Productivity tips for 16 personality types based on MBTI

Have you ever heard someone call themself an ISFJ or an ENTP and wondered what these seemingly random letters mean?

Let’s solve the mystery right away: each letter represents one personality characteristic and when you combine them, you get one of the 16 MBTI personality types.

In this article, we’ll talk about the 16 MBTI personality types, how they function in the workplace, and what they can do to improve their productivity.

I wrote this blog post with the help of my friends and my colleagues who were so kind to participate in my mini-research on this topic and provide me with their insight.

What are MBTI types?

Let’s begin with the basics.

Developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality types. They recognized 4 scales for determining personalities.

4 Scales for determining MBTI personalities

Four different scales determine which one of the 16 personalities you are:

• Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I). We can think of extroverts and introverts as categories that are on opposite sides of the spectrum, like two extremes:
  • Extroverts are more action-oriented and feel energized after social interactions.
  • Introverts are more thought-oriented, and they “recharge” when they’re alone. 
• Sensing (S) and Intuition (N). This scale refers to the way we gather information from the world around us:
  • The sensing types gather information from reality, facts, and experience.
  • The intuitive types prefer impressions, possibilities, and abstract thinking.
• Thinking (T) and Feeling (F). After we gather data, we process them in two ways:
  • Thinking, which involves logic-based processing.
  •  Feeling, which involves emotion-based processing.
• Judging (J) and Perceiving (P). This refers to our attitude toward the outside world:
  • Judgers prefer structure and order.
  • Perceivers prefer being flexible and spontaneous.

What Myers-Briggs personality type are you?

If you don’t already know, take this test to find out, and then come back to read our tips on how to increase productivity based on your personality type. 

But first, let’s see whether some MBTI types are more productive than others — and whether you should stick to your MBTI personality type blindly.

Criticism directed at Myers-Briggs types

When it comes to the MBTI 16 personalities test, there’s no doubt that it’s extremely popular. But, some experts point out that this test isn’t always reliable.

Here are the key reasons why critics don’t acknowledge the MBTI test.

The MBTI test doesn’t predict employee performance or effectiveness

In his article on the MBTI test and its flaws, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, points out that tests must predict important outcomes. So, if we use some personality tests during the hiring process, these tests need to reveal how a candidate will perform the job.

Now, can we use the MBTI for such purposes? The short answer is — no.

Grant says that many surveys have shown how diverse occupations bring in people of diverse MBTI types. But, there’s no evidence that your MBTI will affect job performance or effectiveness.

Although this test won’t predict someone’s performance, some experts believe that the MBTI type is linked with job enjoyment. Thus, your MBTI type shows you your strengths and weaknesses — and, according to these traits, your MBTI score gives you career suggestions.

The MBTI test contains mutually exclusive categories

The MBTI 16 personalities test has categories that are represented as two extremes. 

For instance, Thinking and Feeling. According to MBTI, we either process data logically or emotionally. 

But, Grant says that Thinking and Feeling go hand in hand. He adds that many studies have shown that people with good thinking and reasoning skills are also good at understanding and managing emotions. 

Thus, they should be used in the MBTI test as two separate categories and not two opposites of the same scale.

The MBTI test scores may change 

Another flaw of the MBTI test is that the results are not always reliable — retaking the test may not bring the same results. 

According to one study on measuring MBTI results, when people retake the test after 5 weeks, around 50% of them get a different score the second time. Now, our personality traits can change over time, during our life — but it’s unlikely we’ll significantly change after only 5 weeks.

—

We covered some reasons why experts don’t find the MBTI test a reliable tool for analysis.

But, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them as a fun hint for your future productivity routine — especially if you get the same results after each retake, and really relate to your scores. 

Are some MBTI types more productive than others?

To find an answer to this question, we reached out to Molly Owens, CEO & Founder of Truity. Before founding this company, Molly worked as a therapist and an organizational performance consultant. 

In her opinion, all MBTI types can be highly productive. At the same time, certain types are more inclined to certain ways of working and behaviors that are correlated to productivity. Here’s what Molly says about each category:

Molly highlights that other types can be super-productive too, it just looks different:

Thus, all MBTI types are equally productive. The only difference is that particular categories prefer particular behavior that helps them be more effective. 

16 MBTI types and how they behave at the workplace

The MBTI test includes four categories, and each category contains four personality types:

1. Analysts: INTJ (The Architect), INTP (The Logician), ENTJ (The Commander), and ENTP (The Debater).
2. Diplomats: INFJ (The Advocate), INFP (The Mediator), ENFJ (The Protagonist), and ENFP (The Campaigner).
3. Sentinels: ISTJ (The Logistician), ISFJ (The Defender), ESTJ (The Executive), and ESFJ (The Consul).
4. Explorers: ISTP (The Virtuoso), ISFP (The Adventurer), ESTP (The Entrepreneur), and ESFP (The Entertainer).

Let’s shed light on each of these personality types — and see what helps them be more productive at work.

INTJ (The Architect personality type) in the workplace

An INTJ is a quick-witted, detached, and rational individual. They question everything and enjoy breaking the rules. They have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, which often makes them academically oriented. 

