After working for about two years in Ethiopia, US Ambassador Donald Yamamoto felt ‘strongly confident’ in his ability to analyze Meles Zenawi’s personality.

The Ambassador wrote, in a leaked Cable of US Embassy Addis Ababa, dated March 27, 2009 and classified as ‘Secret’:

After scores of meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Post has strong confidence in our ability to infer Meles’s Myers-Briggs type.

The methodology the Ambassador used, Myers-Briggs type Indicator (MBIT), was developed by Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs based on the influential theory of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung that is used to describe basic individual preferences and to explain similarities and differences between people. The main postulate of Jung’s theory is that people have inborn behavioral tendencies and preferences.

The MBTI tool is an indicator of personality type (i.e. innate preferences). It uses four dichotomies to identify preferences, which are then combined into one Type.

The four dichotomies are:

• E-I (Extraversion – Introversion)
• S – I (Sensing – Intuition)
• T-F (Thinking – Feeling)
• J-P (Judging – Perceiving)

After analyzing Meles Zenawi based on this indicator, the Ambassador concluded ‘We strongly believe that Meles is a strong ISTJ.’ – that is; Introversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging combination.

As these terms are not used in their everyday meaning, we shall see the description of Meles Zenawi’s behavior together with the definition of the terms.

The E- I (Extraversion – Introversion) Dichotomy: Source of Energy.

• Most people who prefer Extraversion: Prefer action over reflection; May act quickly w/out thinking; Are attuned to external environments; Prefer to communicate by talking; Learn best through doing or discussing; Are sociable and expressive; Enjoy working in groups
• Most people who prefer Introversion: Prefer reflection over action; May not take action at all; Are attuned to inner world; Prefer to communicate in writing; Learn best through thorough mental practice and reflection; Are private and contained; Enjoy working alone or in pairs

In this dichotomy, Meles Zenawi qualifies as a moderate-to-strong Introversion "I" type. The Ambassador explains:

We have a high degree of confidence that Meles is a moderate-to-strong "I." He is quiet, deliberative, and certainly not a "man about town." We understand from direct engagements with him, and from those close to him, that he is a voracious reader and very introspective (both personally and about the country). While Meles certainly has to work the members of the ruling party’s central committee, these are all long-time, very close friends. He thrives on one-on-one or small group discussions (such as with renown economists, talking about imperial Japanese history, or the U.S. founding fathers), while being far more reserved in larger groups (i.e. large CODEL groups, etc.). As such, we are highly confident of this "I" classification.

S – I (Sensing – Intuition) Dichotomy: Take in Information

• Most people who prefer Sensing: Emphasize the pragmatic; Prefer facts & details/ specific information; Are oriented to present realities; Value realism; Observe and remember specifics through 5 senses; Build carefully and thoroughly to conclusions; Trust experience
• Most people who prefer Intuition: Emphasize the theoretical; Prefer general concepts/ high level plans; Are oriented to future possibilities; Value imagination; See trends and patterns in specific data; Use a “sixth” sense; Move quickly to conclusions, follow hunches; Trust inspiration

Meles Zenawi is a strongly Sensing ‘S’ type. That is because:

Meles is a details man. He knows them inside and out, and he deploys them quickly and precisely to establish and defend his arguments. Whenever we raise concerns, he responds with highly nuanced and highly specific details to counter our arguments. He is particularly adept at using such details to counter points raised by senior USG (and presumably other foreign) officials. On numerous occasions we have observed Meles run circles around visitors who note general concerns by throwing out detailed responses. As some more senior USG visitors may not know all of the specific details regarding a particular dynamic they are asked to raise beyond what may be included in a two-page brief, their ability to offer a detailed retort can be limited or can lead them to stand down without countering Meles’s response. As such, we are again highly confident that Meles is an "S."

T-F (Thinking – Feeling) Dichotomy: Decision Making

• Most people who prefer Thinking: Are analytical; Use cause-and-effect reasoning; Solve problems with logic; Strive for objective standard of truth; Described as reasonable; Search for flaws in an argument; Fair – want everyone treated Equally
• Most people who prefer Feeling: Empathetic; Guided by personal values; Assess impact of decisions on people; Strive for harmony and positive interactions; Described as compassionate; Search for point of agreement in an argument; Fair – want everyone treated as an individual

Meles Zenawi is a moderate-to-strong "T” type. The Ambassador argues:

We assess that Meles is likely a moderate-to-strong "T," but internal ruling party dynamics require him to operate skillfully as an "F" as well, which he does with aplomb. As with his deployment of details in presenting an argument, Meles conveys his analysis of internal, economic, and regional dynamics in a clear, logical way focused on ends/objectives far more than on values. While Meles does certainly still rely to a fair extent on "values" (particularly regarding the ideologies of revolutionary democracy and the developmental state), his thinking on these issues has evolved over the years, particularly after engagement with others (Sachs, Stiglitz, western governments, etc.) suggesting that when confronted with a detailed, logical, results-oriented argument he can move away from ideological dogma.

