Election Reflections: Why the Right People in the Right Roles Matter

The recent U.S. presidential election has prompted discussions not only about politics but also about leadership styles, personality dynamics, and how aligning strengths with roles can make or break success.

Aligning People with the Right Roles

At Catalyst, we see these themes as essential, not just for countries but for businesses as well. The right combination of people, roles, and leadership strengths is the foundation of sustainable growth and resilience.

When it comes to transforming a business, we always put people first. We’ve seen time and time again that true transformation happens when each team member is in the role that best aligns with their unique strengths.

This commitment has led us to value the work of Carl Jung and to incorporate MBTI insights as a tool for aligning talents to roles. For a more tailored approach, we’ve developed our own assessment to help business leaders identify and leverage strengths within their teams. Take our assessment here!

Leadership Dynamics in a Changing World

Reflecting on the recent election through this lens, there’s an interesting leadership dynamic at play. Over the past four years, the administration featured an SJ type at the helm—structured, organized, detail-oriented, and practical.

But when people saw Kamala Harris (an ESTJ) and Tim Walz (an ESFJ) running together, they may have felt it was more of the same—a dependable, process-focused approach but potentially not adaptable enough for turbulent times. The voters’ response this year showed a clear desire for a different approach, prioritizing adaptability and strategic vision over routine governance.

In challenging times, people often look for a “wartime leader” who can be decisive, resilient, and responsive to changing dynamics. Donald Trump, an ESTP (The Persuader), embodies this style, bringing a hands-on, action-oriented approach much like Winston Churchill, whose bold leadership style thrived under pressure. Both leaders are known for their adaptability, directness, and focus on meeting immediate challenges head-on.

This year’s election saw Trump’s victory, with influential support from JD Vance and Elon Musk. Together, with Vance’s strategic INTJ approach and Musk’s visionary INTJ influence, they not only helped push Trump over the top but also bring a stabilizing, long-term focus that could make the next four years even more effective than his first term.

Final Thoughts

At Catalyst, we believe in the power of placing people in the right roles to unlock their “unfair advantage.” Whether it’s in a business or on the world stage, effective leadership requires understanding not only what needs to be done but who is best suited to do it.

Just as we work with businesses to align roles, strengths, and strategy, we keep people at the heart of every decision because when the right people are in the right roles, remarkable things become possible.

We look forward to seeing how this new leadership team shapes the next chapter in America’s story. And we’re here to help businesses make their own transformations by putting people first—because when each person’s strengths are harnessed effectively, the future gets a whole lot brighter.