In the fast-paced, high-touch world of spa ownership, building a productive, profitable business isn’t just about increasing revenue—it’s about building a team that functions with trust, respect, and clarity. That’s why personality tests aren’t just “nice to have” tools; they’re essential for understanding how to lead your team effectively.
In this blog, we’re diving into how personality assessments like MBTI and love languages can help you elevate your leadership style, better understand your team, and create a thriving, values-driven spa culture.
As Spa CEOs, your focus often zeroes in on revenue, but to me, profitability matters more. Why? Because profitability reflects what actually ends up in your pocket after expenses, stress, and risk.
If you’re only tracking revenue, you can see a big number that makes you feel good, but it can be deceiving when there is nothing left over at the end of the month. Tracking your profit rather than just revenue solves that problem.
One of the easiest ways to boost profit without increasing revenue is by improving team performance and retention. That starts with understanding who your people really are.
Hiring, onboarding, and managing a team is one of the most emotionally and financially taxing parts of growing a spa. Personality tests like MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), the DISC assessment, and love language profiles give you deeper insight into:
These tools aren’t about putting people in boxes—they’re about unlocking your team’s full potential.
MBTI is a four-letter personality framework that categorizes people by:
For example, I’m an ESFJ—a type known for warmth, responsibility, and loyalty. This awareness helps me manage energy, knowing when I need recharge time and to lead with empathy.
It’s important to note that there is not a right or wrong personality type. The test just helps you to understand how you gain your energy and perceive the world. The book The Art of SpeedReading People: How to Size People Up and Speak Their Language was a huge help for me to learn how to identify different personality types and communicate with them how THEY wanted to be communicated with.
In a spa environment, placing an extroverted, bubbly personality at the front desk could be a game-changer. Conversely, placing a highly analytical introvert in that same position might lead to burnout or disengagement.
It’s important to understand that using personality tests as a basis for hiring decisions is legally restricted. There are lawsuits confirming that it’s discriminatory to make employment decisions based on personality test outcomes. Use them after hiring, for team development and culture-building.
Another helpful framework is the 5 Love Languages, adapted for workplace settings. Each team member may feel appreciated in different ways:
- Words of Affirmation – Praise, shoutouts, and verbal validation
- Acts of Service – Helping with tasks or workflows
- Receiving Gifts – Thoughtful, tangible appreciation
- Quality Time – One-on-one check-ins or attention
- Physical Touch – Appropriate workplace interactions (handshakes, high-fives)
You might discover one employee lights up from a morning huddle shoutout, while another thrives on private one-on-one check-ins. It’s all about learning what makes your people feel seen, heard, and valued.
We highly recommend grabbing a copy of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
- Team-Building Activities
Host a fun group session where your team takes personality tests together. Share results and create open discussions around how to support one another. - Role Review and Reassignment
Use MBTI results to assess if employees are in roles aligned with their natural strengths. Someone struggling at the front desk might shine in a behind-the-scenes coordinator role. - Improve Manager-Employee Communication
Knowing whether someone is direct vs. diplomatic or extroverted vs. introverted changes how you delegate, give feedback, or provide support. - Celebrate Strengths Publicly
If someone thrives on words of affirmation, give them public recognition. If another prefers one-on-one feedback, honor that. - Prevent Burnout
Introverts might need quiet space to recharge. Extroverts may lose motivation if isolated. Understanding these needs boosts retention and morale.
Investing in personality-driven leadership can result in:
All of these elements contribute to smoother operations, happier clients, and ultimately, higher profitability.
How Addo Aesthetics Can Help
At Addo Aesthetics, we help spa owners build systemized, profitable businesses by coaching them into confident leadership. Personality awareness is one of the many tools we weave into our programs to support lasting success.
Inside our Growth Factor® Framework programs, you’ll not only get tools for hiring, operations, and marketing, but also mentorship to build empowered, aligned teams.
Final Takeaway
Understanding why your team members do what they do isn’t just about psychology—it’s about profit, performance, and purpose. By using personality assessments as a leadership tool, you’ll strengthen your culture, deepen trust, and build a business where everyone thrives.
Start with yourself. Learn your personality profile. Then bring it to your team.
Because confident leadership starts with self-awareness.
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About the Author
Daniela Woerner is the founder of Addo Aesthetics and creator of the Growth Factor® Framework, a proven system that’s helped hundreds of spa owners build profitable, systemized businesses. With nearly 20 years in the aesthetics industry, she transforms overworked service providers into confident Spa CEOs through strategy, systems, and soul-led support. Daniela is also the host of Spa Marketing Made Easy, a top-ranked podcast with over 1 million downloads, where she shares real-world strategies to help spa professionals grow with clarity and confidence.