how do I go forward? Who helps me putting ideas into actions? Finding the right support is a critical challenge. As the saying goes, “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with
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For me, balance is essential for a team’s success, especially when we consider the diverse qualities and knowledge each member brings. Combining different roles and personalities, such as action-oriented, people-oriented, and cerebral types, strengthens a team by harnessing the best of all worlds.An example of this balance that I experienced is embodied in the partnership with my colleague (and love partner ).
He’s the extrovert—engaging clients effortlessly, sparking their curiosity, and not afraid to be honest, even when it’s challenging. His natural talent for inspiring clients to think differently and explore new perspectives is invaluable. I, on the other hand, bring balance with my analytical and strategic marketing skills putting the puzzel back together. While he energizes discussions, I lean back, observe the emotions in the room, and adjust our approach to align with long-term goals.
By adapting to each other’s strengths, we’ve created a harmonious and efficient workflow (in the entire team, this was just one example) that strengthens client relationships and fosters mutual respect. This complementary dynamic and adaptability allow us to accomplish more, keep the passion alive in everyone by empowering each person in their strengths, and build a successful team where each role enhances the other.
Taking a personality test is valuable because it provides self-awareness about your strengths, weaknesses, and natural tendencies. It helps you make better choices, improve relationships, and communicate more effectively. Overall, it’s a tool for personal growth and deeper self-understanding.
I began by taking one of the recommended personality tests on principlesyou.com. Earlier this year, I also took the 16personalities.com test and completed my Human Design chart. I have to say, the results are uncannily accurate—it’s almost eerie how precisely they capture my traits, preferences, and even my quirks.
Artisans are driven to use their creativity to bring life to beautiful and well-crafted ideas. They tend to be imaginative, detail-oriented and attuned to their own and others’ emotions.
Inspirers lead through motivating people to get behind a challenging and important idea, project, or business objective. They tend to be motivating, engaging, supportive and leadership-oriented.
Individualists walk to the beat of their own drum and find unique ways of expressing themselves and their originality. They tend to be creative, independent, expressive, perceptive and at times sensitive and dramatic.
INFP (Mediator) is a personality type with the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting traits. These rare personality types tend to be quiet, open-minded, and imaginative, and they apply a caring and creative approach to everything they do.
Although they may seem quiet or unassuming, people with the INFP personality type (Mediators) have vibrant, passionate inner lives. Creative and imaginative, they happily lose themselves in daydreams, inventing all sorts of stories and conversations in their mind.
INFPs are known for their sensitivity
INFPs are known for their sensitivity – these personalities can have profound emotional responses to music, art, nature, and the people around them.
INFP Strengths
INFP Weaknesses
They often find it challenging to commit to a single course of action.
When I look at the list of strengths and weaknesses, it captures everything perfectly.
In the human design principle I’m a projector. Projectors don’t have a constant, sustainable energy like some other types. Instead, they’re designed to guide and direct the energy of others. They can often see how things could be done better and how people can use their energy more effectively. Projectors are naturally insightful, which makes them great at offering advice and direction.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: As forward-thinking guides, Projectors are good at seeing the bigger picture. They often notice patterns and opportunities that others miss, making their insights valuable for long-term planning and strategies.
They often notice patterns and opportunities that others miss
This ability to look ahead makes them effective advisors, as they focus not only on what’s happening now but also on the future potential of people and projects.
Waiting for Invitations: An important part of being a Projector is waiting for an invitation before sharing their advice or guidance. If they give advice without being asked, it’s often not appreciated, which can lead to frustration or feeling invisible. By waiting for the right invitation or recognition, Projectors can share their unique perspective in a way that has a positive impact.
Attention to Detail and Efficiency: Projectors often have a keen eye for details and efficiency. They can sense where improvements are needed and help map out ways to make systems and structures work better. This makes them very useful in creating harmony and effectiveness within teams or organizations.