Architects are intelligent, curious, and determined. They can also be arrogant, overly critical, and dismissive of emotions.

INTJs think outside the box and thrive when working alone or in small groups, so they would excel in careers in:

• Project management, 
• Marketing strategy, or 
• System engineering.

Architects have very high standards for themselves, and they usually do their job the best they can, which makes them great employees. They like working independently and can’t stand being micromanaged and wasting their time in pointless meetings.

An Architect typically wouldn’t hold back from offering anyone (including their manager and boss) constructive criticism — which can backfire, as not everyone is a fan of that.

Even though they prefer working alone, INTJs make very good managers, as their priority is effectiveness and innovation — not just being in charge for the sake of it. They treat their subordinates as equals and give them freedom.

How to be more productive if INTJ personality type (i.e. the Architect)

Here’s what you can do to improve productivity as an INTJ:

1. Make to-do lists. Architects are great at planning. It comes so easy and natural to them that I didn’t even include it on this list, since I’m sure they already do it. However, they are a little less great at taking action. To-do lists let you plan your tasks, but they also force you to do them to cross them off.
2. Break down bigger tasks into smaller chunks. Big projects often seem overwhelming, especially when you’re a perfectionist. To avoid procrastination, break bigger tasks down into smaller tasks that seem more doable.
3. Remember the 5-minute rule. Another trick for procrastination is to make a deal with yourself that you’ll do that one thing you dread for only 5 minutes. Realistically, you’ll end up doing it for more than 5 minutes, but it’s important to force yourself to start.
4. Give yourself a deadline. You function well in deadline-based environments; use it to your advantage. Plan and assign deadlines to all tasks, not just work-related ones (yes, especially those you don’t want to do).
5. Create a routine that works well for you. As an INTJ, you are not the type of person who’ll do something only because everyone else is doing it. You would benefit from having a routine, but only the well-thought-out one that makes sense to you.

INTP (The Logician personality type) in the workplace

An INTP is a logical, inventive, and creative individual who loves patterns and problem-solving. They are unconventional and don’t like rules. Logicians are also self-driven and have high standards for themselves. 

On the other hand, they are not very emotional and have a big fear of failure. They can be insensitive and aloof.

Since they like working by themselves and having freedom, corporate jobs usually aren’t the best option for them. They function better in smaller work environments or working alone — great options for them are:

• Laboratory research, 
• Data analysis, or 
• Freelance copywriting.

Their analytical mind and a desire for intellectual stimulation make Logicians resourceful and hard-working employees if they are given good working conditions and enough freedom.

If you’re an INTP, you like coming up with ideas and concepts, but handling the logistics is not your cup of tea, so being a manager may suit you. Your criticism is often very valuable as you’re great at noticing inconsistencies.

How to be more productive if INTP personality type (i.e. the Logician)

Logicians are usually procrastinators, which is their biggest obstacle to being productive. There are a few ways to overcome procrastination:

1. Do the hardest task first or eat the frog, as some would say. Do it when your mind is still fresh, and you have the mental energy to deal with it. The sense of accomplishment will follow you throughout the day and make you even more productive. 
2. Delegate. Look at your to-do list. Is there anything you can delegate to someone else? If so, do it and make time for things that are more important to you.
3. Have a good morning routine. Doing the same (hopefully productive) things every morning will make your brain know you mean business, and it will get you in the right mindset to work.
4. Make work a game. Productivity doesn’t have to be boring — have fun with it. If you like video games, make challenges and set a reward system if you accomplish them, give yourself a limited period to accomplish it, etc.
5. Remember that completed is better than perfect. Logicians are often perfectionists, and perfectionists sometimes tend to procrastinate. Try to remember that a finished task, although imperfect, is better than one that hasn’t even started yet.

ENTJ (The Commander personality type) in the workplace

ENTJs are natural-born leaders, confident and charismatic, often found at the center of attention. They love challenges and are highly determined to tackle them. 

ENTJs are strong-willed, energetic, and confident, but they are also stubborn, impatient, and can be arrogant. Handling emotions is not what they’re particularly good at.

Their vision and drive make them great:

• Entrepreneurs, 
• University professors, and 
• Lawyers.

As their name says, Commanders function best in a position of power, for example in executive or managerial roles. Being a leader is natural to them, so they often find subordinate positions challenging.

ENTJs are great communicators and very driven. They hold themselves to a high standard and appreciate constructive criticism: their goal is to do the job as efficiently as possible.

As a coworker, a Commander is very sociable and enjoys sharing ideas.

How to be more productive if ENTJ personality type (i.e. the Commander)

Being productive typically isn’t a problem for ENTJs, but there’s always room for improvement. Here are a few things you could do:

1. Track time. Tracking time is the best way to see where your time goes and if there’s anything you can do to improve. There is a variety of time tracking apps available that are easy to use and won’t interrupt your workflow, like Clockify.
2. Find a routine. Commanders often enjoy having a routine, as it makes them more efficient and helps them avoid decision fatigue. If you don’t have one, try it out!
3. Find the right playlist. It can get you in the right mindset better than anything else, it’s just up to you what genre you choose.
4. Work smarter, not harder. You are a hard worker, but efficiency is your ultimate goal. When you find yourself working a lot but not accomplishing much, take a step back and try to work smarter instead of harder.
5. Set both short-term and long-term goals. You function best when you have the big picture in mind — after all, short-term goals are just steps to accomplish your long-term goals.

