Are Leaders Born in Their Blood? New Research Says Yes

Keith Power
Aug 29
2 min read

For decades, organisations have relied on psychometric testing to select and develop their leaders. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and DISC profiling have been used to uncover hidden strengths, communication preferences, and leadership tendencies. But according to new research, there may be an even more powerful predictor of leadership success: Your blood type.

A joint study conducted by the Institute for Advanced Leadership Biology and the University of Global Sciences analysed 4,000 executives across 22 industries. Their conclusion? Blood type alone correlated with leadership outcomes at a rate nearly identical to established psychometric assessments.

The Four Blood Leadership Types

Just as MBTI has its 16 types and DISC its four quadrants, the researchers propose four “Blood Leadership Archetypes.” Each carries distinctive traits and tendencies; remarkably similar to the leadership profiles used in coaching and selection processes today.

Type A: The Architect

Calm under pressure, detail-focused, and excellent at strategy. Type A leaders thrive in structured environments, building organisations brick by brick. They’re meticulous planners, though sometimes slow to adapt to sudden changes.

Type B: The Visionary

Charismatic, creative, and energizing, Type B leaders inspire with big ideas and bold visions. They excel at rallying teams around a cause but may occasionally lack follow-through when the excitement fades.

Type AB: The Bridge-Builder

A rare blend of A’s methodical nature and B’s creativity, Type AB leaders are natural collaborators. They connect departments, build partnerships, and thrive in cross-functional roles. However, their tendency to please everyone can dilute decisive action.

Type O: The Commander

Decisive, pragmatic, and results-driven, Type O leaders dominate in fast-moving, competitive industries. They take risks, make hard calls, and are often described as “natural leaders.” Their weakness? A tendency toward overconfidence and bluntness.

A Leadership Shortcut?

Supporters of the study argue that blood typing could become a low-cost, highly effective alternative to psychometrics.

“Instead of long surveys or expensive assessments, a simple finger prick might tell us everything we need to know about a candidate’s leadership potential,” one researcher suggested.

Already, a handful of global firms are said to be experimenting with this approach in their executive development programs.

BUT - Before You Roll Up Your Sleeve…

At first glance, this may sound convincing. After all, the descriptions above mirror what many of us have seen in leaders we know. But here’s the truth: there is no scientific basis whatsoever for blood type predicting leadership ability.

The entire study, the archetypes, and the supposed correlations are fictional. This article is a gentle reminder of how easily we can be persuaded by jargon, charts, and “new research.” Just because something is framed with the authority of science doesn’t make it valid.

Lesson learned: in leadership - as in life - beware the allure of the shiny new tool. Critical thinking is always a better predictor of success than a headline-grabbing shortcut.

Strong leadership is not the result of gimmicks but of deliberate growth and development.

Through executive coaching and leadership training, I help organisations strengthen their leaders, align teams, and achieve sustainable results.

📩 Contact me at info@motivuscoaching.com or WhatsApp me on +6593367266 to discuss how I can support your leadership agenda.