A stronger argument for his "T"ness, is actually the argument against his "F"ness as evidenced by the rift within the TPLF in 2001. Meles’s absolute and near-visceral break from Seeye Abraha ) perhaps his best, closest, and oldest friend ) suggests that when push comes to shove, he is far more wedded to tasks/ends than interpersonal relationships. Finally, Meles desperately wants recognition and public accolades for his achievements, consistently focusing us on his accomplishments while being relatively more willing to forego appreciation while efforts remain in process.

While we are fairly confident that Meles is a moderate-to-strong "T," our confidence is lessened by how effectively Meles can operate as an "F." The TPLF Executive Committee has a lot of strong and dogmatic personalities that would not take lightly to being vetoed frequently. Meles has retained his influence over more than two decades by navigating this dynamic well. Moreover, Meles is an expert in knowing his audience and choosing his language carefully to deliver a carefully-crafted, audience-specific argument. Still, the dynamics behind his break with others in the TPLF in 2001 and his logic-, rather than values-, based argumentation that leads us to believe that he is a "T."

J – P (Judging – Perceiving). Dichotomy: Lifestyle

• Most people who prefer Judging: Are scheduled/organized; Strive to finish one project before starting another; Like to have things decided; May decide things too quickly; Try to avoid last-minute stresses; finish tasks well before deadline; Try to limit surprises; See routines as effective
• Most people who prefer Perceiving: Are spontaneous/flexible; Start many projects but may have trouble finishing them; Like things loose and open to change; May decide things too slowly; Feel energized by last-minute pressures; finish tasks at the deadline; Enjoy surprises; See routines as limiting.

Meles Zenawi is a strong Judging “J” type, according to the Ambassador. He explains: 

Meles is certainly a strong "J." Throughout our scores of meetings with the Prime Minister, in which he consistently operates without notes, Meles delivers points on any range of issues that can be precisely diagrammed into an outline. Within each point of his arguments he deploys a precise list of supporting details or arguments. Meles is a linear thinker, starting from the beginning, then reaching the end before broaching a new issue. We are very confident of Meles’s "J"ness.

In light of the analyses, the Ambassador provides a recommendation on how to communicate with the Prime Minister. He suggested:

We hope that this analysis provides useful insights for USG interlocutors who will engage the Prime Minister. Meles’s ISTJ type suggests very clearly that the most persuasive arguments to make with the Prime Minister to sway his decisions will be those that are delivered privately, focused on an end objective that he supports or values, highly specific and detailed, and delivered in a clear, linear fashion. Further, if our message is one that he is likely to oppose, our arguments will be much more effective if delivered in a way that emphasize the objective — Meles particularly understands and appreciates arguments that clearly reflect the explicit pursuit of national interests. Further, USG interlocutors must be thoroughly prepared with details to retort Meles’s detailed responses to initial USG points.

Though this analysis was written for the use of US officials, now it is public and perhaps Ethiopian politicians and activists could use it to effectively communicate with the Prime Minister.

Read the Cable below.

********************

Reference – ID 09ADDISABABA729
Created – 2009-03-27 12:24
Released – 2011-08-30 01:44
Classification – SECRET//NOFORN
Origin – Embassy Addis Ababa

VZCZCXRO2156
OO RUEHROV
DE RUEHDS #0729/01 0861224
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 271224Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4237
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHFSI/DIR FSINFATC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUZEFAA/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEPADJ/CJTF HOA PRIORITY
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ADDIS ABABA 000729
NOFORN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/26/2019
TAGS: PINR PGOV PREL ET

SUBJECT: (S) BIOGRAPHIC NOTE: INFERRING PRIME MINISTER MELES’S MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE – ISTJ
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
SUMMARY
——-
¶1. (S/NF) After scores of meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Post has strong confidence in our ability to infer Meles’s Myers-Briggs type. We strongly believe that Meles is a strong ISTJ.