ENTP (The Debater personality type) in the workplace

An ENTP is a sharp, honest, and independent individual. They always seek knowledge and love discussing ideas, sometimes playing the devil’s advocate. 

A Debater finds more satisfaction in debating than being liked — they often enjoy being underdogs. They are charismatic and great at brainstorming and communicating, which makes them a valuable addition to numerous work environments. 

However, they can also be too argumentative and insensitive.

ENTPs love problem-solving, but they don’t always enjoy being practical: they like discussing ideas and theories more. They make great:

• Entrepreneurs, 
• Lawyers, and 
• Psychologists. 

Their nightmare is doing a monotonous job.

Debaters strongly believe in meritocracy and can be a little utopist in that sense, as that’s not how it always is in many workplaces. They don’t mind challenging the ideas of their superiors, and they aren’t fond of rules.

They accept criticism well as long as it makes sense: they appreciate honesty and want their work to be the best it can possibly be. 

Furthermore, Debaters function well in manager positions, and they give their subordinates freedom, as they love having freedom too.

How to be more productive if ENTP personality type (i.e. the Debater)

Here’s how Debaters can work on being more productive:

1. Prioritize. Divide your tasks by their importance and urgency (you can check out the Eisenhower matrix to help you with that). Do the important and urgent ones. What to do with the rest? Well, it brings us to our next point.
2. Delegate and outsource what you can. It will allow you to spend more time thinking about exciting ideas and new concepts.
3. Set clear goals. You are good at accomplishing goals that make sense to you and that you find value in. Make all your goals SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
4. Take breaks. Take time to clear your head: take a walk, clean, or take a nap. Your focus will be better and your mind will be fresher.
5. Declutter. You can sometimes find it difficult to focus: decluttering will help you function better, think better, and have fewer distractions.

INFJ (The Advocate personality type) in the workplace

INFJ is the rarest personality type.

They are creative, compassionate, and sensitive. They are especially sensitive to injustice and their purpose in life is often to help others. Advocates are usually insightful and altruistic, as well as perfectionistic. They often find it hard to open up.

They thrive in careers in which they have the chance to connect and help people: 

• Teachers, 
• Psychologists, 
• Authors, and 
• Medical workers are some of the best career options for them.

Advocates’ work must align with their purpose and values; it also has to give them the freedom to be creative. If these criteria are met, they will excel in any workplace.

Hierarchies don’t matter to them, as they see themselves as equal to everyone else. They often feel frustrated if they feel unheard and unappreciated by their colleagues. 

They are usually well-liked in their workplace because of their positive and cooperative nature — although, as introverts, they like working alone.

How to be more productive if INFJ personality type (i.e. the Advocate)

Here are some practical tips for boosting your productivity as an INFJ:

1. Schedule your time. Having a schedule will help you become more organized and ensure you have time for everything.
2. Find a work-life balance. Advocates are often prone to burnout and stress, so this is the key. You can’t pour from an empty cup: you need time to relax and recharge to be able to do your job well.
3. Exercise. Working out is good for both physical and mental health, and it helps reduce stress. I’m not saying you must become a gym rat — any physical activity that gets your heart pumping will work just fine.
4. Learn to say no. Your time and energy are valuable, and you need to realize that. Saying yes to everything is a sure way to burnout.
5. Set reminders. If you catch yourself forgetting little tasks like watering your plants or picking up the packages on time, set reminders.

INFP (The Mediator personality type) in the workplace

An INFP is an open-minded, empathetic, and creative individual, with vibrant inner life and curiosity for the depths of human nature. 

Many writers and artists are INFPs. They thrive in an environment with a low-stress level, doing a job that gives them a sense of purpose.

Mediators want a job that will not only pay their bills but make them fulfilled. They don’t like to be involved in drama, and they tend to avoid conflict. They can be overly idealistic and self-critical (and at the same time, very sensitive to constructive criticism).

INFPs don’t like hierarchies: in their ideal workplace, everyone is equal and everyone feels valued and comfortable sharing their ideas. If a Mediator becomes a manager, they’re not likely to act like they’re in charge or micromanage: they treat their employees as human beings, and they like to hear their input and opinions.

They also don’t like high-stress and bureaucratic work environments. Mediators are dedicated and considerate. They like to be independent, but also appreciate having some structure.

How to be more productive if INFP personality type (i.e. the Mediator)

You have big ideas and ambitions, you just need to be a bit more practical, so you can achieve everything you’ve dreamed of.

