Personality Traits and Leadership Skills: A Self-Assessment Analysis

This essay explores the correlation between personality traits and leadership skills through self-assessment tests. The findings from four tests are analyzed and related to relevant leadership skills. An action plan is developed to eliminate weaknesses and enhance future leadership skills. The importance of power and competitiveness in management is also discussed. Course code, course name, and university are not mentioned.

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By (Name)
Course
Professor’s name
University name
City, State

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Executive summary
The introduction segment provides the co-relation between personality traits and
leadership skills. It explains the role of self-assessment tests in recognizing the personality traits
and the associated leadership skills. Afterwards is a brief overview of the findings from the four
self-assessment tests which are based on different theories. The tests are based on the Myers
Briggs Profile, Costa & McCrae Big 5 Personality Traits, McClelland Needs Analysis and
Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. The findings are then accompanied by a critical
analysis that relates the results with the relevant leadership skills. The brief analysis also includes
my reflection on my future leadership skills. There is also an action plan that uses the SMART
approach to develop strategies on how to deal with perceived weaknesses. Lastly the essay
contains a summary which summarizes the overall information.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Review of the findings
Tabular representation 1
Costa & McCraeBig 5 personality traits
Thomas Kilmann Conflict mode instrument …..
Critical analysis
Costa & McCrae Big 5 personality traits
Thomas Kilmann Conflict mode instrument……………………………………………
Action plan
Measuring the goal
Relevance of the goal ………..
Time
Conclusion
Introduction
The leadership skills present in a person are partly influenced by his or her personality
traits. Recognizing the various personality traits using the existing assessment tests thus enables
people to discover their personality traits which in turn, help them shape leadership skills (Carl
Jung, 2017). Through the use of various self-assessment tests, people are able to recognize their
limitations and in turn, formulate strategies to eliminate these weaknesses. Additionally, people
are able to discover their interests which helps them focus on careers that suit them best.
Pursuing suitable careers gives the individual a sense of fulfillment and allows organizations to

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become more effective as they acquire qualified and reliable employees (Harrell & Stahl 2014
p.242).
Review of findings
i) Myers Briggs Profile
I am more of an extravert since I am outgoing and easily bored when alone. Interaction
with other people also enhances understanding (Naomi, 2009).I am also very practical and
skeptical about instincts or opinions that are not factual. My decision-making is mainly based on
feeling rather than thinking. This is because of my high sense of empathy and consideration of
how my decisions may affect those around me (Pat,
2001).According to Briggs, Linda and Katharine (2000). People who
love setting specific goals and definite timelines within which to
achieve them have a preference for judging than perceiving. It is
thus clear that I prefer judging to perceiving.
Tabular representation 1
Question Score
1 5
2 1
3 4
4 3
5 4
6 2
7 5
8 4
9 4
10 1
11 5
12 3
13 4
14 2
15 5
16 3

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ii) Costa & McCrae Big 5 Personality Traits
I am highly open to experience. This is shown in my preference for variety. I repeatedly
engaging in the same activity and constantly seek new activities that arouse my interest. I am
also high on the conscientiousness aspect because I abide by the law and prefer being organized
rather than spontaneous. I also seldom engage in deviant behavior. I often show extrovert
tendencies as I like the company of people and friends. I always try to avoid social isolation as
being alone tends to drain my energy levels. I am also moderately agreeable since and concerned
about the welfare of others. I however rarely compromise my beliefs to please others. I am also
not easily angered and consider myself emotionally stable.

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Tabular representation 2
Questio
n Score
1 5
2 3
3 4
4 5
5 1
6 5
7 1
8 1
9 5
10 1
11 5
12 1
13 4
14 2
15 4

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16 3
17 3
18 2
iii) McClelland Needs Analysis
From the questionnaire about the motivational needs, I ranked highest on the aspect of
autonomy. It was followed by the aspects of achievement and affiliation. Power is ranked the
least. These scores show my motivation needs as I prefer independence and freedom to make my
own choices. This is mainly because I find it easier to achieve objectives and goals which I have
set on my own. The score on achievement and affiliation reflects my desire and need to do better
and the value of teamwork in achieving organizational goals. I have do not desire power and
control over others since I find hectic to supervise or instruct people.

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Tabular representation 3
Questio
n Score
1 4
2 4
3 5
4 5
5 4
6 4
7 5
8 3
9 2
10 2
11 5
12 2
13 3

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14 5
15 5
16 1
17 3
18 5
19 4
20 1
IV) Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
From this self-assessment instrument, I discovered my preference for a more
collaborative approach towards resolving conflicts. Although I cooperate with those around me, I
still retain a high level of assertiveness which to reduce peer influence in decision making. I also
avoid or postpone conflicts especially when I do not have a relevant solution. I am rarely
competitive as I believe in setting my own goals and strive to achieve them. I am also less
accommodative to beliefs and convictions that defy my own. I, therefore, find it really difficult to
sacrifice my concerns for the sake of other people

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Tabular representation 4
Questio
n Score
1 2
2 3
3 2
4 1
5 2
6 2
7 2
8 2
9 1
10 1
11 4
12 4

