Pairings of Personality Types

There is no such thing as an island. In team, there is no "I."

There are a million motivational phrases out there reminding us that we're better together. However, ignoring the little (and sometimes large) idiosyncrasies and differences we have with colleagues or business partners is detrimental to our developing companies.

Over 80% of Fortune 500 businesses now utilize some kind of personality assessment to assess their workers' strengths and shortcomings. This data may be very helpful when putting together project-based teams, as well as giving insight into how to effectively address management problems and enhance organizational communication.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is perhaps the most well-known of these personality tests, which assigns individuals to one of 16 different personality types based on their unique mix of four dichotomies, all based on Jungian philosophy. Extraversion vs. Introversion, Sensing vs. Intuition, Thinking vs. Feeling, and Judging vs. Perceiving are the four dichotomies.

While it's essential to note that these personality types aren't necessarily black-and-white, and that there's a continuum even within categories, there are some that appear to organically complement one another. Knowing a prospective business partner's or coworker's personality type may help you understand how to collaborate with them in a manner that optimizes both of your efforts while maximizing your individual skills.

Here are a handful of the most common personality types that get along well

ISTJ + ESTP is a combination of the ISTJ and the ESTP

The ISTJ personality type is a problem-solver who thrives in fact-based work. The ESTP personality type is a wonderful balance for this personality since ESTPs are practical, analytical thinkers who also have excellent people skills and an enthusiasm that can make the team's work jump off the page.

The ISTJ is a superb behind-the-scenes powerhouse, while the ESTP is a natural entrepreneur.

INTP + INTJ = INTP + INTJ = INTP + INT

High-concept work appeals to both INTP and INTJ personalities. If you work in a technical area such as architecture or engineering, you may notice that these personalities are prevalent among your coworkers.

Both are hyper-logical, but INTP has an intellectual curiosity that drives creativity, while INTJ has a determined character and a strong execution ability.

INFJ + ENFP

ENFPs are extremely compassionate and outgoing people. They flourish in service-oriented jobs that allow them to express themselves creatively.

They also have great communication abilities. INFJs work effectively with them because of their inherent sensitivity to others and their ability to read people, as well as a desire to produce meaningful work.

ISTP + ENTJ

ENTJ personalities are often the center of attention in the workplace. They're competent, powerful leaders who thrive in planning and organization.

They're very rational and possess exceptional critical thinking abilities.

They work well with ISTP personalities, who are analytical and hands-on workers with a natural aptitude for problem-solving who thrive in an organized and systematic environment.

ISFP + ESFP is a combination of ISFP and ESFP.

ISFP personalities are the world's natural-born nurturers. They're dependable, flexible, and sensitive to their colleagues' problems. ESFPs share a passion for helping others, but they are more open and dynamic, looking for excitement in their job and using their natural ingenuity to create something that both helps others and generates buzz.

ENFJ + ENTP

If you put these two extroverts together on a team, the excitement will be obvious! ENTPs are natural born leaders and problem solvers.

They get along with most other personality types, but combining them with an ENFJ may help your project reach new heights.

Both of these people like working in groups and are excellent communicators. ENTPs have a lot of energy, while ENFJs have a lot of charm.

INFP + ISFJ

Both of these introverted personalities have a natural warmth and want to assist others. ISFJs, on the other hand, excel at detail-oriented jobs and are naturally structured and meticulous in their work.

INFPs strike a good mix between their excellent communication abilities (they excel at writing) and their naturally curious and creative disposition.

ESFJ + ESTJ is a combination of the ESFJ and the ESTJ

There is a lot of overlap between these personalities, but there is a difference in the Feeling vs. Thinking component.

ESFJs are social and people-oriented. They thrive on engagement and being able to meet other people's needs.

ESTJs are natural leaders, and their “thinking” abilities drive them to be rational, forceful, and determined, making them a good backup for ESFJs.

These are just a handful of the numerous personality combinations you may come across in your business interactions. While it isn't always a surefire technique, knowing how your partner or colleague views the world and what his or her strengths and limitations are may be critical to collaborating on a high-quality work output.

Thanks to Meredith Wood at Business 2 Community whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.