1. Make a strategy. You probably already know what you want and what your goals are, but you need to make a step-by-step plan on how to get there, so you can accomplish them easier.
2. Make to-do lists. It’s one of the most simple, yet most effective ways to stay organized and productive.
3. Get rid of all distractions. Phone notifications, talking, daydreaming, music: know what distracts you, and then take necessary steps to avoid it.
4. Make your space clean and tidy. Clean, decluttered space will make you think and function better. If you like your creative mess, just make sure it’s never out of control, as a cluttered space often brings additional stress.
5. Work on being more open to criticism. Try thinking of criticism as an opportunity to get better, not as an attack on you as a person or as someone thinking you’re bad at what you are doing. Criticism is beneficial for many reasons, mostly because it helps you reflect on your work. As an INFP myself, this is what I used to struggle with the most, but I got better as soon as I stopped taking it personally and started taking it as help it actually is.

ENFJ (The Protagonist personality type) in the workplace

An ENFJ is a passionate, altruistic, and eloquent individual. They like to inspire and work on improving both themselves and their community. Communication comes very naturally to them.  They are tolerant, reliable, and natural leaders, but also overly idealistic and too sensitive. They can struggle with making hard decisions.

Because of their natural inclination to inspire and help people, they thrive in career paths such as: 

• Teaching, 
• Counseling, 
• HR, and 
• Sales.

Protagonists are usually very likable and can function well in different roles. They are reliable and eager to help, but they need to be careful not to overwork themselves. Sometimes, they accept extra work to avoid conflict and criticism.

They are cooperative and usually get along with their colleagues: they love working in an environment where everyone is comfortable expressing their ideas and thoughts.

How to be more productive if ENFJ personality type (i.e. the Protagonist)

Even a protagonist needs advice sometimes — here’s how ENFJs can boost productivity:

1. Prioritize. Divide your tasks by their importance and urgency: do the important and urgent ones, delegate the ones that are urgent but can be done by someone else, and schedule important but not urgent ones.
2. Learn to say no. Your time and energy are valuable, and you need to realize that. Saying yes to everything is a sure way to burnout.
3. Organize your space. Make your bed, organize your desk, and wash the dishes. Cluttered space makes your mind cluttered too.
4. Plan your day the night before. That way, when you wake up the next morning, you’ll already know what to do and how to organize your day.
5. Don’t overwork yourself. Find a good work-life balance and make sure you give yourself time to relax and recharge. You won’t be productive if your mind is tired and can’t focus.

ENFP (The Campaigner personality type) in the workplace

An ENFP is a charming, free-spirited, and energetic individual. They are curious and observant, and their openness and great communication skills help them always have a group of friends around them. 

Campaigners can be highly emotional, which is both good and bad, depending on the situation. They also tend to overthink and get stressed easily.

Because of all of this, Campaigners typically thrive in environments where they can work with people and/or network. They also like challenges and constantly developing and improving themselves.

ENFPs don’t like strict rules and prefer exploring new alternatives; their growth-oriented mindset often impresses their superiors. Campaigners like brainstorming and listening to other people’s ideas as much as sharing their own. They love learning new things, but their interest can start fading as soon as they get a grip on a concept.

A Campaigner is a people person, and their colleagues can easily become their friends too. As a manager, they take the role of a leader rather than a superior, working alongside their subordinates and inspiring and motivating them if necessary.

How to be more productive if ENFP personality type (i.e. the Campaigner)

Your biggest challenge is staying focused. Here’s how you can improve your focus and, consequently, your productivity:

1. Write to-do lists. It’s best to write them the night before, so when you wake up, you already know what you have to do and what your day is going to look like.
2. Take regular breaks. Your brain can’t stay focused forever, and when it gets tired it searches for distractions. Take short breaks every 45–60 minutes to keep your mind fresh.
3. Eliminate distractions. Speaking of distractions — be aware of what distracts you the most and make sure you get rid of it when you’re working.
4. Live healthily. Regular sleep, exercise, and nutritious food (especially healthy fats and fruit and vegetables such as berries and broccoli) can significantly help your brain focus more easily.
5. Batch similar tasks together. When you switch to a task completely different from the one you were doing before, your brain has to adjust to a different way of thinking and loses some focus in the process. To minimize that, batch similar tasks together and do them one after another.

ISTJ (The Logistician personality type) in the workplace

An ISTJ is a practical, logical, and dedicated individual. They take responsibility for their action and pride in the work they do. 

They prefer analyzing over making assumptions. Tradition, stability, and security are their main values. They are calm, strong-willed, and responsible, but they can also be judgmental and stubborn. Logisticians have strong opinions and aren’t afraid to share them.

Because of all of this, they would thrive in career paths like:

• Law, 
• Military, and 
• Police.

ISTJs’ preferred work environment has clearly defined rules, structure, and hierarchy. They’re hard-working, dependable, and like having responsibilities, which makes them great employees. Logisticians function best when they work in peace, usually by themselves. No matter what task you give them, they’ll do their job seriously and responsibly. They are punctual and always respect deadlines. However, they can be sensitive to criticism.

