The Myers-Briggs Personality Types that make Ideal Startup Advisors

In light of recent research establishing with near certainty that personality traits correlate with success (or failure) as a startup founder, I’ve been fixated on investigating if and how certain personality types are more or less meaningful to entrepreneurship.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a psychological assessment tool based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. It categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types based on preferences in four dimensions: Introversion/Extraversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving. The MBTI is widely used in organizational development, career counseling, and personal growth, offering insights into how individuals perceive the world and make decisions. Its value lies in fostering self-awareness and improving interpersonal dynamics and, in light of the fact that many people dismiss or disagree with the assessments, academic support for the MBTI’s utility in various contexts can be found in research published by the American Psychological Association.

Much of the research in entrepreneurship has been focused on the entrepreneurs and startup founders. With that in mind, I started digging into the fact that mentors or advisors play a different and critical role, that many founders get frustrated with advisors who don’t seem to really be helping, and that there must be a lens to look through at personalities that might in fact be better at advising.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, certain MBTI types may have qualities that align well with the demands of advising startups:

ENTP (The Debater)

ENTPs are known for their innovative thinking, ability to see the big picture, and skill in finding creative solutions to problems. Their enthusiasm for new ideas and capacity to think on their feet can be particularly beneficial in the dynamic environment of startups.

Example: Mark Cuban, an ENTP, is often cited as a successful entrepreneur and startup advisor. He challenges the status quo and thinks outside the box — pushing founders to in what’s critical to their success: doing the same.

INTJ (The Architect)

INTJs are strategic and analytical, with a knack for long-term planning and organization. Their ability to create detailed plans and their forward-thinking mindset can help startups navigate complex challenges and anticipate future needs.

Example: Elon Musk, frequently typed as an INTJ, has a strategic vision (whether you like what it is or not) that has driven the success of multiple high-profile ventures. His approach to problem-solving and innovation exemplifies the strengths of the INTJ type in a startup context.

ENTJ (The Commander)

ENTJs are natural leaders with strong organizational skills and the ability to make tough decisions. Their confidence and decisiveness can help steer startups in the right direction, especially during critical growth phases.

Example: Sheryl Sandberg, well known from Facebook and Meta, is often identified as an ENTJ, and has played a pivotal role in scaling companies. Her leadership and decision-making abilities have been instrumental in her advisory roles.

INFJ (The Advocate)

INFJs are known for their vision and their ability to understand and inspire others. Their empathetic approach can help foster a positive company culture and guide startups with a mission-driven focus. Particularly in the early stages, most difficult, likely to fail, and as a culture emerges, this can make or break the team coming together.

Example: Oprah Winfrey, sometimes typed as an INFJ, has successfully mentored and advised numerous individuals and businesses. Her visionary outlook and empathy make her a powerful advisor.

INTP (The Thinker)

INTPs are logical and innovative, with a talent for abstract thinking and problem-solving. Their analytical skills and intellectual curiosity can be invaluable in troubleshooting and refining business strategies.

Example: Bill Gates, commonly identified as an INTP, has used his analytical prowess to drive technological advancements and mentor emerging tech startups.

MBTI can provide a useful framework, but it’s not definitive. What I’m exploring, and I’d love your opinion, is the notion that the qualities of the personality types, are what founders most need, to get through the early stages of a venture. Share with us your type and if my assessment here makes sense to complement what you lack. If you are one of the above, have you found your advice meaningful or more impactful than what you perceive comes from others?