How You Respond to Rules, Based on Your Personality Type

We've all had that job.

The one where you have to follow every single rule, even if it seems unnecessary or adds hours of  extra work to your week. The one where the rules seem to change every day and you can never quite keep up. The one where you feel like your creativity and individuality are stifled by the rigid structure.

But have you ever stopped to think about how different personality types respond to rules? Some people thrive in highly structured environments, while others rebel against any form of regulation. And guess what? The degree to which your personal attitude to rules aligns with your company's work environment can have a major impact on your job satisfaction and overall career success.

The Four Types of Rule Followers

The Conformist

The conformist is someone who follows the rules without question. They see rules as guidelines for behavior and are comfortable with structure and hierarchy. They do what the doctor tells them, stay below the speed limit, comply with their boss' instructions, and so on. They may not always understand the reasoning behind the rules, but they trust that there is a good reason for them.

For a conformist, following rules is not just about avoiding punishment or maintaining order; it's also about being a responsible and respectable member of society. Breaking the rules would make them feel guilty and undermine their self-image as a "good" person.

Types most likely to be Conformists: ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ

The Questioner

The questioner is someone who needs to understand why rules are in place before following them. They may challenge authority and seek alternative solutions to problems. Questioners may struggle with rigid rules or micromanagement: if a rule is patently absurd or if they have a better way of doing things, they may choose to break it.

Questioners are not motivated to follow rules by a sense of duty, guilt or position in a corporate hierarchy; rather, they need to believe that the rules have value and make logical sense. They're happiest in environments where they can make most of their own rules because they're more likely to be convinced that these rules are justified.

Types most likely to Questioners: INTJ, ENTJ, INTP, ENTP

The Rebel

The rebel is someone who rejects rules outright. They see structure as a form of control and may actively seek ways to break the rules or test boundaries. Rebels may view themselves as "outside the box thinkers" who don't need to conform to societal norms. Or it may be that they simply cannot be bothered with following rules they see as irrelevant or oppressive.

For rebels, following rules feels like giving up their freedom and autonomy. They may feel suffocated by strict regulations and policies, leading them to act out in defiance or leave a job if they feel too confined.

Types most likely to be rebels: ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP

The Idealist

The idealist is someone who follows rules because they align with their personal values and beliefs. They see rules as a way to create fairness and equality for all individuals. Idealists may struggle with rules that go against their moral code, leading them to push back or seek out alternative solutions.

For idealists, following rules is about creating a better world for themselves and others. They believe that society can only function if everyone adheres to the same set of rules, but they also recognize the need for constant improvement and evolution of these rules.

Types most likely to be idealists: INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP

Spotting the Rule Types at Work

It's 4.45 om and the team is called into a meeting. Your manager announces that there's a new procedure to follow for reporting expenses, starting tomorrow. Let's see how the four rule types might respond.

• The Conformist will listen intently and make a note of the new procedure in their planner. They may ask a few clarifying questions, but ultimately they trust that this new rule is for the best.
• The Questioner will fire out "why" questions like a  machine gun. "Why do we need to change the procedure? What's wrong with the current one? How will this benefit us?" If they're not convinced by the answers, they may come up with alternative suggestions.
• The Rebel may roll their eyes or let out an audible sigh at the news of yet another rule. They may even make a sarcastic comment or joke about it. When the meeting is over, they'll likely ignore the new procedure and continue to do things their own way.
• The Idealist will listen carefully and then ask questions about how this new procedure aligns with company values of fairness and transparency. They may also suggest ways to improve upon the new rule for the benefit of everyone involved.

Of course, these are tendencies. Your attitude to rules is a spectrum and you may have a more balanced response, depending on the situation. But understanding your own tendencies can help you navigate different rule-following styles and communicate better with those who may have different perspectives. We may just find that our differences in approaching rules can lead to more well-rounded solutions.