Have you noticed there are a wide variety of temperaments in the world? That’s a good thing. We wouldn’t learn from each other if individuals all thought and acted the same. Certain personalities are often suited to particular jobs:
Sales—talkative and outgoing
Accounting--meticulous
Teaching—calm
Performers—outgoing
Business Executives—quick-minded and in control
Comics—amusing and outgoing
Two Examples of Individuality
The Introvert (withdrawn individual)
I am reserved around people I don’t know well. I overanalyze and internalize absolutely everything. I see the whole world as my responsibility. Also, my emotions are deep and intense. My profound emotions deal mainly with fear.
The Extrovert (outgoing person)
I know a few outgoing people who deal with anger, not fear. They don’t like to think profoundly, and they don’t hold back their emotions—any emotion. In addition, these people rarely think before they speak.
Are introverts more acceptable than extroverts—or vice versa? I would say neither is true in all situations. Some circumstances will benefit from a peaceful, cool personality. For instance, confrontations between two outgoing personalities can be explosive. On the other hand, quiet, shy sales associates wouldn’t be as effective as talkative ones.
The Four Personality Types
Today, I would like to share a direct quote from my book, Accept No Trash Talk: Overcoming the Odds, which discusses the different styles of temperament:
I subscribe to the four-personality theory well-known in certain circles for decades. Usually, people are a combination of personality types, with one dominant personality trait:
- Extroverted, fast-paced, short-tempered, organized, and controlling
- Extroverted, loud, talkative, fast-paced, disorganized, short-tempered, fun-loving, and easy-going
- Introverted, overly analytical, detail-oriented, slow-paced, slow-simmer type of temper, quiet, prone to fear, craves peace
- Introverted, quiet, passive, slow-paced, slow-simmer type of temper, craves peace, prone to fear, and prone to procrastination.
Again, it’s important to note each individual’s personality will normally be a unique combination of two or more of the four personality types listed above. For example, I know outgoing individuals who are also analytical. I know extroverted people who can be slow-paced and quiet in some situations as well. There are numerous possible combinations of characteristics; that’s what makes every person special.
Every kind of personality is necessary to make the world go around. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. That’s why all of us need each other. We are not here to judge and misinterpret others’ thoughts and actions.
Our purpose is to work together. In sharing our strengths, we also boost our weaknesses. In working together, we become stronger. I can definitely use more strength; how about you?
How have you worked with different personality types?
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