How to be more productive if ISTJ personality type (i.e. the Logistician)

Logisticians are naturally highly productive and rarely need additional motivation to get things done. You may not do your best if your work environment is too stressful, as you crave security and tranquility; in that case, these are the things you can do:

1. Find the right playlist. The one that’s calming, doesn’t distract you, and helps you stay productive.
2. Have a neat, decluttered workspace. Living in a mess can add even more stress.
3. Work on adapting to changes. Logisticians often don’t like changes very much, but they’re an unavoidable part of life. Remember that the only constant thing in life is change and try not to stress out about stressing out.
4. Take meditation or mindfulness breaks. Not only will they help you stay focused, but they will also keep you calm in a stressful work environment.
5. Focus on 3 important things each day. If you manage to do more than those 3 things, great! But if not, that’s okay: the priority is to do those top 3 tasks for each day.

ISFJ (The Defender personality type) in the workplace 

ISFJs are very interesting individuals — social introverts, both conservative and open to new ideas, sensitive but analytical, reserved but good communicators. They are supportive, reliable, and patient. Defenders also tend to repress their feelings and take things too personally.

They are creative and love to help people, so they would excel in positions such as: 

• Counselors, 
• Technical support, 
• Nurses, 
• Teachers, or 
• Interior designers.

Defenders are reliable and dedicated employees whose ultimate goal is maintaining excellent service. They don’t mind working hard as long as they know they’re appreciated and valued. Having a supportive team and a positive work environment is incredibly important to this type of person.

As they’re always willing to help and avoid conflict, they need to be careful not to get exploited at work.

How to be more productive if ISFJ personality type (i.e. the Defender)

Here’s what Defenders can do to fend off productivity issues:

1. Give yourself credit, don’t downplay your skills and accomplishments. Appreciating and respecting yourself will make others appreciate and respect you more. Not to mention their taps on the back will give you wind at the back and empower you to do your job even better.
2. Don’t overload yourself, prioritize. Every day, choose up to 3 top tasks that need to get done and focus on them. Others you manage to do are just a bonus.
3. Have a to-do list or checklist. Defenders typically like structure, so these types of lists help them stay on track, organized, and productive.
4. Track your time. Tracking time is the best way to see where your time goes and if there’s anything you can do to improve your time management.
5. Take regular breaks. Your brain can’t stay focused forever. Take time to clear your head: take a walk, clean, or take a nap.

ESTJ (The Executive personality type) in the workplace

ESTJs are natural-born leaders who have a talent for bringing people together. They believe authority must be earned and that you should lead by example. 

Tradition, order, dignity, and honesty are what they value most. Many US presidents were this personality type. They are excellent organizers, strong-willed, and reliable. On the other hand, they can be judgmental, inflexible, and stubborn.

ESTJs are loyal, so they like working for one employer as long as possible, preferably in a well-known, prominent organization. They would excel in careers in: 

• Law, 
• Military, 
• Medicine, and 
• Politics.

Executives know what they bring to the table and expect the same in return. They have high standards for themselves, as well as for others. As they’re hard-working and self-motivated, executives can do well in every position, but they prefer to be leaders. 

They like doing things by the book, but if a new method is proven to be better, they’ll do their best to adapt.

As coworkers, they’re friendly, down-to-earth, and enjoy networking.

How to be more productive if ESTJ personality type (i.e. the Executive)

Here’s what you can do to improve your productivity as an ESTJ:

1. You may find it difficult to relax, so make sure you have a good work-life balance. It’s crucial for both your mental health and productivity.
2. Organize your day the night before. That way, when you wake up, you’ll know exactly what you have to do and how to organize your day.
3. Minimize distractions. Try to cancel the noise around you and put your phone on “do not disturb” to enter deep work mode.
4. Make to-do lists. To-do lists are the simplest, yet most effective way to get more productive. They’re useful for one more reason — you can revise them from time to time and make sure you aren’t overworking yourself.
5. Be open to new ideas and suggestions. As an Executive, you’re focused only on one possible solution, and you’re ignoring all the alternatives. Consider trying to solve an issue from a different, new perspective.

ESFJ (The Consul personality type) in the workplace

An ESFJ is a people person, sociable and altruistic. They are great at connecting with others and have a strong sense of duty and practical skills. ESFJs can also be vulnerable to criticism and inflexible.

As well-organized social butterflies, Consuls thrive in career paths like: 

• Administration, 
• Social work, 
• Team management, and 
• Teaching.

ESFJs are reliable and hard-working employees, especially if their work gives them a sense of purpose and their workplace has a clear hierarchy. They love working in a team, but they need their team to be as productive and competent as they are. Consuls pay attention to details, and they have great communication skills.

For them to thrive in a work environment, they need to be provided with clear expectations and to feel connected to their work.

How to be more productive if ESFJ personality type (i.e. the Consul) 

Follow these tips to become more productive as a Consul:

1. Plan your day the night before. By writing your to-do lists the night before, you set yourself up for success — you wake up already knowing what you have to do and what your day is going to look like.
2. Set your priorities. When you’re writing your to-do lists, choose up to 3 tasks you absolutely need to get done. These are your top priorities. If you manage to cross off other tasks from the list, great, but do them only after you’re done with the top 3.
3. Seek feedback. It may or may not be scary, depending on the person, but will benefit you in many ways.
4. Analyze how you are doing so far and how you can improve. Apart from seeking feedback, you can also analyze your performance to figure out the areas you can work on. Time tracking your work hours is one of the ways to do so.
5. Set deadlines for yourself. You function well in deadline-based environments — use it to your advantage. Plan out and set deadlines for all tasks, not just work-related ones (yes, especially those you don’t want to do).

