Building a successful startup requires a strong and cohesive management team. Just like a band, each member should bring unique skills and personalities that complement the overall performance. But how do you ensure that you have the right mix of personalities and skill sets in your team? In this article, we’ll explore the five key roles that are crucial to building a successful management team, and the MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator) personality types that are best suited for each role.

While no personality test is perfect, the MBTI assessment can be a useful tool to determine how well a person is naturally suited for a particular role and how well they will collaborate with the rest of the team. Of course, individual work experience and expertise also play a significant role in a person’s ability to perform a job successfully.

As Einstein famously said, “If you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.” So, by understanding each team member’s natural strengths and abilities, you can build a well-rounded and effective team, what I like to call “The Music” in business. Let’s dive into the five key roles and the MBTI personalities that are best suited for each one.

1. The Visionary/Innovator: ENTP, ENFP, or INTJ

The Visionary/Innovator is the member of the team responsible for generating innovative ideas and driving the team’s creative direction. This role requires someone who can think outside the box and come up with new solutions to problems. The ENTP, ENFP, and INTJ personality types are known for their ability to think abstractly and generate new ideas, making them an ideal fit for this role. They may excel in roles such as CEO, CTO, Chief Innovation Officer, or Head of Product.

2. The Implementer/Operator: ISTJ, ESTJ, or ISTP

The Implementer/Operator is the member responsible for taking ideas and turning them into actionable plans. They are detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage complex projects, ensuring that everything is completed on time and within budget. The ISTJ, ESTJ, and ISTP personality types are known for their practicality and ability to execute tasks effectively, making them an ideal fit for this role. They may excel in roles such as COO, Project Manager, or Operations Manager.

3. The Communicator/Relationship Builder: ESFJ, ENFJ, or INFJ

The Communicator/Relationship Builder is the member responsible for keeping everyone on the team connected and on the same page. They are skilled at building relationships with clients, partners, and team members, and are able to communicate effectively across different departments and levels of the organization. The ESFJ, ENFJ, and INFJ personality types are known for their people skills and ability to connect with others on an emotional level, making them an ideal fit for this role. They may excel in roles such as Sales Manager, Customer Success Manager, or Marketing Manager.

4. The Analytical/Problem Solver: ISTJ, INTJ, or INTP

The Analytical/Problem Solver is the member responsible for analyzing data and identifying patterns that others might miss. They are skilled at troubleshooting and coming up with solutions to complex problems, making them an invaluable member of the team. The ISTJ, INTJ, and INTP personality types are known for their logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, making them an ideal fit for this role. They may excel in roles such as Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Chief Accountant, or Quality Control Manager.

5. The Resilient/Flexible: ESFP, ENFP, or ISTP

The Resilient/Flexible member is the one who can adapt to changing circumstances and handle stress with ease. They are skilled at staying calm under pressure and finding creative solutions to unexpected problems. This role requires someone who is willing to take risks and handle uncertainty. The ESFP, ENFP, and ISTP personality types are known for their ability to handle stress and adapt to changing circumstances, making them an ideal fit for this role. They may excel in roles such as HR Manager, Crisis Management Specialist, or Operations Manager.

Matching personality types to key roles when creating a management team is crucial for success. Just like a band needs members with different instruments and playing styles, a management team needs individuals with complementary personalities and abilities. By building a team that is diverse and balanced, you can ensure that your organization has the best chance of success. When each member is in the right position, your team can create harmonious music and achieve great success.

Reference MBTI test: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Read more: Unlocking Business Value: Financial Metrics, Leadership, and Strategic Exits for Entrepreneurs