A STRONG INTROVERT "I"
¶2. (S/NF) We have a high degree of confidence that Meles is a moderate-to-strong "I." He is quiet, deliberative, and certainly not a "man about town." We understand from direct engagements with him, and from those close to him, that he is a voracious reader and very introspective (both personally and about the country). While Meles certainly has to work the members of the ruling party’s central committee, these are all long-time, very close friends. He thrives on one-on-one or small group discussions (such as with renown economists, talking about imperial Japanese history, or the U.S. founding fathers), while being far more reserved in larger groups (i.e. large CODEL groups, etc.). As such, we are highly confident of this "I" classification.

STRONGLY SENSING "S”
——————–
¶3. (S/NF) Meles is a details man. He knows them inside and out, and he deploys them quickly and precisely to establish and defend his arguments. Whenever we raise concerns, he responds with highly nuanced and highly specific details to counter our arguments. He is particularly adept at using such details to counter points raised by senior USG (and presumably other foreign) officials. On numerous occasions we have observed Meles run circles around visitors who note general concerns by throwing out detailed responses. As some more senior USG visitors may not know all of the specific details regarding a particular dynamic they are asked to raise beyond what may be included in a two-page brief, their ability to offer a detailed retort can be limited or can lead them to stand down without countering Meles’s response. As such, we are again highly confident that Meles is an "S."

LIKELY THINKING "T"
——————-
¶4. (S/NF) We assess that Meles is likely a moderate-to-strong "T," but internal ruling party dynamics require him to operate skillfully as an "F" as well, which he does with aplomb. As with his deployment of details in presenting an argument, Meles conveys his analysis of internal, economic, and regional dynamics in a clear, logical way focused on ends/objectives far more than on values. While Meles does certainly still rely to a fair extent on "values" (particularly regarding the ideologies of revolutionary democracy and the developmental state), his thinking on these issues has evolved over the years, particularly after engagement with others (Sachs, Stiglitz, western governments, etc.) suggesting that when confronted with a detailed, logical, results-oriented argument he can move away from ideological dogma. A stronger argument for his "T"ness, is actually the argument against his "F"ness as evidenced by the rift within the TPLF in 2001. Meles’s absolute and near-visceral break from Seeye Abraha ) perhaps his best, closest, and oldest friend ) suggests that when push comes to shove, he is far more wedded to tasks/ends than interpersonal relationships. Finally, Meles desperately wants recognition and public accolades for his achievements, consistently focusing us on his accomplishments while being relatively more willing to forego appreciation while efforts remain in process.

¶5. (S/NF) While we are fairly confident that Meles is a moderate-to-strong "T," our confidence is lessened by how effectively Meles can operate as an "F." The TPLF Executive Committee has a lot of strong and dogmatic personalities that would not take lightly to being vetoed frequently. Meles has retained his influence over more than two decades by navigating this dynamic well. Moreover, Meles is an expert in knowing his audience and choosing his language carefully
ADDIS ABAB 00000729 002 OF 002
to deliver a carefully-crafted, audience-specific argument. Still, the dynamics behind his break with others in the TPLF in 2001 and his logic-, rather than values-, based argumentation that leads us to believe that he is a "T."

DEFINITELY JUDGING "J"
———————-
¶6. (S/NF) Meles is certainly a strong "J." Throughout our scores of meetings with the Prime Minister, in which he consistently operates without notes, Meles delivers points on any range of issues that can be precisely diagrammed into an outline. Within each point of his arguments he deploys a precise list of supporting details or arguments. Meles is a linear thinker, starting from the beginning, then reaching the end before broaching a new issue. We are very confident of Meles’s "J"ness.

COMMENT
——-
¶7. (S/NF) We hope that this analysis provides useful insights for USG interlocutors who will engage the Prime Minister. Meles’s ISTJ type suggests very clearly that the most persuasive arguments to make with the Prime Minister to sway his decisions will be those that are delivered privately, focused on an end objective that he supports or values, highly specific and detailed, and delivered in a clear, linear fashion. Further, if our message is one that he is likely to oppose, our arguments will be much more effective if delivered in a way that emphasize the objective — Meles particularly understands and appreciates arguments that clearly reflect the explicit pursuit of national interests. Further, USG interlocutors must be thoroughly prepared with details to retort Meles’s detailed responses to initial USG points. End Comment.

YAMAMOTO
***************

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