ISTP (The Virtuoso personality type) in the workplace

An ISTP is an individual who likes exploring and making things with their own two hands. They enjoy creating and improving themselves through experience and trial and error, as well as talking with others about their projects. 

Virtuosos are friendly (although usually private people) and like to offer a helping hand. They are optimistic, creative, and practical. ISTPs are also easily bored, and they dislike commitment.

As they’re skilled and love diversity & problem-solving, Virtuosos make great:

• Engineers, 
• Mechanics, and 
• Graphic designers. 

ISTPs are also great in crises, so they can excel as paramedics or firefighters.

A Virtuoso’s ideal workplace is fun, exciting, and unpredictable. They don’t like strict rules and the inability to express creativity. ISTPs prefer practical work over analyzing and coming up with strategies. 

As managers, they don’t micromanage or set strict boundaries because they wouldn’t like to be treated like that themselves.

How to be more productive if ISTP personality type (i.e. the Virtuoso)

Here’s how ISTPs can become more productive:

1. Batch similar tasks together. When you switch to a task completely different from the one you were doing before, your brain has to adjust to a different way of thinking and loses some focus in the process. To minimize that, batch similar tasks together and do them one after another.
2. Communicate more effectively. Listen actively, try to verbalize your thoughts as clearly as possible, and be aware of the importance of nonverbal communication (body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, etc).
3. Choose one day for planning. You probably don’t like planning, analyzing, and coming up with a strategy, but it’s often necessary. Choose one day every week to finish these tasks, so for the rest of the week, you can do something you like more.
4. Delegate. Look at your to-do list. Is there anything you can delegate to someone else? If so, do it and make time for things that are more important to you.
5. Align your short-term goals with long-term ones. Virtuosos usually find it challenging to keep their focus on their long-term goals. So, once you create your long-term objectives, try breaking them down into smaller elements — short-term goals. This routine will help you have a better idea of what you’re trying to accomplish and how to do that, without losing your focus. 

ISFP (The Adventurer personality type) in the workplace

An ISFP is an artistic, experimentative individual who enjoys challenging the status quo. They are risk-takers and pursuers of their passions. Adventurers don’t appreciate criticism.

Charming, independent, and curious, but also easily stressed and overly competitive are the characteristics of this personality type.

Above all, ISFPs need creative freedom. That’s why they thrive as: 

• Artists, 
• Musicians, 
• Designers, and 
• Freelancers.

Corporate environments are not for Adventurers — they don’t like rules and being micromanaged. They love working around people and are pleasant to be around, but as introverts, positions that require heavy social interaction are not for them. 

ISFPs function better in deadline-based positions, where they can organize their time and have more freedom. Positive critiques and pats on the back go a long way for ISFPs and give them the motivation to work harder.

How to be more productive if ISFP personality type (i.e. the Adventurer)

An Adventurer doesn’t need to have an adventurous schedule to be productive. Here are some tips to help them be more efficient at work:

1. Set goals. It’s important to set goals to make sure you’re going in the right direction. It’s easier to be productive when you know why you are doing it.
2. Track time. One of the benefits of tracking time is finding a good work-life balance and making sure you aren’t getting overworked.
3. Have a specific day for planning. Adventurers typically don’t like thinking long-term and planning, but it’s often necessary to do so. You can pick one day in a week to finish all those unpleasant tasks so you don’t have to worry about them every day and ensure you get them done. Win-win.
4. Take mindfulness or meditation breaks. You can get stressed easily, so it’s a good idea to take regular breaks to relax and ease your mind.
5. Break tasks into smaller chunks. Big projects often seem overwhelming. To avoid procrastination, break them down into smaller tasks that seem more doable.

ESTP (The Entrepreneur personality type) in the workplace

An ESTP is the life of the party, energetic and sociable. They love drama and life’s pleasures — long theoretical discussions are not their cup of tea. 

They would rather live according to their moral compass than someone else’s. Entrepreneurs are observant, bold, rational, and practical. However, they can also be insensitive, impatient, and risk-prone.

ESTPs are competitive people of action — they make great:

• Entrepreneurs (obviously), 
• Athletes, 
• Flight attendants, and 
• Chefs.

Entrepreneurs are generally highly adaptable, but they prefer managerial positions as they don’t like rules being forced upon them. 

ESTPs would rather experiment and see what works best than follow the guidelines made by someone else. They’re great at thinking quickly and improvising — they also don’t shy away from taking risks. “Work hard, play hard” is their motto.

