Emotional intelligence, personality mix key to team success – Psychologist
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Organizational Psychologist Jeffery Boakye has urged human resource professionals to look beyond qualifications and focus on personality diversity when assembling teams.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast show on Zed FM on Thursday, June 5, 2025, Mr. Boakye emphasized that the most effective teams are made up of a blend of different personality types—not just a group of high achievers sharing similar traits.
He explained that strong teams should include analytical thinkers, detail-oriented professionals, creative minds, sociable individuals, and those with strong focus. Each personality type, he noted, contributes uniquely to overall team performance.
“When teams are built with a strategic mix of personalities, organizations see better collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving than when everyone thinks the same,” Mr. Boakye said.
He further highlighted the critical role of emotional and social intelligence in team dynamics, warning that being outgoing or talkative alone is not enough.
“Without emotional intelligence, you can’t read the room or respond with empathy under pressure,” the organizational psychologist added.
Mr. Boakye urged HR professionals to assess candidates beyond technical competence, recommending tools such as group activities, orientation sessions, and informal observation to evaluate interpersonal and emotional skills.
He also encouraged HR leaders to prioritize emotional intelligence and personality balance in recruitment, emphasizing that this approach is a proven path to building stronger, more effective teams.
