I am an INT-J personality type, which, as I understand it, is one of the popularly sought-after personality types in the job market because of its natural inclination toward logic, strategy, and efficiency. We are often described as visionaries and planners, excelling at setting long-term goals and working methodically toward them.
I value clarity and order, and everything needs to be set in a structured way. I set high expectations for myself and therefore equally high expectations for others. This often leads to frustration when people fall short of my standards. I used to find it easier to cut ties with those who disappointed me than to risk being let down again. As someone who thrives on efficiency, I found it difficult to tolerate repeated mistakes or what I perceived as a lack of commitment. My natural instinct was to view such situations as inefficiencies to be removed. Once I cut ties, I never gave second chances.
When I attended university, we learned about various personality types and different leadership styles. I had to evaluate my leadership style and decide which type of leader I wanted to be. I decided that I wanted to be a transformational leader, which required me to change my mindset. As part of my autism journey, I had to learn to work with people. Now I needed to understand them and embrace the diversity of human behavior. I had to accept that not everyone operates at the same pace or under the same circumstances and that people make mistakes. Just as I once gave myself permission to make mistakes and learn from them, I had to afford people the same. Growth is a process - a messy one. Over time, I’ve learned the value of patience, understanding, and the necessity of second - even third - chances, despite it going against my instincts. Often, second chances are not just about leniency but also about support and recognizing the potential for growth and the value of investing in people.
Today, I naturally take on the role of a guide or mentor, and I'm a passionate collaborator. I enjoy helping others improve, sharing insights, and fostering growth.
What personality type are you, and how does that influence the type of leader you want to be?