Personal Growth...
©
A Newsletter For All Staff
PERSONALITY TYPES… WHICH ARE YOU?
Volume 5, Issue 4
July 2010
Editor-in-Chief: Mary Myers Dunlap, MAEd, RN
BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES
AFTER
READING THIS NEWSLETTER THE
LEARNER WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.
Compare four personality types – task-oriented, outgoing, stable and detail-oriented.
2.
Identify one person at work who has the personality
type of the D, I, S and C types.
Personality is another word for nature, make-up or
temperament. Personality includes your predisposition, what
you’re born with, as well as other influences which help
shape your own, unique make-up. For example, foxes are
predisposed -born- to raid hen houses, beavers to dam up
streams, dolphins to swim in close-knit schools, and owls to
hunt alone in the dark. That is their
nature or personality. Unfortunately
animals do not possess the ability to
change their behavior or “think things
through” before they act. Humans
also have their own unique
personality or nature, as well.
However, we have the ability to adapt ourselves, and to act
appropriately, depending on the situation. We are able to act
funny in some situations, to be quiet in others, “ferocious” in
others, and we learn when and where different behaviors are
correct. We may have the in-born temperament of a wild lion
or a helpless kitten, but with intelligence and desire, we can
adjust ourselves to different situations and use correct
behavior.
In order to have the best relationship possible with other
people, each needs to be treated in a certain way based on
their personality traits. This newsletter will compare four
personality types – task-oriented, influencing, stable and
detail-oriented. Understanding various personality types will
help you understand yourself, as well as those you work
with.
PERSONALITY TYPES
There are basically four personality types which are
present, to various degrees, in every person. Each
personality type can be broken down into two simple
characteristics: 1) task or people oriented and 2) out-going
or reserved people. A person’s basic personality type is a
combination of one characteristic from each, such as taskoriented and reserved or people-oriented and outgoing.
No one type of personality is better or worse than another
- there is no such thing as a “good” personality. Each
personality type, like people, has strengths and weaknesses.
Although each person typically has one strong, dominant
personality type, it is common for there to be a blend of two
or more types. Perhaps, it changes with the situation - you
may have a certain personality at work, another with your
family, and another, socially. The complex way in which
these traits blend, for example, from somewhat to completely
task-oriented, makes up each person’s distinct personality.
These personality types have been researched and
described as the D-I-S-C system by Dr. Robert Rohm and
will be described below. Which are you? Is it different at
work, at home or with your friends? Which personality type is
your supervisor? How about each of your co-workers?
D-I-S-C PERSONALITY TYPES
THE “D” TYPE PERSONALITY
Dominant, Direct, Drivers, Doers, Dynamic, Demanding,
Dictators
The “D” type personality is both task-oriented and
outgoing, and represents the personality type of only about
10% of all adults. “D’s” are “born leaders,” and are typically
just that, leaders. Many people in authority, including military
officers, coaches, police brass and political leaders, are
“D’s.” They are “take charge” kind of people. They get things
done, having “things to do, places to go and people to see.”
They are focused on the job at hand, the goal, and have little
regard for people who get in the way. Don’t look for too
much sympathy from “D’s.” They typically don’t express a lot
of warmth. They’ll be the first to tell you, “Quit complaining,
and get back to work.”
“D’s” seldom take “no” for an
answer. A “no” to them means ask
again later. Although they don’t mind
conflict, they are not usually rebellious.
“D’s” just have so much drive and
ambition and don’t want anything or
anybody to stand in their way. “D”
types also commonly have a lot of
nervous energy. Their minds are going “100 miles an hour.”
They must have a project to work on or a challenge to
motivate them. And, multi-tasking is common - doing
several jobs, at full tilt, at the same time.
Those who work with “D’s,” especially under their
authority, sometimes have a difficult time. “D’s” tend to be
blunt. They also love control and typically have an attitude of
“It’s my way, or the highway!” They are independent,
determined and decisive decision makers.