Need for Rest and Recharging: Since Projectors don’t have a constant source of energy (unlike other types), they need more time to recharge. Taking regular breaks helps them stay clear-headed and sharp.
they need more time to recharge. Taking regular breaks helps them stay clear-headed and sharp.
This self-care is essential because a well-rested Projector can be a clear and effective guide.
Role as Visionary: Projectors are often able to see the potential in people and situations, helping others to look beyond what’s obvious. This visionary quality allows them to open up new perspectives and encourage people to think beyond the usual ways of doing things.
They encourage people to think beyond the usual ways of doing things.
Bitterness: This feeling shows up when they’re out of alignment, often from pushing themselves without the right recognition or invitation. Bitterness signals that it’s time to step back, recharge, and wait for opportunities where their guidance will be valued.
Creating this personal user manual helps identify matches when forming a team. It provides others with valuable insights into how to collaborate with you most effectively and achieve optimal teamwork.
Embrace silence. My most creative ideas surface in quiet moments, often about an hour after a meeting when thoughts have had time to settle.
Take charge of a project from start to finish, inspiring others along the way. Guiding a project from concept to completion energizes me, especially when I can elevate it from zero to something exceptional.
Have a well-organized, purposeful agenda. A structured plan helps me stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Create a comfortable environment. I’ve been called a “lazy superhero” for my ability to work thoroughly and efficiently when I’m at ease. Whether I’m on the couch or outside in the sun with a drink, comfort boosts my productivity.
Work in the early morning. My peak energy is in the morning hours. By late afternoon, I tend to feel drained, and I’m less effective at managing my energy levels.
I can be very impatient, often wanting immediate results or solutions.
I am highly sensitive to the emotions in a room, which can quickly drain my energy.
I sometimes get stuck trying to make things perfect, but I lose focus when tasks get repetitive, which makes me occasionally lose track.
I tend to hold onto things for too long without acting, often overthinking decisions and situations.
I may withdraw or adopt a “handle it yourself” mindset when there are too many strong personalities or extroverts in the room, especially if opinions clash.
I struggle to balance between being engaged and burning out. When burnout sets in, I tend to go into “radio silence” and become less socially active.
I find it challenging to keep connections warm, as I quickly feel unwelcomed or uncertain about my place in certain dynamics.
Are open-minded and non-judgmental. I’ve often been misjudged in various ways, so I genuinely value people who listen without preconceived ideas.
Don’t take themselves too seriously. I prefer an informal setting where we can share a laugh and connect on a personal level. A relaxed atmosphere not only makes teamwork more enjoyable but also fosters creativity and encourages open, honest collaboration.
Taking proactive initiative—recognizing opportunities, taking responsibility, and moving forward. This quality builds trust and shared accountability, creating a smooth and efficient workflow that strengthens collaboration.
Are genuinely authentic. I can often sense immediately when someone isn’t being true to themselves, even if they don’t realize it. Very little escapes me, which can be both a strength and a challenge, as it sometimes leads to feeling quickly burned out.
People who don’t adapt and constantly raise objections about trivial matters. They are often problem-focused.
Lack of clarity. When starting a project, I’m usually the one pushing for clear, tangible points.
People that are not just book-smart but can also make connections. I’m a bit allergic to throwing around facts and fancy words. Explain something complex in a childishly simple way and adapt to your audience. That’s impressive to me!
Leaders who don’t truly lead—those who don’t understand that true strength lies in uplifting others rather than keeping them small. Leadership should be about empowering, not controlling.
Have an entrepreneurial mindset and take action without hesitation. I appreciate clear tasks and action points and enjoy making adjustments as we go. Let’s move forward with purpose!
Focus on collaboration over competition. While aiming for the best results, it’s essential that everyone can be themselves and stay open-minded in the creative process.
Bring energy and passion to their work. Enthusiasm is contagious, and working with people who love what they do keeps me motivated.
Value growth and continuous improvement. I enjoy working with those who are eager to learn, adapt, and improve both personally and professionally.
