Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Daniele Lima
Know each type of temperament to better understand yourself and others
Coexistence between human beings has never been easy, right? This happens because there are 4 types of temperament that differentiate us from each other. Each temperament has its strengths and weaknesses, which makes human coexistence quite interesting, even if it is sometimes difficult. This is one of the reasons that explains the success of a reality show since the friction between the participants generates a huge audience.
Learning to identify temperaments has two benefits. The first is getting to know yourself in depth, enhancing your positive points, and controlling your negative points. The second is knowing how to identify the temperament of other people and learning to live in harmony with them. It is a task that requires knowledge of the subject, as explained by the behavior specialist human being, theologian, and writer Tiago Brunet, author of the book Specialist in People, among others.
According to Tiago Brunet, if you learn to deal with people, your life will become lighter, and differences will be resolved in a more rational and practical way.
In this article, we are going to talk a little about each temperament so that you can identify which one is yours and possibly the people you live with.
Table of Contents
1 – Dominant Temperament
- Born leaders, excellent for leading positions and coordinating teams.
- They like challenges and change, which can generate great ideas and a unique disposition for new projects.
- High self-confidence as they know they are good at what they do.
- Think fast to solve situations
- They make immediate decisions, as they are very sure of themselves.
- They like to take risks, they are not afraid to make mistakes.
- They grow in times of crisis, seeing new opportunities.
- Good communication, they are straight to the point, without beating around the bush.
- They find it difficult to accept the opinions of others.
- They can be overbearing and arrogant at times.
- They are more result-oriented and less process-oriented.
- Very demanding of himself and others.
- Insistent on what you want and with other people too.
- Super competitive.
- They can be quite intimidating and insensitive in their way of being.
2 – Extroverted temperament
- They act very impulsively in most situations and have an emotional view of facts.
- Very sociable and communicative people, with a great ease in making friends.
- They are easily distracted and find it difficult to stay focused on tasks that do not interest them.
- They are aimed more at people, valuing processes more than results.
- Self-confident, they believe in their potential and thus promote themselves.
- Freedom lovers, don’t get attached to details, nor do they like to be controlled.
- Persuasive and charismatic.
- They have incredible creativity.
- They are very intuitive.
- Most of the time, they are reliable, friendly people who encourage group decision-making.
- They use verbal language well, they know how to communicate easily.
- They are optimistic, they make more positive comments than negative ones.
- They like to pay attention to people.
- They have difficulties making decisions.
- They like to take risks, to venture out.
- They are uncomfortable in quiet environments.
3 – Patient Temperament
- Very easygoing people.
- They are loyal and like deep relationships.
- Methodical, super calculating.
- Resistant to change, they prefer not to “change a winning team”, just in case.
- They don’t like fights and run away from hostile situations.
- They prefer calm environments.
- Excellent listeners.
- They really appreciate being led.
- They are constant and persistent in what they do.
- Undecided and indirect in the way they position themselves.
- They really care about each other, very empathetic.
4 – Analytical Temperament
- They are organized people, focused on processes and not directly on results.
- His decisions are based on logic, totally rational.
- They generally like numbers and calculations.
- They do not express opinions unless they are sure of what they are going to say.
- Perfectionists and detail-oriented in everything they do.
- Conscious, seeking quality in everything they do and what they do for them.
- Super systematic in relationships and value reciprocity a lot.
- It is naturally worried.
- Purposeful and accurate when talking to others and making decisions.
- Make plans to solve problems.
Conclusion:
It is important to emphasize that there is no worse or better temperament. They are all trainable so they are not extremists. We can have varying percentages of the four temperament types in us. In most cases, we have 60% of a type that best defines us and the other types add to our profile.
Because of this, it is essential that we know at least a little about each one of them.
Knowing how to respect and live with differences is a skill that not only favors us in our personal lives but also professionally. Companies today are looking not only for qualified professionals but also for people who get along well in groups, and who know how to relate to each other.
It is not an easy task, but with daily practice and knowledge on the subject, we will certainly become better and more socially evolved people.
Temperament – FAQ:
Are temperament and personality the same thing?
While related, disposition and personality represent distinct facets of an individual’s psyche. Disposition pertains to inherent traits, such as emotional reactivity and sensitivity to stimuli, which are often observable from early childhood.
Personality, on the other hand, encompasses disposition but also includes learned behaviors, attitudes, and values that develop over time, shaping one’s overall identity and behavior. Understanding these differences helps unravel the complexities of human nature and interpersonal dynamics.
Can temperament be changed?
While disposition is largely influenced by genetics and early life experiences, it’s not entirely fixed. Through self-awareness, introspection, and intentional effort, individuals can modify certain aspects of their disposition.
Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and exposure therapy can help individuals adapt their emotional responses, communication styles, and coping mechanisms.
While complete transformation may be rare, incremental changes in disposition can lead to personal growth, improved well-being, and more fulfilling relationships.
Which temperament is the best?
There is no universally superior disposition; each offers unique strengths and weaknesses that are context-dependent. For instance, individuals with assertive dispositions may excel in leadership roles, displaying confidence and decisiveness, while those with nurturing dispositions may thrive in caregiving professions, exhibiting empathy and compassion.
The “best” disposition varies based on individual preferences, societal expectations, and situational demands. Embracing diversity in disposition fosters inclusivity and enriches collective experiences through complementary traits and perspectives.
How temperament affects relationships?
Disposition significantly influences interpersonal dynamics, shaping communication styles, conflict resolution strategies, and emotional expression within relationships.
Compatible dispositions often facilitate mutual understanding and harmony, as individuals resonate with each other’s preferences and tendencies. Conversely, conflicting dispositions may lead to misunderstandings, friction, and emotional tension, requiring patience, empathy, and compromise to navigate effectively.
Awareness of disposition differences enables individuals to cultivate empathy, appreciation, and respect for diverse perspectives, fostering deeper connections and more fulfilling relationships over time.