Don’t beat around the bush with “D’s.” If you have
business with them, get to it. Don’t make idle chit chat.
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“D’s” also like to be given choices, for example, “Do you
want the census or staffing report first?” That way they can
feel in control. Also, adding, “We can do whatever you want
to do”, will really be talking their “language.”
THE “I” TYPE PERSONALITY
Inspirational, Influencing, Impressive, Interesting, Important
The “I” type personality is people-oriented and outgoing,
and represents the personality type of approximately 30% of
the population. Comedians, counselors, salesmen, mental
health workers, good speakers, and actors are most
commonly “I’s.” If they are honest, they can become great
leaders and motivators. If not, they make great con-artists.
This personality type can make you believe almost
anything and they love to “wheel and deal.” They are also
talkative, good listeners, friendly, empathetic, charming and
want to have fun. They seem to talk or wave to everyone
they see. They, literally, have never met a stranger. An “I”
will strike up a conversation with anyone - a clerk in the
store, the person behind them in line. And, it is almost
impossible to pass an “I” co-worker, when you look sad or
frustrated, without them stopping you to check - “Are you
alright?”
“I’s” can sometimes be
overbearing because they are so
talkative and “touchy-feely”. They can
also frustrate others with their
disorganization and lack of planning.
“I’s” are carefree and sometimes
have difficulty setting priorities. They can be undependable.
“I’s” dream big, but rarely follow through. They are often
more concerned with how everyone is getting along during a
task, rather than the task itself. And, unlike “D’s,” they would
rather talk about getting a job done, than actually do it.
Calmness is not typically a part of an “I’s” nature. Many
times they dress, behave and act in ways that call attention
to themselves. “I’s” are often followers, commonly
impressionable and easily swayed.
When interacting with an “I,” the most important quality
you can ever offer is recognition. Praise and attention are
craved. And, be sure to allow extra time to chat before
getting down to business with an “I.”
THE “S” TYPE PERSONALITY
Steady, Stable, Security, Status Quo, Sentimental, Shy,
Submissive
The “S” type personality is people-oriented and reserved,
and represents the majority of adults, about 35%. “S” types
are commonly in supportive or service roles, such as
teachers, secretaries, firemen, librarians, policemen and
nurses. Even though “S’s” are reserved, they also make
good leaders. Not as a dictator type of leadership, but as a
supportive cheerleader. They are steady, dependable,
logical, stable and practical.
Routine may be boring to some people, but not to “S’s.”
They are conservative in all areas of their life, such as dress,
manners, and investments. They like doing one thing at a
time and look for the simplest, most logical, way to do it.
When things are constant and organized, the “S” feels
secure. An “S” personality probably coined the phrase, “A
place for everything, and everything in its place.”
“S” personalities are loyal, changing jobs only when they
absolutely have to. They do not like change or surprises.
They can keep secrets to themselves without ever being
tempted to tell anyone. They are people-pleasers and are
willing to go the extra mile, and beyond. “S’s” hate conflict
and “making waves.” The most difficult word for an “S” is
“no.” They are “yes” people and, as followers, take orders
very well, sometimes too well. They don’t want to hurt others’
feelings and are, therefore, sometimes taken advantage of.
S’s” rarely get rattled and are the backbone of many groups.
They are also the best people to go to in order to get an
objective, supportive opinion and for help in understanding
group norms and expectations.
When interacting with an “S” it is important to show
appreciation. They need to feel helpful and needed.
If an “S” is told, “I appreciate you”, he or she will respond
with a smile and a quiet, “Thank you.” On the other hand, a
“D” will respond, “You should, as much as I do for you!”
THE “C” TYPE PERSONALITY
Competent, Cautious, Careful, Calculating, Conscientious,
Compliant
The “C” type personality is task-oriented and reserved,
and represents 25% of the population. The “C” type
personality pays attention to details and accuracy. Many
accountants, proof-readers, scientists and surgeons are
“C’s.” “C’s” are analytical, and know how to take a big project
and break it down into little components. They don’t like
chaos and enjoy focusing on little intimate facts and trivia.