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13 2
14 5
15 4
16 5
17 5
18 4
19 3
20 4
Critical analysis
I) Myers Briggs Profile
Having an ESFJ profile will contribute positively to my future leadership skills. For
instance being an extravert will help me interact and relate closely with those under my
supervision. This will create a more open environment for engagement and the generation of
ideas. Using feeling in decision making will also ensure that I consider the welfare of others
before making decisions. For instance, I will effectively cater for employee welfare by providing
better remuneration and other packages such as medical insurance, proper housing and access to
loans if given a managerial position in an organizational setting. Such decisions which are based
on feelings will help improve the organization's effectiveness by providing additional motivation
to employees which will consequently increase quality and quantity of output ultimately

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resulting in increased revenue and profits (Mumford, Zaccaro, and Harding, Jacobs, &
Fleishman, 2000, p.33).
ii) Costa & McCrae Big 5 Personality Traits
Being highly open will be a useful asset in future leadership positions. For instance, I will
be open to suggestions on how to improve productivity and output if offered a managerial
position in an organization. My desire for new ideas will give the employees a chance to use
their creativity in the discharge of their roles which will make work a more interesting activity.
This will eliminate the boredom, rigidity, and routine that is associated with white collar jobs
(Reed, & Vakola, 2006, p.405). The high degree of conscientiousness will also aid in ensuring
that workers adhere to the rules, regulations and ethical conduct at the workplace. The aspect of
conscientiousness will also help me maintain openness and professionalism by only adopting
constructive ideas that are relevant to the organization's mission and objectives. My extrovert
nature will enable me to easily relate to fellow workers. Moderate agreeableness will allow me to
remain assertive while still being empathetic to the situations of others. The low levels of
neuroticism, on the other hand, will allow me to remain calm and reasonable in emotional
situations (Thomas, 2017).
iii) McClelland Needs Analysis
The low score on power will be a positive factor in my future management career as I
will be a more democratic thus empowering those below me to make decisions regarding their
work. Empowerment in decision making is one of the main contributors to job satisfaction which
in turn motivates them to work harder thus increasing the organization’s output as well as

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revenue (Mumford, Campion, & Morgeson,2007,p.159).My drive for achievement will also be a
valuable asset and a motivating factor because of the need to do things better. My moderately
high level of affiliation will allow me to communicate and relate effectively with the workforce
thus facilitating the flow of information essential for the accomplishment of the organization’s
goals and objectives. The high score on autonomy shows my capability and desire to make
independent decisions. Autonomous leaders are able to effectively use their discretion in making
decisions that have a positive impact on the organization.
IV) Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
My preference for a collaborative approach in resolving conflict will facilitate teamwork
and cooperation within the workforce. The collaborative approach will also ensure that I retain
the needed level of assertiveness required to enforce regulations and ensure tasks are carried out
effectively. Avoiding and postponing difficult tasks until a relevant solution is found will also be
crucial in saving time and energy that will be in turn spent on solving more urgent tasks. Equally
important, my uncompetitive nature will enhance teamwork since members will be more focused
on achieving the organization’s goal rather than pursuing their own interests. My ability to
compromise will also be essential in ensuring that the interests of all parties within the

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organization are looked after (Thomas, 2008, p.10). For instance, I will ensure that shareholders
and employees receive high dividends and salaries respectively and that none suffers at the
expense of the other when the organization realizes an increase in profits.
Action plan
Specific goal
My main objective is to increase my preference for power and competitiveness in order to
become a more effective manager in the future.
Measuring the goal
I will be able to assess my progress by monitoring the number of times I have taken up
leadership roles within formal and informal settings such as class discussion groups and sports

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activities. Increased frequency will reflect an increase in preference for power. Additionally, I
will monitor my overall impact on the group’s performance in relation to other group members.
How to achieve the goal
To increase my preference for power, I will seek more leadership roles within various
environments both formal and informal. For instance, I can volunteer to be the secretary during
the class discussion groups. Additionally, I will try to contribute suggestions and points in the
discussion groups even when I have no formal leadership roles.
Relevance of the goal
The use of power is essential in the field of management allows managers to exercise
control in activities of the organization. Power can also be used to provide extrinsic motivation
for employees that are not self-driven. Power is also important to ensure effective supervision of
employee (Robert & Juri, 2002).A powerful manager gains the respect of those under him which
makes his or work easier. Increase my preference for power is therefore important in the
development of my future management skills. A competitive environment exists in almost all
organizations mainly due to the presence of rival companies and firms which seek a share of the
resources and the customer base. It is therefore essential for a manager to have the competitive
drive to ensure that the organization remains effective.
Time

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I should be accustomed to active leadership roles by the time I complete my education.
Additionally, I should be able to assume at least one leadership position before the end of my
current course. This will help me further enhance my leadership skills.
Conclusion
The self-assessment activities have revealed my traits in relation to the various aspects of
my social life. Based on the Myers Briggs Profile, I have discovered my extravert nature as well
as the reliance on intuition, feeling, and judgment in decision making. Equally, important I have
discovered my high level of conscientiousness and preference for a more organized approach to
life as opposed to spontaneity. Lastly, I have been able to recognize the weaknesses that lie in

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my personality traits and I have thus been able to form an action plan with the aim of eliminating
these limitations and transforming me into a more effective leader in the future.
References
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