How to be more productive if ESTP personality type (i.e. the Entrepreneur)

Try some of the following tips to stay on top of your to-do list in the most efficient way:

1. Don’t multitask. As irresistible as multitasking or jumping from task to task may be sometimes, try to finish them one by one. Multitasking will only disperse your focus and make you less productive.
2. Cultivate deep work. Deep work is not an easy skill to master, especially for ESTPs, but it’s often necessary to get things done.
3. Block out time. Schedule time for tasks on your calendar and treat these time blocks like important meetings — no procrastination, no interruptions.
4. Use apps or a pre-organized planner. You’re usually on the go and don’t particularly enjoy planning ahead, so it’s best for you to use something that has an already set template that you can just fill in.
5. Try out different productivity methods. Experimenting has always been what Entrepreneurs like doing the most, so why wouldn’t that work for productivity methods? Have fun testing them and find out what works best for you.

ESFP (The Entertainer personality type) in the workplace

An ESFP lives in the moment and loves being in the spotlight. What else could you expect from a personality type called the Entertainer? They are social butterflies with an eye for aesthetics. Surprisingly to some, they are also incredibly observant and willing to help others. 

On the other hand, ESFPs can be easily bored, conflict-averse, and too sensitive.

Entertainers would thrive in careers such as event planners, tour guides, personal coaches, and — of course — different kinds of entertainers.

Entertainers don’t mind hectic, lively, and dynamic work environments — in fact, they prefer them. They enjoy working with people. Since ESFPs are good at reading people, as well as motivating them, they make great managers or team leaders.

Mundane, monotonous tasks are not their cup of tea. They are good at providing honest feedback, but not so good at receiving it.

How to be more productive if ESFP personality type (i.e. the Entertainer)

Here’s how Entertainers can become more productive:

1. Schedule a day dedicated to planning. Entertainers don’t really like planning, but it’s often necessary to plan. You can allocate one day to planning to get it over with and focus on more engaging activities.
2. Do the hardest task first. In the morning you have the most focus, so take advantage of that and do the hardest task you have within the first few hours of your workday.
3. Batch similar tasks together to avoid losing focus. Every time you switch from one task to another, a different one, your brain needs some time to adjust to a different way of thinking. To avoid that, try batching similar tasks together.
4. Don’t multitask. Since you like variety, you may be tempted to multitask, but try avoiding it. Doing tasks one by one makes you much more efficient.
5. Avoid distractions. Phone notifications, talking, daydreaming, music — know what distracts you, and then take necessary steps to avoid it. Try to cancel the noise around you and put your phone on “do not disturb” to enter deep work mode.

Our tips for increasing productivity based on your MBTI type

Aside from the tips we covered so far, here are some additional tips for different Myers-Briggs personality types — coming from my colleagues. 

From drinking gallons of coffee to turning on airplane mode on their phones, my coworkers are quite creative when it comes to productivity-boosting methods.

Productivity tips for the INTJ personality type (i.e. the Architect)

Here’s what Architects in our company do to maintain their effectiveness at work. 

Jovana Gnjidic (former Customer Success Specialist): Set specific goals

Jovana says that INTJs don’t struggle with procrastination because they’re good at organizing their tasks, creating all the necessary steps on the way, and solving problems.

But, they tend to overthink and worry about potential outcomes, and whether something will go wrong. Jovana also believes that Architects spend a lot of time working on details. 

How does she avoid such situations?

Jovana adds that finding new and innovative ways to fix issues and complete tasks is what motivates her to stay productive. 

Marko Vuckovic (former Software Developer): Use the good old pen and paper to manage your tasks

To stay productive, Marko can’t imagine his day without a cup of coffee (or two, or several more).

As an Architect himself, here’s what keeps him effective throughout the day:

Productivity tips for the INTP personality type (i.e. the Logician)

There may not be too many Logicians in our company, but they surely have some logical ways to focus on work.

Jelena Simonovic (Website Developer): Try using the 5-Second Rule

Jelena claims that, as an INTP type, she sometimes wastes too much time theorizing about and imagining doing something, instead of actually doing it. 

So, next time you catch yourself procrastinating, be sure to try Jelena’s way of regaining your attention.

Productivity tips for the ENTJ personality type (i.e. the Commander)

“I command myself to be productive and stay that way by the end of the workday.” 

Sure ENTJs are commanders, but do they give themselves orders like this? If not, here’s what Commanders do to increase their effectiveness.

Boro Milovanovic (former Android Developer): Parse your larger tasks into smaller ones

As an ENTJ himself, Boro says that when he’s working on one task, he tends to put in a lot of effort — but hardly completes anything. Instead, he usually splits the task into smaller, more manageable ones. Plus, here’s what helps Boro stay productive:

Kristina Nehez (Software QA Tester): Communicate with your colleagues

Kristina believes that Commanders find it easy to follow their routine and organize all their tasks. 

She claims that, when working in a team, all team members have a great opportunity to learn from each other. Then, once you’re alone, you can reflect on what you’ve learned and put all the pieces together.

Keeping good communication within the team is crucial. Sometimes, you’ll fail to notice an important fact or an issue, but your colleague might detect it. 

In a way, working together can sometimes improve your productivity, too.