They commonly keep detailed lists.
“C’s” are cautious, not risk-takers,
and like to make sure things are
done correctly. They don’t like
making mistakes. “C’s” often stay
on track with a project long after
others have given up. They follow
directions, step-by-step, and have
difficulty understanding why others
don’t do what they’re supposed to do. They have little time
for “horsing around.” When they are focused on a task, they
tend to be unsociable. After all, there’s a job to be done
correctly. “C’s” enjoy being right and usually are. They are
very bright.
The basic need of “C’s” is quality, including work, ideas
and answers. Taking a general idea, which hasn’t been well
thought out, to a “C” is generally not a good idea. They don’t
like vagueness, excuses or beating around the bush. They
want details - the more, the better.
In every group, at work and socially, there are those
who are dominant, talkative, steady, as well as
careful. Understanding others’ basic personality
types, as well as your own, will increase success in
relationships.
Growing Up With Us, Inc.
PO Box 481810 • Charlotte, NC • 28269
Phone: (919) 489-1238 Fax: (919) 321-0789
Editor-in-Chief: Mary M. Dunlap MAEd, RN
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.growingupwithus.com
GUWU Testing Center
www.growingupwithus.com/quiztaker/
Copyright © 2010 Growing Up With Us, Inc. All rights reserved.
Page 2 of 4
Name:_____________________________________________________
Date:___________________________________
Employee ID#:____________________________________________
Unit:____________________________________
POPULATION/AGE-SPECIFIC EDUCATION POST TEST
PERSONAL GROWTH...
A Newsletter for All Staff
July 2010
Competency: Demonstrates Age-Specific Competency by correctly answering 9
out of 10 questions related to Personality Types… Which Are You?
PERSONALITY TYPES… WHICH ARE YOU?
1. A person’s personality characteristics may vary according to the setting, situation and group.
a. True
b. False
2. The best type of personality is one that is stable and steady.
a. True
b. False
3. If at all possible, people you work with should be treated:
a.
b.
c.
d.
exactly alike, so there are no claims of favorites.
as you would like to be treated.
according to their personality traits.
however you feel like treating them at the time.
4. Which of the following descriptions most closely describes a “D” personality, “born leader”, type?
a.
b.
c.
d.
loves people
is neat and organized
pays close attention to detail
focuses on the task at hand
5. People with an “I” type of personality are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
sentimental.
doers.
careful.
interesting.
Copyright © 2010 Growing Up With Us, Inc. All rights reserved.
Page 3 of 4
Name:_____________________________________________________
Date:___________________________________
Employee ID#:____________________________________________
Unit:____________________________________
POPULATION/AGE-SPECIFIC EDUCATION POST TEST
Personal Growth…
A Newsletter for All Staff
PERSONALITY TYPES… WHICH ARE YOU?
6. When working on a project with a co-worker, who has an “I” personality type, you should plan to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
allow time to chat.
stay on task.
rely on them to check details.
be organized.
7. A change is about to take place in your department. Which of the following group members will
likely be most resistant?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sally, who has been loyal to the department for 25 years.
Jim, who stays late at work, at least once a week, to get his work done.
Martha, who cares about how everyone is feeling.
Tim, who loves challenges.
8. You feel overwhelmed by your workload. Definitely, the person NOT to share this problem with is
a co-worker who:
a.
b.
c.
d.
likes to break problems down into little ones.
is outgoing, and will tell others your situation.
focuses on being independent and task-oriented.
acts carefree, but interested in other’s feelings.
9. You have been asked to write a report for a supervisor, who you feel is rather demanding. Before
turning it in, you want a co-worker to proof-read it for you. It would be best to ask a co-worker
who:
a.
b.
c.
d.
is as demanding as the supervisor.
will be supportive and encouraging.
has worked with the supervisor the longest.
values details and accuracy.
10. Everyone should strive to develop more “D” type traits, because they are the best at their jobs.
a. True
b. False
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