Challenge me thoughtfully, but never underestimate my capabilities (If I can’t figure it out myself, you’ll definitely hear from me). Give my ideas space to evolve—I thrive in an environment where I’m encouraged to push boundaries and explore new directions. A foundation of trust and open-mindedness allows me to do my best work.
Provide constructive feedback, and help me maintain focus on key priorities, especially when I’m balancing multiple tasks. Clear communication and a shared sense of purpose keep me energized and committed. Finally, show appreciation for progress, as this motivates me to keep moving forward with passion and dedication.
If you don’t hear back from me, don’t take it personally. I’m still working on managing my energy, so sometimes I need a bit of time.
Be direct if something bothers you—no need to sugarcoat it. I really don’t appreciate hearing things through the grapevine; it gets under my skin if it happens too often.
Give feedback that’s constructive and clear. Specific suggestions help me improve and make the best use of your input.
If it’s urgent, try not to call ;-). A quick message works best.
Personal conversations, as I am good at reading emotions and like to respond to them. Phone calls are less ideal, but video calls work well as a middle ground.
Chat (such as Teams or Slack) for quick exchanges. I prefer to keep WhatsApp private for winding down in the evening, and I sometimes forget to check my email.
I appreciate text presented in bite-sized, scannable chunks. Bullets and highlights are a plus.
1.) A painting I’m still working on. 2.) My Bengal as a kitten. 3.)My Ragdoll in its natural habitat. 4.) Homemade charcuterie board. 5.) A hanging chair pillow project that went a bit wrong.
I’m a bit of a “dork” and a “goofball” with those who know me well—something that often surprises people!
I’d rather have a quiet night in (with a home-made charcuterie board) or a nice dinner than go to a party. I’m not much of a party person, and dancing and shouting on the floor just isn’t my thing.
I have a knack for spotting details others often miss, but it can also make me tire out quickly.
I have an endless list of hobbies and usually have a dozen projects going at once. Painting, sewing, dancing, baking, cooking. I think it’s just creating in general.
I’m married to my direct colleague, so we’re together almost 24/7—and there’s quite an age gap between us.
I adore my two cats (Bengal and Ragdoll), who are really big friends and are always part of my cozy moments.
I have a taste for quality and finer things, probably thanks to my high senses and design background. I just know when something’s top-notch!
After one glass of wine, I’m already tipsy, but I love pairing it with a good meal at a restaurant!
If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would definitely be a big juicy burger with fries.
Who helps you putting ideas into actions? Finding the right support is a critical challenge. As the saying goes, “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”
For this reason, many founders and leaders choose to set up their own Personal Boards to support them in their mission. The individuals in your personal board can serve as guides, helping you to navigate decisions, reflect, they can be mentors, serve as accountability partners, and even be potential co-founders.
Start by developing one-year goals for your mission statement.
Which goals do you need to tackle first in order to achieve your mission?
Create a list of the 3-5 most important goals. Use one year as an initial timeframe.
Based on that, answer the following questions:
Work in progress
Brand Bazen firmly positioned in the market as the agency that repositions SMEs, bringing a fresh, strategic breeze through their organizations.
A rock-solid foundation established, with a crystal-clear brand identity reflecting our passion, boldness, strategy, and creativity.
The base lines set within 3 months. (Defined and refined core values, mission and purpose + translated to a clear website message).
Automated internal repetitive processes for ultimate efficiency, enabling a focus on pure creativity and the things we love.
Ongoing while integrating new tools. Reviewing status quarterly.
Ten transformative success stories crafted for our clients that don’t just stand out—they set new standards within their industries. Each case demonstrates our commitment to creating innovative, impactful solutions that resonate deeply.
I want the first BIG succes story within 3 months.
A dedicated team of 6 within 6 months and 8 within 12 months (currently 4), to create more capacity for projects, streamline task allocation, and bring in expertise in social media, SEO, and/or development in-house.”
2 new team members within 6 months and another 2 within 12 months.
