How Personality Types Can Help You Identify Employee Strengths and Boost Team Performance

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Imagine if you could unlock each team member’s full potential — not by working harder, but by working smarter. What if, instead of trying to mold your team into a one-size-fits-all approach, you could tap into their natural strengths to create a workplace where everyone thrives?

By uncovering your employees’ unique traits, preferences and working styles, you can align their strengths with roles that set them — and your business — up for success. This isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued, engaged and empowered to contribute their best work.

As the founder of ButterflyMX , an access control company with over 200 employees, I’ve learned how to do this to create teams that operate harmoniously. By leveraging individual strengths, workers are more productive, innovative and collaborative. When leaders take the time to know their people deeper, they build trust, reduce friction and unlock a synergy that transforms good teams into great ones.

Related: 3 Ways to Learn More About Your Team and How They Work

The science of personality types

Tools like Myers-Briggs (MBTI), DiSC or the Big Five personality traits aren’t just trendy buzzwords — they’re backed by decades of research into how personality influences behavior and performance. These frameworks offer a structured way to understand how people think, communicate and problem-solve.

So, why do they work? Personality assessments reveal much more than surface-level traits. They uncover communication preferences (detailed instructions vs. broad guidelines), problem-solving styles (those who dive into data vs. those who trust their instincts) and even work environment preferences (collaboration vs. solitude). With this knowledge, leaders can create an environment where everyone performs at their best.

However, let’s clear up a common misconception: Personality assessments are starting points, not rigid definitions. They’re not about shutting people into boxes but about opening doors. Everyone is unique, and these tools help you start the conversation about better understanding, motivating and supporting your team.

Identifying strengths through personality types

Once you understand personality types, the next step is identifying your team members’ strengths.

Each personality brings unique value to the table:

Extroverts excel in client-facing roles, brainstorming sessions and group projects. They … Read More