Getting to know me...again. The categorization of personality types has been around for centuries and actually started with the Greek physician Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. He incorporated the four temperaments into his medical practice using the concept of humorism – four bodily fluids affect human personality traits and behaviors. Modern medicine later debunked the concept of humorism, but the four temperaments - Sanguine (pleasure seeking and sociable), Choleric (ambitious and leader like), Melancholic (analytical and literal), and Phlegmatic (relaxed and thoughtful) gained some scientific acceptance as a form of personality type systems similar in nature using four or more categories. During my almost four decades in corporate America I worked with a number of psychologists as part of my job – succession planning, executive recruiting and hires, team building, management training, et al. Naturally, I became acquainted with a plethora of psychological tools - instruments designed to analyze personality types, e.g. Myers Briggs (ENTJ), DISC, MMPI, and True Colors all of which provided insight into personality and behavior. These instruments became useful predictors of success in hiring, promotions, assignments and reassignments, work groups, etc.. Long absent from the corporate world and now transitioning to a single life, I thought it might be helpful to take a fresh look at myself to determine what changes, if any, have occurred, using a new instrument that provides a succinct overview in five areas of behavior. Do you know this person? AGREEABLENESS – Taking Care of Others or Taking Care of yourself Measures the level of how considerate and compassionate one is towards people and highlights how one interacts with and influences others’ lives, as well as the value placed on personal responsibility and independence. It poses the question “me, me, me” or “you, you , you.” Results: 1.) Perceptive 2.) Hardnosed 3.) Pragmatic 4.) Skeptical 5.) Realistic Analysis: Finding time to help others might not be at the top of your priority list. Your compassion for others is tempered by tough-mindedness and critical evaluation - how they got themselves into the situation and whether theyre able to get themselves out of it on their own. Additionally, you take good care of yourself so you have something to give when others truly need you. You do have to watch out for number one first, right? Reactions Others May Have Towards You: (Positive) People will appreciate how you helped them to help themselves when they didn’t think it was possible. (Negative) Some people will see you as having too much head and too little heart. My Take: Probably shaped by recent years of care giving, should spend more time helping others. Less me and more of others is a more fulfilling life. OPENNESS – Sometimes Curious, Sometimes Content There are three types of doors: open, closed, and revolving doors. How do you get in and out of situations? In the spirit of openness are you wildly curious or content with what works for you? This measures how firmly one is committed to their beliefs and this governs ones’ thoughts and behaviors. It also explores ones’ curiosity about and receptivity to new ideas – whether they energize and inspire or do nothing to shift one’ existing worldview. Results: 1.) Accepting 2.) Flexible 3.) Educated 4.) Self Aware 5.) Moderate Analysis: Your strong sense of self rests on solid principles and most of the time you are content to trust them. That is, until some provocative new idea slips in from a conversation, book or some flight of your imagination, and off you go exploring. Sometimes you’ll end up back where you started - “the next thing” proves impractical and you’ll let it go. There’s nothing wrong with being on the fence sometimes. Reactions Others May Have Toward You: (Positive) Many people will appreciate your open mindedness, as well as your commitment to the tried and true. (Negative) Some may find your commitment to long standing values confining. Others might be afraid of your “new” thoughts. My Take: It’s hard for me to imagine living life without a strong set of guiding Christian principles. As the country song said “You’ll fall for anything if you don’t stand for something.” Being on the fence, in my opinion is being intellectually lazy. EMOTIONAL STABILITY – Somewhat Reactive, Somewhat Secure One knows that feeling when the world is in their palm, and nothing can go wrong. What about when everything seems to go wrong? Does one carry sunshine in a bag when it rains? Does one ever lose control? Within all of us lie joy, fear, sadness, shame and disgust. But to what extent does one control these emotions, and to what extent do they control us? Here’s a look at your emotional range and your reactions to life’s ups and downs. Results: 1.) Adaptable 2.) Perceptive 3.) Flexible 4.) Receptive 5.) Unpredictable Analysis: You roll with the punches like a champ and deal with feelings accordingly, adapting to whatever level of emotion is appropriate to the moment. Your keen emotional awareness enables you to determine what does and doesn’t make emotional sense in a particular situation and then react, without losing control. You’re sort of like an athlete when it comes to your emotions; well trained and/or natural ability to react fast with accuracy. Reactions Others May Have Toward You: (Positive) Many people will be grateful to find someone who can keep their emotions in control but get deep when appropriate. (Negative) Sometimes your emotional awareness can be “off”. This can make others frustrated and uncomfortable. My Take: Knowing that God is in charge helps a lot, along with maturity gained from experience with age. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS – Focused and Flexible Do you whistle while you work? Here we review ones’ work ethic and ones’ approach to daily tasks. Some people are slaves to their schedules, completing tasks promptly and according to plan. Others take a more relaxed, playful approach, combining their work with more imagination than organization. Where do you fit in this? Results: 1.) Casual 2.) Informal 3.) Compliant 4.) Reliable 5.) Solid Analysis: You’re skilled at keeping things cool. When you take on a task at work or at home, you get the job done. But – this is important – you’re not a slave to the plan, and if it changes, you’re OK with it. You are proud of your work ethic, but also recognize when it’s time to lay down the tools, crank up the music and have a good time. You work like a captain and party like a pirate. Reactions Others May Have Toward You: (Positive) Many will strive to emulate your balanced life and turn to you for advice on how to achieve it. (Negative) Some people may think you’re uncommitted. Others may think you’re too rigid. A third set may envy your balance. My Take: Learned experience, easier on the mind and body. Don’t remember ever partying like a pirate though. EXTRAVERSION – Sometimes Outgoing, Sometimes Reserved This section explores how outgoing or introspective you are. It looks at the extent to which you crave a crowd and enjoy being the center of attention. It also examines the value you place on “me” and how comfortable you are with solitude. Mix and mingle or sit and go at life. Results: 1.) Moderate 2.) Amiable 3.)Temperate 4.) Pleasant 5.) Poised Analysis: You’re a great conversationalist and make wonderful connections with your family and friends. You also equally enjoy solo sessions spent reading, listening to music or exercising. If you ever feel like you’re going to one extreme – socializing too much or becoming too reclusive – you’ll seek out the opposite to maintain your balance. Nice! Reactions Others May Have Toward You: (Positive) Most people will appreciate your willingness to engage, as well as to sit back and let others take the spotlight. (Negative) Extroverts may find you too laid back and wallflowers may think you’re too much. Others may be envious of your balance. My Take: “I am who I am” said Popeye, no strong tendency either way, largely dictated by mood and circumstance. Okay, thats enough self indulgent behavior for today.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:01:21 +0000
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