration, I am inclined to agree with Hile Rutledge's recent argument that Obama is an INFP (Introvert- iNtuitive- Feeling- Perceiving). Assuming this is accurate, what will that mean for his approach to leadership?
Personality type has strong influence on the way a person leads others. Personality type affects the way we communicate, make decisions, build relationships, and adapt to change. There are millions of definitions for the term leadership, but I like the one presented in Introduction to Type and Leadership: "accomplishing change through the efforts of others."
As an INFP, Barack Obama could be seen as an "Inspired Crusader." Based on this assumed personality type, the way President Obama would tend to set direction would be through passionately pursuing what he feels is right and considering all alternatives and possibilities for the future. That can also be a challenge at times, as one could spend too much time considering alternatives and possibilities which could be seen as slow decision making.
INFP's tend to inspire others to follow their direction by having a deep understanding of the needs of others. They typically build trust easily and are very considerate of others' feelings. The natural connection with others can also be draining for an Introvert. An INFP needs to be careful to conserve energy with extended social interaction. Also, an INFP should be careful not to excessively focus on people's needs at the expense of business needs. Balance in everything is key.
Finally, when working to accomplish goals, an INFP is able to make due without a complete plan. They do not typically get bogged down in the details of who, how, when, etc. Their focus is more on the quality of the initiative than the specific steps needed to make the goal happen. Strong support from team members who have a TJ preference can complement this process nicely. Those team members will help the INFP by making sure deadlines are met and not seen as merely suggestions.
As with any area in life, it is important to stretch beyond your natural preferences. President Obama will surely select a fantastic group of people to surround him, and their personality preference differences will help him see other perspectives. In decision making, Obama should work to bring out his Thinking side in addition to his natural Feeling preference to make a well-rounded decision. Similarly, in holding himself and others accountable, exploring the Judging preference would help him meet deadlines with less stress.
Are you an INFP and a leader in your organization?
What do you feel you uniquely bring to the table as an INFP?
What are the challenges you face?
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8 comments:
Your post was interesting because during the campaign, I concluded he was an INTJ. I'm not saying I'm correct, but that's what my conclusion had been.
As much of a crush as I have on Hile, I agree with Skip, and thought you had another post during the campaign of Obama as INTJ. Checked your previous posts, but it may have been in the comments (love your new search tool, by the way!)
Hmmm. I see the F, especially in Obama's tendency to look for common ground as a starting point. But P? I'm unsure. Perhaps it's because of my own issues with time and scheduling (ha - I'm ENFP), but I have a hard time imagining a perceiver having such an amazingly organized campaign.
It is important to remember that with any politician, what we see in the public is strategically crafted. So, many ask- is the F real or to appeal to individuals?
Also, the P is hard to determine because he has a staff that keeps him on track. He doesn't have to do anything to form his calendar- he has staff for that.
This is a great post, perceptive and accurate. I am an INFP and a teacher/coach/MBTI presenter. Obama will have the most trouble with compromise of values in the nitty gritty of government and the attempts of moneyed interests to make him their puppet. He'll be flexible and easy going until that line is crossed and then, as David Keirsey expresses it, Obama will dig in and resist and insist.
The things I feel most sure about are the N (pretty obviously N) and J. The way he ran his campaign was above all consistent. While Sen. McCain made more impulsive choices (changing message frequently, suspending campaign for economic crisis) Obama was clearly on message. I understand campaign staff is just as important as Obama in keeping message consistent, and he certainly hired good people, but I gotta think the overall vision of the campaign came from well-developed introverted iNtuition (IN*J).
I also think the level of preparation he has already made with his transition staff shows a J streak. Since Js are naturally a bit nervous about the unknowable future, things they can't plan for, they do their best to completely OVERprepare. He doesn't strike me as someone who lives moment to moment. He does strike me as someone who thinks you can never have too much information before making an informed decision, cautious and even-tempered above all else. Has he ever done anything impulsive?
I can't decide between T/F, the "hope" rhetoric is obviously NF. I have a strong suspicion his mother may have been an INFP. The things he said about her in "Dreams for my Father" give off a strong INFP vibe, perhaps he got those NF values from her?
I've been torn these last few months. I see the possibility of a very charismatic INFJ (a la MLK, Jr. and Gandhi). Then I think, Wouldn't an introvert be exhausted talking as much as he talks? And I think ENFJ. Being able to find common ground pulls me to thinking NF, but then I read stories of his Chicago politics days and I get pulled more to the NT side, INTJ.
Tricky stuff!
LOL I had no idea. Except my gut is screaming that he's not a P.
That said, I've seen a lot of websites typing him ENFP.
(For the record, I'm an INFJ.)
I believe it's REALLY unlikely that Obama is an INFP. Keirsey theorizes that we've never had an NF President! I've read studies that say that the single letter one finds in a HUGE percentage of law students is T. That an Fi would not only make it through but end up as president of Harvard Law review and constitutional law professor seems a stretch.
Also, the IPs, to my observation, tend to dislike leadership of the kind that involves actually making people do things or achieve certain results. Teaching and coaching and counseling (which NPs often like to do)are both characterized by awakening people and then letting them go down their own path. ENFPs also are known for leading a charge and then being onto the next thing before the stage of implementation is through.
I find it hard to imagine most NFs even wanting to do something that involved so much follow up once the idea has been completely articulated and formed.
I think he is either INTJ or ENTP (mastermind or Visionary) because the INFP hate conflict and will go though get lengths to avoid it. And reports say that they would not likely go into law. the INFP is the healer. the kind of person that loves the ugly and finds ways to help him feel better about themselves or better cope with the world. Also I think his temperament is (NT) because he is mostly calm during his speeches and is resolute. The idea of trying to find a common ground suggests that he a feeling type but I speculate that, that is just a front or a strategy he is using to show respect. A value he probably learned from his mom being that woman are predominantly feeling types. as a side note lets not forget about the shadow side of a personality. the shadow side of a ENTP is ENFP and of INTP is INFP so one should also put that in perspective
I am a ENFP :)
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