Know Yourself. Know your Temperament

We are all different: different upbringing, culture, education, siblings, parents, etc. However there are common traits between different kinds of people, and this is what experts called your “Temperament”. It’s your baseline tendency to react in one kind of way. As a quick definition goes:

The Temperament is the way you tend to behave or the types of emotions you tend to exhibit.

Temperament is different to personality or to character. Both personality and character are forged through choices we make day-to-day and the influences that makes us who we are. Temperament influences your personality. But your temperament is not something you choose to have but rather you are born with it.

These are 4 types of temperaments. Some studies group in different ways or combine them in letters, etc. But that said the simplest grouping is the one done by Nigel Risner, “It’s a Zoo”. He groups temperaments into animals:

Lions are straight-forward, tenacious and purposeful. They make visionary leaders and love to be in charge. They are excellent at making tough decisions and meeting deadlines. People can perceive them as being stubborn, impatient and uncaring. When talking with Lions, be brief and focus on the task in hand. Make a point of honouring all agreements to the letter.

Monkeys are dynamic, creative and energetic. They can inject liveliness and humour into the dullest of situations. Because of this, others sometimes feel they don’t take things seriously enough. They often have trouble with timekeeping. When talking with Monkeys be enthusiastic, tap into their ideas and give them space to think flexibly and change their minds.

Elephants are capable, analytical and often more sensitive and vulnerable than they let others see. They are extremely reliable and value clarity, gentleness and quiet. They have difficulty expressing themselves and people can see them as overly formal and fussy. When talking with Elephants, allow them to save face and be prepared for lots of questions about detail.

Dolphins are very supportive and perceptive of others’ emotions. They are excellent at building rapport and are often also skilled in handling detail. People can perceive them as being weak or over-emotional. When talking with Dolphins, pay attention to social and personal aspects as well as the task and remember they find change unsettling.

There’s a simple questionnaire which you can do. Although adapted specifically to the work-place, it can be applied to anyone.

Below is a video on baby’s temperament which illustrates how different we all are when we are born. Granted there is a combination of nature and nurture, but the baseline temperament is always there.