Blog

Understanding people is to understand the building blocks of relationships. Knowing the four temperament types gives us the keys to this understanding – enabling us to get insight into what motivates people to react in specific ways.

I have to date, not met any successful healthcare worker without a deep love for people. Empathy and caring for people's needs should form part of any nurse or doctor's make-up – unless they choose to spend time in laboratories or the admin side of the industry.

If there is one place knowledge of the temperaments could save one's bacon, it is in the classroom. Teachers who know the characteristics of the four temperaments would invest in their survival and peace of mind by applying this knowledge to the learning environment.

Stress management is not a nice-to-have skill. If anything, dealing with stress could be a lifesaver. For many corporate positions, it has become a prerequisite for employment.

Communicating is a vital life skill that does not come naturally to all. When it comes to talking, the Red and Yellow temperaments have no problem at all – to the contrary, they are talkers par excellence. As the storyteller and performer, Yellow could make an impromptu speech with little or no warning, while Red could persuade a large group to follow his course or buy into his concept. But listening – the other crucial ingredient of communication - is a skill both Red and Yellow must practise.

Although the two extrovert types, Raving Red and Yappy Yellow, are traditionally the apparent leaders, all temperaments can lead a team. It is a misconception that introverts do not make good leaders.

Although opposites often attract, there is no scientific proof that this is the norm. However, it is common to find an introvert marrying an extrovert or a people-oriented person finding a task-oriented Red or Blue attractive. This could be a subconscious step to compliment him- or herself or simply make sure that he or she does not have to perform a duty that does not come naturally or comfortably.

‘Know Thyself’ has never been as crucial as in the parenting role. Parents have often told me that the child they battle the most with is the one that resembles them – in character and temperament. Flaring up against young Jimmy because he shows signs of your own shortcomings is human – but not fair.