What are the Personality Types in the IT team?

Elly Panayotova
Sep 1, 2018 · 6 min read

Have you ever thought about the personality traits in your IT team?

Do you think there is connection between work performance and a person’s nature?

The MBTI test (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) is the most popular personality test, well-used in the workplace. The test has a shortened version available online and luckily is free (16personalities.com). Many are using it as a tool to hire the right employees, while others are even finding career inspiration according to their personality type.The various combinations are analysed through the answers of various questions that define 16 different types of personality. The test takers are divided into introverts and extroverts, thinkers and feelers, who are whether sensing or intuitive and judging or perceptive. Each of these characteristics appears in a four letter abbreviation explained below.

E = Extroverts — like to spend time with others; expressive

I = Introverts — like to spend quiet time; thoughtful and reserved

T = Thinkers — tend to be logical and well-reasoned

F = Feelers — make more decisions with heart; more emotional

S = Sensors — trust mostly their 5 senses; more practical

N = Intuitives — have an abstract thinking; more creative

J = Judging — like planning; dislike disorganisation

P = Perceivers — flexible and spontaneous; more open-minded

Working in an IT company,I have observed IT employees, their level of performance and inclusion. After I have tested coworkers with the MBTI test, I researched the trends in personality types in software development companies all around the world. After gathering all of this insight, both theoretical and practical, I saw some impressive patterns in employees personality type and their level of contribution in different positions. Thus I gathered some useful information about what are the types fitting best four of the job positions in the field.

Software engineers

Usually, software engineers provide a feasible solution to a client’s request for a software development project. Software engineers create these solutions by using engineering principles and guidance by their project leaders.The Inspector (ISTJ) personality type makes the perfect match to this position. Typically, ISTJs rely on their technical skills, while using their abilities to understand the requirements. Serious, respectful and hard-working, the Inspector tends to be fulfilled by completing his tasks and meeting his obligations. He is happy to follow orders and instructions, looking up to authority. They are dedicated to their work and usually going the that extra mile to prove themselves best for the job.

A software engineer with ISTJ personality is likely to be feeling good about the nature of his responsibilities, thus performing greatly at work. The only problem is that this type hardly accept any criticism that may slow down their professional improvement. Indeed, in software development projects there is a high level of constructive criticism between team members and leaders. So ISTJs are great as software engineers only if swallow their pride when working on project development.

Looking for a software engineer?

In my opinion, you would not make a mistake choosing “The Inspector” to be part of your IT team.

Software developers

Whilst working for a (bespoke software development company), I identified that developers with ISTP personality type (The Craftsman) occurred to be the best fit for the position. They are the ones who have stayed longer than others with us, satisfied with their responsibilities. Their main tasks are to design, write and try-out software systems. The creation and maintenance of these systems requires logical and creative thinking. ISTPs are always well reasoned, creative and realistic. Besides, they are analytical and love tangible results. At work people with this personality type are usually practical, flexible and innovative. The programmers have to master, install and edit applications that gives them the freedom to manipulate and utilize technical tools. That is actually the dream job for the Craftsman. Naturally, they are highly interested and intuitive about machines and tend to take risks in order to create new technology.

The ISTP type is more common among men, same as the IT careers, right? They are a bit bizarre and quiet yet they are understanding and tolerant towards others. They are likely to be reserved towards new people but they are truthful and reliable once you get to know them. Moreover, they are quite selective about their friend’s group that allows them to have more time on their own. Rather than conversations, they feel much more comfortable with actions.

Sounds familiar?

Probably there are a couple ISTPs in your IT team!

Project managers

A common discussion is what the difference is between project managers and product owners in agile management. Briefly, the project manager is responsible for the long-term vision of the project, the business strategy, the budget and the management of the team members. On the other hand, the product owner duties are to build tactical and functional work system with detailed requirements. Usually, he has more technical knowledge, while the project manager’s abilities are more business focused. Thus, their personalities, motivation and goals are different.

The essential skills for a IT project manager are good leadership, focus on communication, strategic thinking and organisation. There is no doubt, they should be persistent on the way to success, ready to face bugs, challenges and dissatisfying results. I think that their personality type, similar to CEOs, are matching the abilities of the Executive (ESTJ). Why? Firstly, these type of people are dedicated, responsible and honest. Secondly, at work they hold themselves to the highest standards, ready to take charge and speak out their ideas. Further, they are experts at laying constructive criticism and applying new methods of work. They are said to be satisfied when helping others and giving instructions to the team. ESTJs, as project managers, would be persistent in completing their obligations while responsibly delegating the tasks within their subordinates. Indeed, the Executive has no tolerance for people who are lazy as their top priority, being leaders, is to be efficient at any cost.

As for their social skills, ESTJs are great project managers because they are loyal, supportive and easygoing. In fact, people with that type of personality, are balancing very well their social interactions at work no matter if they are in charge. Naturally, they are direct and unconditionally honest, yet they are enthusiastic to make friends at work.

Wondering what personality type is your project manager?
If he is doing well, is it likely he to be the Executive!

Product Owners

Product owners are usually key stakeholders who carry out the project’s methodology to the scrum team. Their most desirable skills are communication and technical knowledge. Seemingly, the Protagonist (ENFJ) are great communicators with strong intuition and inspiration, who would make a good fit as product owners. Moreover, these people are often on leading positions, having the urge to solve problems at their best. The product owner must be tactical, qualified and committed, while having the social abilities to push the whole team forward. ENFJs are specialists at performing tasks professionally, creating an organised team, motivated to succeed. Besides they have strong work values that they could easily share and develop in a team. Hence, together with their intelligence, if delegated to be product owners in an IT company, they are capable of fulfilling the requirements of the assigned projects.

The Protagonists are charismatic enthusiasts, who are able to reach others and emotionally relate to them. They are great negotiators with high respect for others that in IT teams could has freeing effect on programmers to share ideas and opinions. Having the authority to be product owners, ENFJs would feel comfortable and confident to drive the software development project with the right functionality within the time schedule.

Have you thought about the best characteristics of a P.O.?

Apparently, people with ENFJ personality type have them all!

These are my findings about the personality types in IT companies. What are yours?

Have you taken the test yourself? Have you noticed some of these personality traits in your IT team? Leave a comment below for further discussions.

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