Still a bit vague, but I would love to stay ahead of the curve by expanding our offerings with innovative, AI-driven services crafted for hyper-personalized customer experiences. By leveraging the latest in AI technology, we’re able to deliver unique, tailored interactions that set our clients apart in their markets.
The first steps taken by the end of the year.
The first painting done within 4 months, website created by 6 months and the second painting done by the end of the year
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Deep understanding of market trends and customer needs to define and maintain a distinct market position.
Ability to attract, develop, and inspire talent, fostering growth and expertise in key areas like social media, SEO, and development.
Skill in generating bold, game-changing ideas and crafting impactful success stories that differentiate our clients.
Expertise in streamlining repetitive tasks, allowing the team to focus on high-value, creative work.
Advanced skills in AI and data analysis to deliver hyper-personalized customer experiences and keep us at the forefront of innovation.
Understanding team needs and fostering a supportive, motivational environment.
A clear sense of direction that guides decision-making and keeps the team aligned with the mission.
Flexibility in navigating changes, especially in fast-evolving fields like AI and digital innovation.
Courage to implement fresh ideas and bring innovative strategies to your clients.
Ability to interpret data and market trends to make informed, strategic decisions.
Focus on the finer details in branding, positioning, and process improvements.
What I miss most, above all, is actually something very important: someone skilled in networking and relationship management. I’m good with people within my own circles, but building new connections is something I struggle with.
I’m good with people within my own circles, but building new connections is something I struggle with.
It always takes a lot of energy for me to engage in these kinds of conversations because they often feel less authentic. I end up putting in a lot of energy but feel completely drained afterward, making it challenging to maintain these relationships.
This might sound a bit odd, but I’m really terrible at repetitive work. I struggle to motivate myself if it involves even a little too much of the same thing. It can actually block my productivity during the week because I tend to procrastinate around it. It’s not necessarily that the work is ‘boring,’ but more that it’s just too much of the same for too long. My attitude is often: ‘Okay, I’ve proven I can do it, now on to the next thing.’
That’s why I have a huge appreciation for people who have the strength to push through this type of work or are able to motivate me to finish the projects laying around.
That’s why I have a huge appreciation for people who have the strength to push through this type of work or are able to motivate me to finish the projects laying around.
Since I’m currently pursuing this field of study, I’m not yet an expert in AI and tech. That’s why I have a strong need for a sparring partner—someone with technical expertise to help me gain insights and guide me in tackling these kinds of projects. Having access to such support would greatly accelerate my learning and boost my confidence in this area.
To achieve my goals and thrive in my work, I recognize that certain types of people could greatly complement my strengths and fill in the gaps where I may lack.
First, having a networker and relationship builder on my team would be an ideal addition. Social by nature, they’re great at expanding our network and building lasting relationships, areas where I sometimes struggle. With their skill in connecting and engaging new contacts, I could shift my focus to other parts of the business, knowing our relationships are in good hands.
Then, there’s the process-oriented doer, someone who thrives on consistency and finds satisfaction in routine tasks. While I tend to lose motivation with repetitive work, they can keep things moving smoothly, handling these tasks efficiently so I can focus on what excites me most—creativity and strategy.
Having a technical expert mentor by my side would be invaluable. This person’s deep understanding of AI and tech would help me navigate complex concepts and gain the insights I need to confidently take on tech-driven projects. They would be my guide into the technical aspects, allowing me to learn and grow faster.
I’d also benefit from a project manager, someone who’s organized and attentive to the finer details. They’d keep projects on track, handle scheduling, and make sure deadlines are met, allowing me to stay focused on high-level strategic goals without getting bogged down in logistics.
Finally, having a Mentor would be a game-changer. This person wouldn’t only have technical expertise but also a passion for teaching and guiding others.
Their support and constructive feedback would help me grow my skills more effectively, giving me the confidence to dive deeper into areas where I’m still learning.
Together, these people would create a team that complements my skills perfectly, allowing me to focus on my strengths while continuously learning and improving in other areas.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Lieke has built valuable relationships over the years. She opens doors to new contacts, helping the network grow rapidly.
