I recently completed an
assignment in which I had to take the MBTI (or in my case a free alternative)
and I was amazed with the accuracy of my results. So it turns out I am an INTJ
aka “The Scientist/Investigator/Mastermind” Here’s an excerpt from
The INTJ's interest in dealing with the world is to make decisions,
express judgements and put everything that they encounter into an
understandable and rational system. Consequently, they are quick to express judgements
Often they have very evolved intuitions, and are convinced that they are right
about things. Unless they complement their intuitive understanding with a
well-developed ability to express their insights, they may find themselves frequently
misunderstood.
But what really astounded me was
when a friend also introduced me to the four temperaments- Sanguine, Choleric,
Melancholy & Phlegmatic ( I have been studying psychology (in some form)
for about 7 years now how did I not know about this before?) and I have to say
I was truly struck by how accurately it described me. Here was I thinking I was
very unique and there was no one like me and then I find out there’s a 1 in 4
chance everyone is like me!! I am not feeling all that special right now but
still there is no denying the intuitive appeal of personality theories. Whilst I am not arguing
that they are without flaws- at this moment I am not concerned with an academic
debate about validity or empirical evidence or the fact that they usually just
merely descriptive, I am just marvelling in their intuitive appeal and their
usefulness in understanding people.
To be honest, I have always been
interested in personality. My last two dissertations have all had to do with
personality/traits. Since I was a child I have always taken delight in people
watching, observing people as they went about their everyday business (it was
either this or you would find me under the table in a dark room, hiding from
everyone reading- I guess it’s no surprise I wear glasses now ._. ).
The 4
temperament are described below have a read, which are you? Does it describe
you accurately or not at all? ( by the way, in case you were wondering I am
Melancholy) remember though, no one is completely one type, we are a blend of 2
or 3.
A. Sanguine
1. Influencing of others, SP - Artisan - The
Sanguine is receptive by nature and outgoing. He is usually called a
'super-extrovert'. This temperament is usually thought of as a "natural
salesman" but they also tend to enter professions that are outgoing such
as acting.
He "leads into a room with his mouth" and
is never at a loss for words. His outgoing nature makes him the envy of more
timid temperament types. He is most comfortable around people and does not like
being alone. He is often known as a "toucher"; reaching out and
touching the arm or shoulder of the person he is talking with. This can make
more introverted temperaments nervous and uncomfortable.
His energy can make him seem more confident than he
actually is and his cheery disposition often cause others to excuse his
weaknesses by saying, "That's just how he is". The sanguine is mostly
a happy person whom others are glad to have around.
The weakness of the sanguine include a lack of
discipline which can be expressed in many ways - including a generally
"messy" lifestyle or overeating. The sanguine is the most emotional
of the temperaments and can burst into tears or a rage without warning. These
"bursts" are usually over as fast as they occur but this lack of
emotional consistency can affect other areas of his life. He may be
"morally flexible" and may take advantage of others via his good
nature.
A sanguine's tremendous personal talents can be
made or broken by his lack of self-discipline.
B. Choleric
1. Decisive, NT - Rational - The choleric is the
most forceful and active of the four types. He is strong-willed and independent
and opinionated. The choleric thrives on activity. He is the most practical and
makes sound, quick decisions. He is not afraid of obstacles and tends to drive
right through or over problems. He is probably the strongest natural leader of
the four types. He has the most problem with anger and does not display
compassion easily. He is quick to recognize opportunities and quick to
capitalize on them - though details irritate him and, unless he learns to
delegate, he will often gloss over details. His strong will and determination
may drive him to succeed where more gifted people give up.
The choleric is a developer and may be seen in
construction supervision or coaching or law enforcement. Most entrepreneurs are choleric. Because of their
impatience they often end up doing everything themselves. A choleric is
extremely goal/task oriented in leading others. His biggest weakness as a
leader is a tendency to run right over people if he feels they are in his way.
He assumes that approval and encouragement will lead others to slack off and he
probably finds criticism and faultfinding more useful for his purposes. Through
his natural determination he may succeed where others may give up.
A choleric's weaknesses include anger and
hostility. A choleric is the most likely to have an active temper; he is a door
slammer and horn blower and he can carry a grudge for a long time. This
includes a cutting and sarcastic tongue and the choleric will rarely hesitate
to tell someone off. The choleric is the least likely to show affection or any
public show of emotion. His emotions are the lease developed of all the
temperaments. Additionally a choleric can be inconsiderate, opinionated and
crafty in getting their own way.
C. Melancholy
1. Conscientious, SJ - Guardian - The melancholy is
an introverted temperament type. His natural style is analytical and
perfectionist. He is the most moody of types ranging from highly "up"
to gloomy and depressed. During his low periods he can be very antagonistic and
does not make friends easily. He is the most dependable of the temperaments due
to his perfectionist tendencies. His analytical ability allows him to
accurately diagnose obstacles and problems, which often keep him from making
changes - he prefers the status quo and may seem overly pessimistic.
He may choose a difficult life vocation involving
personal sacrifice. Many melancholies become doctors or scientists or artists.
Their interpersonal style can be critical and negative. He tends to be more
indecisive than other types. They have difficulty giving praise and approval
because they cannot bring themselves to say something that is not 100% true.
They also are usually dissatisfied with themselves being highly self-critical.
Other weaknesses include being "thin
skinned" or touchy and easily offended. He often feels persecuted and may
seek revenge for real or imagined insults. He tends to be "all or
nothing" in his evaluation of things; everything must be black or white
and no shades of gray. He is least likely to consider mitigating circumstances
when evaluating a person or situation. No temperament is more likely to be
legalistic and rigid. He can be intolerant and impatient with those who do not
see things his way.
D. Phlegmatic
1. Steady, NF - Idealist - the phlegmatic is best
characterized by the words "easy going". He is the calm and steady
person who is not easily disturbed. He is the easiest temperament type to get
along with. Life for him is happy, unexcited and calm. Underneath the calm
exterior, the phlegmatic is the most timid temperament type. He often uses humour to make his points. The phlegmatic is more an observer and does not
involve himself in the activities of others.
Phlegmatics make excellent teachers, counsellors and
administrators. They are very dependable and organized and, while they never
volunteer, they make good group leaders.
The weakness of a phlegmatic include lack of motivation or even laziness; they appear to
lack drive and ambition. A phlegmatic needs to realize that he is not
internally motivated and take up activities that force him into action. The
phlegmatic is self-protective and may be selfish. He is often very stubborn,
though it is hidden beneath his mild-mannered style. He is also the most
fearful of temperaments.
