To use the idea of temperament most effectively, it is important to understand that the** four temperaments** are not simply arbitrary collections of characteristics, but spring from an interaction of the two basic dimensions of human behavior: our communication andour action, our words and our deeds, or, simply, what we say and what we do.
- Communication: Concrete (talk about reality) and Abstract (talk about ideas)
- Action: Cooperative (Do what's right) and Utilitalian (Do what works)
Psychologist David Keirsey introduced a new perspective on the Myers-Briggs types by grouping the types into four temperaments. He named these temperaments as follows:
Guardians (Sensation + Judgment)
- Excel at logistics
- Tend to be reliable, conventional, and vigilant
- Value duty, commitment, and established hierarchies
- Seek service, respect, and a sense of community
**Artisans (Sensation + Perception) **
- Excel at tactics
- Tend to be cheerful, spontaneous, and resourceful
- Value artistry, improvisation, and results
- Seek mastery, fun, and a competitive advantage
**Idealists (Intuition + Feeling) **
- Excel at diplomacy
- Tend to be kind, encouraging, and impassioned
- Value empathy, integrity, and self-expression
- Seek understanding, spiritual knowledge, and personal growth
**Rationals (Intuition + Thinking) **
- Excel at strategy
- Tend to be calm, practical, and skeptical
- Value technical knowledge, inventiveness, and success
- Seek expertise, autonomy, and self-sufficiency
Citations
Four temperaments overview Building Effective Teams Using the Myers-Briggs Personality Types
