No two people are exactly alike. Even
identical twins can have very different personalities, and different
definitions of happiness and success. Each of us has a unique temperament; a
set of personality traits that reflect our attitudes, values and talents.
Temperament is the interaction of communication and action - what we say and
what we do. Tapping into these traits, and the traits of others, can help to
improve personal relationships, find a dream job, and accomplish life goals.
Whether striving for financial success or looking for a soul mate, recognizing
unique qualities, shortcomings and strengths is a valuable tool. This self
awareness inspires personal growth and improves relationships with others.
Through extensive research of human
behavior, we identified mankind's four basic temperaments as the Artisan, the
Guardian, the Rational, and the Idealist. Which one fits your personality? Are
you a loyal, cautious Guardian, on whom everyone relies to keep things running
smoothly? A free-spirited Artisan, living in the moment and believing anything
is possible? Or a warm-hearted Idealist, who prizes meaningful relationships
and seeks self awareness? You may even be that rarest of temperaments, a
Rational. Making up as little as 5 percent of the population, a Rational
personality thrives on analyzing how systems work, then striving to make them
work better. Influential thinkers such as Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and Walt
Disney may be rare, but they are fearless innovators.
Communication style is determined by
temperament, influencing both professional and personal relationships. A
Concrete Communicator is most comfortable discussing tangible reality; family,
home, facts and figures. An Abstract Communicator is always asking,
"Why?" or "What if?" If this describes your personality
traits, you are more concerned with theories, philosophies and possibilities.
In short, Concrete people talk about reality, Abstract people talk about ideas.
Temperament also dictates actions; how we
overcome challenges and accomplish goals. Again, there are two distinct types
of actions. The efficient Utilitarian personality doesn't get bogged down by
rules and paperwork; he makes a pragmatic beeline for those actions that get
results. The Cooperative personality is more concerned with right and just
behavior; an action's effectiveness is secondary.
These two behaviors can overlap,
certainly, but as they lead their lives, Utilitarian people instinctively do
what works; Cooperative people do what's right. Recognizing the difference is
key to self awareness.
As Concrete Cooperators, Guardians speak
of duties and responsibilities. They obey laws and follow the rules. Concrete
Cooperators prize experience; they know what worked in the past, and see no
reason to fix that which is not broken.
As Abstract Cooperators, Idealists speak
mostly of possibilities, always trying to reach their goals without
compromising a personal code of ethics.
As Concrete Utilitarians, Artisans speak
of things that are in front of them, doing whatever works, even if it means
bending the rules.
As Abstract Utilitarians, Rationals are
problem solvers who might ignore arbitrary rules and conventions in order to
achieve a goal.
This is the first in a series of articles
to help accomplish goals and gain self awareness through understanding of
personal temperament. Next time: Guardian personalities
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David M. Keirsey, PhD is an Educational
Psychologist specializing in human behavior; his lifelong work focuses on four
distinct patterns of behavior woven throughout history. The subject of two
international bestsellers, The Keirsey Temperament Theory has been used to
train educators, psychologists, a number of Fortune 500 companies and even the
U.S. military.
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