Tayfun maintains and strengthens existing relationships, enhancing client loyalty and allowing me to focus on my core tasks while our connections continue to thrive. He takes the more extravert role in client meetings.
Lotte brings structure to projects and across the organization. Her sharp organizational skills ensure that important matters are never overlooked.
I want a mentor with deep technical expertise in AI and tech to guide me through complex projects, bridging knowledge gaps and building confidence in this area.
So, all of the people on my board are from my work and have come together precisely because we are such a strong team with a diversity of competencies. The only thing I feel I am truly missing is someone who stands outside of this group and can contribute to my growth in the technical field.
I’ve spoken with three people within Tomorrow University, It was very nice to meet these people, but I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet. This might also is because I’m very sensitive to the correct DNA match because I quickly feel drained when this is off.
I’m not a great networker myself (which is why those types of people are part of the team with network skills). I want to challenge myself later in the school year to attend a technical networking event or something similar in the area. I’d prefer to wait a bit longer before doing this, until I have more clarity about which technical field I’m looking for this sparring partner/mentor in. For now, I’ll set the deadline to have this done before July 2025.
Below, my board combined competencies are outlined once again, confirming that the team is relatively diverse in its skill set and complements each other well. The additional expertise we are seeking is primarily in specific professional fields, and we aim to align these with our unique company DNA.
These new team members are not necessarily people who belong on my personal board, but they will be part of the meeting structure and can contribute to the opportunity for me to grow as a team leader.
Provides sharp analysis and quality control.
Brings energy and motivation to the team.
Generates original and innovative ideas.
Bases decisions on data and strategic insights.
Maintains oversight and manages deadlines.
Fosters an open and supportive work environment.
Builds and maintains valuable relationships.
Reacts quickly and finds creative solutions.
Inspires with long term vision and goals.
Has a hands-on mentality and executes tasks.
Provides technical expertise and resolves technical issues.
Ensures detailed, high-quality output.
Tracks trends and implements innovation.
The board meetings (Management Team) are held monthly at work, during which we really challenge each other and determine the next steps. Additionally, we have weekly check-ins to provide updates on daily tasks and ongoing projects.
adaptable communication and conflict resolution: The management team meetings have a fixed structure, starting with everyone sharing their mood and giving everyone the opportunity to add ideas to the agenda. Lotte manages this agenda.
With the update meetings, the project overview is leading.
Tayfun, my partner in both work and life, and I communicate almost 24/7, so there’s no need to schedule separate meetings. After appointments, workshops, or similar activities, we almost always immediately ask each other: “What went well, and what could have been better?” This happens naturally, so I don’t feel the need to formalize it into fixed moments.
The technical mentor I’m still searching for will, of course, depend on the person I find. For me, it would be sufficient to meet with this person in person once per quarter, and in between, reach out spontaneously for advice on specific challenges, as their availability allows. This approach provides continuity without losing sight of each other while leaving room for on-demand support.
For the quarterly meetings I prefer in person during lunch or something like that. Something enjoyable and not to formal.
For future team members, I’d like to have at least one brief weekly check-in at work and a longer meeting once a month. These individuals wouldn’t necessarily be part of my personal board, but given my overarching mission of “restoring passion,” I find it important to empower them and stay closely involved. I believe this approach will also yield the best results for me. I strongly believe that good leadership should ensure maximum growth for the team.
Overall, I am very happy with my team, which was formed after a long period of collaboration to start a new team within a new venture. The foundation has always been strong teamwork and complementary skills. This team naturally consists of the people I rely on, seek advice from, and have grown alongside.
Unfortunately, I have not yet found a technical mentor, but I plan to revisit this goal later next year by stepping out of my comfort zone and attending a networking event, such as one at the High Tech Campus. I hope to connect with someone in my area where the chemistry is immediately evident, and I can meet face-to-face, as I am not a big fan of phone calls and language barriers. I’ve made a commitment to myself to attend at least one such networking event before June 2025, with the aim of building new connections.