People are different and therefore want to be used and managed differently. However, you should also bear in mind that managers are also people who lead differently depending on their type. This insight can also make your life easier.
There are standardized procedures that can be used to classify people according to type. One such proven method is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, which can be used to classify the psychological types of people identified by Carl Gustav Jung in the 1940s according to various characteristics.
Thinking people are open to rational argument and logic and weigh the pros and cons of alternatives. Intuitive people are influenced by moods and perceptions and reflect thoroughly. Sensory people proceed analytically, check all the facts and look for recognizable factual benefits. They like to lead closely and want to be led closely. Feeling people, on the other hand, look for benefits for the people involved. They leave room in leadership and do not dictate a path. Accordingly, they also expect freedom for themselves. Judgmental people want clear structures, planning certainty and a methodically sound approach. However, they tend to think in black and white. They are decisive and are happy when decisions are made. In contrast, perceptive people like to postpone decisions and love open decisions. They like new challenges, but also adapt to new conditions. Introverted people love the undisturbed private atmosphere, weigh carefully and reflect thoroughly, while extroverted people prefer communicative exchange and feedback in direct conversation.
Isabell Myers and Katharine Briggs distinguish “guardians” from “rationalists,” “artists,” and “idealists.” In doing so, the categories summarize different traits. Guardians are united by the adjective “judging”; they move between the adjectives “feeling, observing” and “thinking, rational.” Rationalists are united by the adjective “thinking”; they move between the adjectives “judging, rational” and “perceiving, doing”. Artists are united by the adjective “perceiving”; they move between the adjectives “thinking, doing” and “feeling, intuitive”. Idealists are united by the adjective “feeling”; they move between the adjectives “perceiving, intuitive” and “judging, observing.” The characterization of people allows valuable conclusions to be drawn about their suitability for certain functions and tasks. The assessment is not a valuation, but an aid for the right use of people and the right way of dealing with them. Guardians like rules and clear structures, rationalists are suitable as reliable and careful problem solvers, artists are creative, productive free spirits and idealists long for freedom and the development of their ideals.
Think about where you see yourself. Where do you see your supervisor? Where do you see your employees?
Depending on your employees, you can and should lead specificly according to the person and the situation.