January 22, 2017

How to Deal With Different Personalities


“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophecy according to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”—Romans 12:5-8 (NIV)

All people aren’t all made the same. Anyone who interacts with a variety of people on a daily basis knows this. Some of us even learn this in our own families. Siblings may look alike but have completely different personalities, for instance.

It’s not only about the surface differences of race, religion, and culture; it’s about how we think. Many factors go into our mindset. Here are a few:
  • Childhood training
  • Environment
  • Genetics

Many times, I’ve asked myself, “Why does he/she think like that?” You can probably say the same thing. Individuals may work or worship with us, but that doesn’t guarantee they have our same values.

Wiring in Electronics

We don’t use the same cabling and connectors for every device. iPhones and androids look similar, and they operate almost the same way. On the other hand, these items don’t use the same battery chargers. The connectors are specific to the type of phone.

A person can get angry that he can’t charge one type of mobile device with the other kind of charger, but that’s not going to change anything. If the cable doesn’t have the right connector, it is not going to fit into the cell phone. There will be no way to power the phone on once the battery has completely drained. Plain and simple.

How many times do we try to fit people into a certain mold, or analyze them according to our worldview? Ummm. It doesn’t always work. That’s where acceptance and information come in. Of course, I’m not talking about people who don’t treat others right.

The Different Personality Types

A majority of experts divide personality types into four or five categories. Individuals will often be a unique combination of two or more of them. Here are the findings of two professionals, inspirational speaker, Alison Mooney and author, Tim LaHaye:

Playfuls/Sanguines
Extroverts

Powerfuls/Cholerics
Extroverts

Precises/Melancholies
Introverts

Peacefuls/Pragmatics
Introverts

Love to talk

Assertive

Perfectionists

Calm

Speak before they think

Decisive

Think before they speak

Patient

Emotional
Productive

Meticulous

Diplomatic


The Needs of the Personality Types
Playfuls/Sanguines
Approval
Powerfuls/Cholerics
Appreciation
Precises/Melancholies
Sensitivity
Peacefuls/Pragmatics
Harmony
Affection
Loyalty
Space
Respect
Attention
Control
Comfort
Value

An Example of Varying Temperaments

Jack
His wife states that he is sloppy in his appearance and his surroundings. He is also a careless driver who has been in some accidents. His life is chaotic. Jack’s wife is a conscientious woman who wants beauty, control, and order. She also wants appreciation. Let’s just say she doesn’t usually get her wish.
My Conclusion

“One size fits all” doesn’t always work regarding clothing. This is also true for our temperaments. What’s appropriate for some people might not work for others. In order to get along, we may want to treat others according to their unique needs.

Related Posts


How are you dealing with different personality types?

No comments:

Post a Comment