Your Temperament; My Personality

   

Below are the topics to be covered in this post:

- A little history of Temperament

- The temperaments explained

- The twelve temperament Blends

- Applications of Your Knowledge of Temperaments

- Take a temperament Test

        

      A Little History of Temperament

Temperament which can also be referred to as personality means the prevailing mood of a person. It is coined from the Latin word 'temperare' which means 'to mix'. The word got its first use in the medical field, under the theory of Humourism which was made by a great physician called Hippocrates. The theory of Humourism states that certain moods, emotions, and behaviors were caused by an excess or lack of four body fluids. The four body fluids include blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm.

The ancient physicians believed a good blend of these body fluids is what makes people healthy while an imbalance will make them sick. This was considered to be the cause of diseases during the late 14th  century until the Germ theory was proposed in 1546 which later overtook it.

The Germ theory states that microorganisms( ie pathogens or germs) are the main causes of diseases. This theory remains valid in contemporary medicine.

The four body fluids given in the theory of Humorism, end up making the four different Temperaments we have. The temperaments include The Sanguine, the Choleric, Phlegmatic and Melancholic.

These four temperaments can be categorized into two parts:

1. The Extroverts: these are the outgoing set of individuals and the temperaments under this category are the Choleric and the Sanguine.

2. The Introverts: these are shy and reserved. They feel uncomfortable when in a crowd. The phlegmatic and Melancholic fall under this category.

Human temperaments are believed to be both hereditary and also influenced by one's immediate environment.

The Temperaments Explained

1. The Choleric: they are also known as the doer. 

Strengths: they desire control of others, this is the reason they are mostly found in leadership positions. They are strong-willed, self-sufficient, and decisive. They correct any wrong act they see immediately. They are good at maths, analysis, and engineering. They prefer facts to emotions.

Weakness: they care little for others' feelings. They have the most trouble with anger, intolerance, and impatience.

2. The Sanguine: this is known as the Talker.

Strengths: they desire to be the center of attraction. They are humorous and enthusiastic, they give life to parties. They make friends easily and don't hold grudges. They adapt to change easily.

Weakness: They find boredom irritable, and are habitual late-comers. They struggle with completing a task and are most susceptible to addiction and mood disorders.

3. The Phlegmatic: they are also known as the watcher. This is also the neutral temperament out of the four. 

Strengths: they are quiet and considerate. They are good mediators. They avoid conflict and have many friends. They prefer stability to uncertainty.

Weakness: they are self-righteous and judge others easily. They can be passive-aggressive(ie. They can fight without showing any physical sign of this). They are slow in decision-making, resist changes, and are overcautious over trivial matters.

4. The Melancholic: this is also known as the Thinker.

Strengths: they desire to make a significant impact in the world. They are perfectionists, serious and talented. They are creative in art, literature, music, healthcare, and ministry.

Weakness: they are secretive and do have a low self-image. They are inclined towards depression. They avoid talking before a group. They worry over possible misfortunes (though most of these do not occur).

      The Twelve Temperament Blends

1. SanChlor: this is the strongest extrovert. They are sport enthusiastic and good salesmen. They talk too much.

2. SanMel: they are highly emotional and have frequent mood changes. They genuinely feel the griefs of others. They have anger problems and fear a lot.

3. SanPhleg: they are easygoing and likable. They love to help people. They are the least extroverted of the Sanguines.

4. ChlorMel: they are very industrious, goal-oriented, and detailed. They are good debaters and decisive. They can be a strict disciplinarian and are usually hard to please.

5. ChlorSan: they make good salesmen and motivational speakers. They also thrive on challenges fearlessly.

6.ChlorPhleg: they are very organized and do not rush into things quickly like other extroverts. They are good at bringing the best out of others. They can also be very stubborn.

7. MelSan: they are gifted usually good musicians, artists, and teachers. They are also very emotional.

8. MelChlor: they are self-willed and determined. They are difficult to please.

9. MelPhleg: they tend to be great scholars. They are usually good at Spelling and math. Most of the world's significant inventions were made by them.

10. PhlegSan: they are happy, cooperative, thoughtful, and dependable. They are known to be great quitters. They live a satisfying life.

11. PhlegChlor: they are excellent group leaders and good counselors. They rarely go beyond the norm.

12. PhlegMel: these are the most gentle and quiet. They are usually neat and organized. They are not easily angered.  They have the gift of mercy and help.

       The Applications of your knowledge of Temperament

The knowledge gained from temperaments can be applied:

1. When dealing with others: the knowledge of temperament will make us understand how to relate with people well without hurting their emotions. This is a vital skill in a leadership position.

2. In sales: understanding how temperament works will equip a salesman with the right appeal to apply that will make a prospect buy.

3. In marriages: couples can have a happy home if only they do have a better understanding of each other's temperament and try to cover each other's weaknesses.

To have a better understanding of how temperaments work and their other applications I will recommend a book called: Why you act the way you do by Tim Lahaye.

      

 Take a temperament Test

You can easily identify your dominant temperament and the secondary one by taking the temperament test given in this Personality Temperament Test sheet. All that you need is to follow the instructions given accordingly. The temperament in which you have the highest score is your dominant temperament.

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