Applying traits theory of leadership to project management

Organizations have long used personality tests to identify the skill potentials of its employees. Some have administered such tests to most advantageously place its personnel in positions that match and challenge their potentials. This article examines which Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types are most closely aligned with the roles played by project managers. In doing so, it overviews studies on leadership traits, noting the theories that these studies inspired; it reviews the research on understanding the personality traits possessed by competent project managers, defining the six competency units--outlined in PMI's Project Manager Competency Development (PMCD) framework--that the author used to determine which of the 16 MBTI types were most closely inclined to competently perform the responsibilities associated with project management positions. It also explains how the MBTI system functions and lists which MBTI types possess a strong preference for project leadership positions.
member content locked

Become a PMI member to gain access

or Join

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Content

  • Project Management Journal

    People as Our Most Important Asset member content locked

    By Dupret, Katia | Pultz, Sabrina In this article, we examine how employees experience different types of work commitment at an IT consultancy company using agility to give staff greater autonomy and decision-making latitude.

  • Thought Leadership Series

    Sainō no gyappu o sebameru member content open

    PMI to PwC no saishin no sekai-tekina chōsa ni yoru to, purojekutobēsu no soshiki no ma de, zento ni yokotawaru risuku, oyobi jinzai kiki ga purojekuto to senryaku o mitasu nōryoku ni oyobosu…

  • Thought Leadership Series

    tadyiq fajwat almawahibi member content open

    tushir 'ahdath al'abhath alealamiat alati 'ajraha maehad 'iidarat almasharie (PMI) washarikat brays wawtirhawis kubarz (PwC) 'iilaa wujud naqs fi alwaey , 'aw rubama baed altarakhi , bayn…

  • Thought Leadership Reports

    Combler le fossédes talents member content open

    PMI and PwC's latest global research indicates there is a lack of awareness, or perhaps some complacency, among project-based organizations of the risks that lie ahead, and the potential detrimental…

  • Thought Leadership Reports

    Reduzindo a falta de latentos member content open

    A mais recente pesquisa global do PMI e da PwC indica que há uma falta de conscientização, ou talvez alguma complacência, entre as organizações baseadas em projetos sobre os riscos que estão por vir…

Advertisement