I am clearly a "Type A"---with a slow to arrive "Type B" that strolls in for herbal tea and yoga after I have been feeding my soul and NOT at work for an extended period of time. ( I really like her!!!)
However, "Type A" and "Type B" emerged as labels for how people respond to stress and were employed, and were later tested in a later experiment to see if these "types" could predict coronary heart disease----- in men----- over 60 years ago----. The experiment didn't factor in women or the stress reduction medication and techniques available to assist with coping with stress today.
Damn. I thought I was done.
But instead I will dig a little deeper (ok a lot deeper), to get a more full picture back to Hippocrates (c. 460-c.3 70 BC), the father of modern medicine, who identified four "temperaments".
These "temperaments" were marked by an excess of one or more bodily fluids (blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm) with the possibility that a person could be influenced by more than one "excess" and were labelled:
Choleric - short tempered or irritable
Melancholic - analytical and quiet
Phlegmatic - relaxed and peaceful
Sanguine optimistic and social
While the "fluid" part has been generally dismissed, Hippocrates established the foundation upon which most personality classification developed including the belief that an individual can display different aspects of a dominant and secondary "personality type", depending on the situation they find themselves faced with.
Type A and Type B behaviors seem to be a consistent personality "flavor" and most "modern" personality inventories include at least two other types, AND takes into consideration the situation or environment as a factor of equal import.
For the sake of remaining consistent, I am going to look at the other two main behaviors as "Type C" and "Type D" and see where they fit in the spectrum of self-identification. I will be particularly looking at how C and D display at work.
The "C" personality is a very detail oriented individual that likes to be involved in things that are controlled and stable. They are interested in accuracy, rationality and logic. People who can't seem to control their emotions will bother them because they believe being emotional makes objectivity difficult or perhaps impossible. They will also dislike being around people who are full of "hype", since they desire facts, accuracy, and logic. Other people's emotions may not be a priority for them as they tend to strive for the facts and "let the chips fall where they may".
"C" personalities tend to be quite controlling, both of themselves and others. They don't like things to get out of hand and may not appear very expressive at times because they don't really want themselves to display a lot of emotion. They are very outcome driven and will be sticklers for following procedures and protocol in getting the job done. They are careful, resourceful, and above all, excellent thinkers who will look at all aspects of an issue before taking a stand. Once they take a stand on an issue, they will have the facts to back it up so anyone who challenges them better be prepared.
They like their jobs to be clearly defined and want to know exactly what is expected of them. Knowing those facts, they will be able to prioritize their tasks and see them through to completion.
When in decision making roles, they are cautious, logical and require many details and facts before they make a decision. People who try to sell them something by trying to get them emotionally involved usually fail to get them to buy because the "C" personality will consider them a "hype artist" and wonder what facts they are trying to hide with all that hype.
In more public roles, the "C" personality will strive for originality, cleverness and uniqueness in whatever they happen to be doing. Because of their detail orientation, they are meticulously prepared with all the details so nothing is left for anyone to disagree with. Many accountants and lawyers, for example, are "C" personalities. They are excellent for any job that requires creative thinking based on patience, facts and accuracy.
The "D" personality takes a slower, easy pace toward their job and life in general. They seek security and longevity on the job and are very happy doing a repetitive task, day in and day out as the repetition allows them to become very skilled in what the do. They won't like it, however, if the rules change a lot as that is contrary to their desire to minimize change and stick with what they know works. One extreme example we've all seen or heard of are bookkeepers who refuse to use computers because they can count on the old way and don't want to change. The "D" will resist change out of concern that even though the current way may be unpleasant, the unknown may be even more unpleasant.
They seek the respect, sincere admiration, and acceptance of others. The "D" personality will willingly work hard to please the people they work for as long as they feel appreciated and receive plenty of reassurance that they are needed, thus providing a sense of security that they need. They often think the "A" personality type is crazy for taking so many risks and not showing much concern for security and longevity.
"D" personalities are usually very organized and being around a messy environment or disorganization will bother them. They are also good at playing a very supportive role with others and are normally very caring, thoughtful, and compassionate. They are patient, good listeners and will persevere when all others have given up. They especially like working in a group or on a team and will be a stabilizing force within that group or team.
Although they may not be as fast as others, they are accurate and thorough. They will usually keep their feelings to themselves and are reluctant to express themselves, even if a more assertive type seems to be taking advantage of them. They will probably choose to "go along to get along".
Now, how to fit these together to find the me, so that I can find my way closer to peace......
Now, how to fit these together to find the me, so that I can find my way closer to peace......
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