Productivity tips for the INFJ personality type (i.e. the Advocate)

Although this is the rarest type of personality, we managed to find several colleagues who belong to this category.

Ana Dodig (PR Digital Specialist): A planner is your best friend

Ana advocates using a planner to write your daily tasks, then going through each one and marking it down when finished.

Another way Ana boosts her productivity is by working out in the morning, before work.  

Anja Bojic (Social Media & Content Strategist): Learn to be flexible and adaptable 

Anja has some straightforward tips for all the Advocates out there: 

We bet these tips will lift your spirits, too. 

Jovana Kandic (VP of Customer Experience): Set reminders

Jovana always writes down her tasks, then frequently reviews them during the day, and sets reminders. 

Productivity tips for the INFP personality type (i.e. the Mediator)

Here’s what Mediators in our company do to maintain their effectiveness.

Jelena Fisic (Content Writer): Learn to prioritize

Jelena believes that Mediators need to be realistic about their goals (daily, weekly, or any goals).

Dunja Jovanovic (Content Writer/Editor): Have a morning routine

Dunja’s greatest enemy is procrastination. She finds it difficult to start working in the morning, but here’s how she deals with this issue:

Andjela Vidojevic (Content Writer/Editor): Don’t push yourself to get things done

Andjela has a clear message for all the Mediators out there — when you can’t focus on a task, don’t force it. 

Productivity tips for the ENFJ personality type (i.e. the Protagonist)

How frequently does productivity appear as the protagonist in ENFJs’ lives? And, when it doesn’t, what do Protagonists do to regain their effectiveness?

Marija Kojic (Content Manager): Keep your notebook nearby

Marija says that she tends to use productivity apps, but she also likes to write down her assignments in a simple notebook planner. 

Pedja Rodic (Enterprise Sales Specialist): Consistency is key

Pedja is an avid coffee drinker, which he believes helps him stay productive. Apart from this, here’s what he does to regain his effectiveness:

Vesna Rabuzin (Content Writer/On-Page SEO Specialist): Eat the frog

Vesna is a strong advocate of the Eat the frog technique, which is why she advises doing the most difficult (or boring) thing in the morning. Here’s what Vesna suggest next:

Ognjen Vucetic (Frontend Developer): Plan your complex tasks ahead 

To maintain his productivity, Ognjen takes brief breaks and also listens to some music while working. 

Productivity tips for the ENFP personality type (i.e. the Campaigner)

Now, what about Campaigners? Do they struggle with staying productive? If so, how do they deal with this problem?

Marijana Stojanovic (former Content Writer): Spice up your work schedule with some task variety 

Marijana often experiences analysis paralysis, and as a way of overcoming this issue, she parses one larger task into several smaller ones. That way, working on a task seems more realistic. 

Marijana adds that she enjoys a variety of tasks and likes working with colleagues. 

Productivity tips for the ISTJ personality type (i.e. the Logistician)

ISTJs prefer structure and having defined rules in the workplace. But, what about their productivity? What tricks do they use to stay productive?  

Jelena Mraovic (Content Writer): Stop overthinking 

Jelena believes that Logisticians are known to be analysis-paralysis victims, too. But, she has a valuable tip for all ISTJs:

Productivity tips for the ESTJ personality type (i.e the Executive)

Here’s what Executives in our company suggest for boosting your productivity levels.

Ivana Blagojevic (Software Developer): Keep a to-do list

As an Executive herself, Ivana says that turning on airplane mode on her phone helps her stay productive. Additionally, this is what Ivana finds useful:

Productivity tips for the ISFP personality type (i.e. the Adventurer)

Adventurers enjoy creative freedom. Now, how creative are they when it comes to increasing productivity?

Jelena Samolovac (Content Writer): Having a clear plan is crucial for productivity 

Jelena has a straightforward tip for all Adventurers out there:

Vladimir Samolovac (Content Writer): Take brief breaks to rejuvenate  

Vladimir prefers starting his workday as early as possible. He also avoids doing non-work-related activities before clocking in.

Productivity tips for the ESTP personality type (i.e. the Entrepreneur)

There may not be too many Entrepreneurs in our company, but they do know how to boost their productivity when working.

Predrag Pejovic (Software Engineer)

Predrag has a simple productivity tip for ESTPs:

Wrapping up: Embrace your MBTI personality type to stay productive

The MBTI is a popular personality test that reveals your strengths and weaknesses, and also your best career options. 

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, judging or perceiving, you should know that each type can be highly productive under the right circumstances. Now, these circumstances can vary from type to type.

To help you improve your productivity levels, we included some tips for all 16 personality types. Since there are many MBTI enthusiasts in our company, they were willing to share their unique routines and habits that help them be effective during the day. And, of course, there’s nothing better than discovering colleagues who share the same MBTI type as you. 

So, have fun browsing the ideas we covered in this article, and have a productive week.

✉️ What MBTI type are you? How do you manage to be productive and stay that way throughout the day? Write to us at blogfeedback@clockify.me for a chance to be included in this or one of our future blog posts. And, if you found this article interesting and useful, share it with someone who might benefit from it.