Interaction styles

How the perosn conducts him/herself when doing things

Temperament
Why an individual takes actions

If you are more directing, you tend to

Tell people what you think they should do
Make statements of opinion as if they were fact (You should do it this way)
Work toward goals using systems and processes
Cut right to the chase
Value truth over tact
Are objective and logical when facing a tough situation
Can be seen as harsh or bossy
How a directive person might say it:

Take your feet off the table

Close the door
Please fold the clothes
Who took the pen?
Are you more directive? Click here for step two for Directive folks

If you are more informative, you tend to

Make suggestions or try to motivate others

Predicate your opinions with If it were me or In my case phrases
Work toward goals with people using relationships
Start with small talk
Value tact over truth
Worry about the effect on others when facing a tough situation
Can be seen as soft or low in confidence
How an informative person might say it:

Feet don't belong on the table

The door is still open
The clothes need folding
I wonder where the pen is?
Are you more informative? Click here for step two for Informative folks

------------

Quiz Part 2 for Directive Folks

Now that you've determined your style is more directive than informative in the first
part of the quiz , the second part of determining your interaction style is based on
where your attention and energy are usually focused. Do you focus on the outer
world or your inner world first?

If you first focus on the inner world, you

Usually think before you act

Take a few seconds to formulate a reply before answering someone
Need to think through an idea before sharing it
Often take time for reflection
Gain energy from spending time alone
Find it easy to tune out the outside world
Feel drained after a party where you knew no one
Respond more often than you initiate
Congratulations!
You fit the Beaver profile. Continue on to part 3 of the quiz or follow this link to see
what that means.

If you first focus on the outside world, you

Usually act before you think

Answer someone with a flow of consciousness stream of thought
Feel comfortable sharing an idea off the top of your head
Seldom take time for reflection
Gain energy from spending time with people
Find it difficult to tune out the outside world
Feel energized after a party, even if you knew no one
Initiate more often than you respond
Congratulations!
You fit the Lion profile. Continue on to part 3 of the quiz or follow this link to see
what that means.

-----------

uiz Part 2 for Informative Folks

Now that you've determined your style is more informative than directive in the first
part of the quiz , the second part of determining your interaction style is based on
where your attention and energy are usually focused. Do you focus on the outer
world or your inner world first?

If you first focus on the inner world, you

Usually think before you act

Take a few seconds to formulate a reply before answering someone
Need to think through an idea before sharing it
Often take time for reflection
Gain energy from spending time alone
Find it easy to tune out the outside world
Feel drained after a party where you know no one
Respond more often than you initiate
Congratulations!
You fit the Retriever profile. Continue with part 3 of the quiz or follow this link to see
what that means.

If you first focus on the outside world, you

Usually act before you think

Answer someone with a flow of consciousness stream of thought
Feel comfortable sharing an idea off the top of your head
Seldom take time for reflection

Gain energy from spending time with people

Find it difficult to tune out the outside world
Feel energized after a party, even if you knew no one
Initiate more often than you respond
Congratulations!
You fit the Otter profile. Continue with part 3 of the quiz or follow this link to see
what that means.

-----------

Quiz Part 3

Now that you've determined your interaction style , let's continue on to find your
best fit temperament. I use animals to represent interaction styles and colors to
represent temperament.

Wondering about the difference between interaction styles and temperament?

Interaction styles indicate how you act, temperament indicates why you act
Interaction styles indicate what others see, temperament indicates what motivates
you
You can adapt your interaction styles (external nature) to different situations
without too much stress. Trying to change your temperament (internal nature)
usually causes a lot of stress.
Interaction style preferences might vary over time or based on your career, home
life, etc. Temperament tends to stay the same over time, and you can usually think
back to when you were a child to see clear evidence of your natural temperament
preferences.
Now, on with the quiz

If the following descriptions sound most like you

Focused on what is or was

Value accuracy more
Interested in concrete and practical issues
Prefer people who speak plainly
Pay attention to details
Want to be valued for having common sense
More realistic
Trusting of the facts
Follow this link to step four for Orange folks .

If the following descriptions sound most like you

Focused on what could be

Value insights more
Interested in abstract and theoretical ideas
Prefer unusual or creative ways of expression
Vague about the details
Want to be valued for seeing new trends
More imaginative
Trusting of my intuition
Follow this link to step four for Teal folks .

-----

If you identified with the Teal statements in part one of the personality quiz , you
probably prefer to gather information through impressions, perceptions, and
patterns and focus on what could be in the future. This describes the Jung function
of iNtuition (the beginning i is lower case to avoid confusion between this
preference and Introversion). If this fits you, here is part two of the quick quiz:

If the following descriptions sound most like you

Frank and direct

Skeptical at first
Use rational logic first
Analytical
Meet conflict head on
Take criticism objectively
Impartial
Competitive
You might be a Blue (Rational or NT Temperament)

If the following descriptions sound most like you

Tactful and diplomatic

Accepting at first
Use personal values at first
Empathic
Avoid conflict when possible
Tend to take things personally
Compassionate
Supportive

You might be a Green (Idealist or NF Temperament)

Quiz Part 4 for Orange Folks

If you identified with the Orange statements in step three of the personality quiz ,
you probably prefer Sensing. You tend to focus on what is or what has been and you
prefer collecting information through your senses, whether that means experiencing
the situation directly or learning from the experiences of others. If this sounds like
you, here is step four of the personality quiz:

If the following descriptions sound most like you

Meet deadlines early

Make detailed plans before you start something
Are punctual and sometimes early
Like to be scheduled
Like clear guidelines and directions
Like to feel settled
Have an tidy workspace
Are deliberate
Like making long range plans
You might be a Gold (Guardian or SJ Temperament)

If the following descriptions sound most like you

Meet deadlines at the last minute

Handle problems as they come up
Are leisurely about time, sometimes late
Prefer to be spontaneous

Like flexibility
Often feel restless
Have a workplace with many piles and papers
Are more carefree
Like to wait and see, keep options open
You might be a Red (Artisan or SP Temperament)

Lions (Directive and Extraverted)

Lion Motto: Making things happen

lion
Photo by jimbowen0306
Lions are directive and extraverted in their style. All types of Lions will have E (for
Extraverted) in their four letter Myers Briggs code, and the directive part comes
from a T (for thinking) and/or a J (for Judging) in their code. There are four colors of
Lions:
Red Lions (ESTP types) are persuasive, charismatic, and independent. They enjoy
pushing the limits and will take the risks necessary to get things done.
Gold Lions (ESTJ types) are orderly, hardworking and strive to ensure the job gets
done. They uphold traditions and procedures while pushing themselves and others
hard toward the goal.
Blue Lions (ENTJ types) are strategic, visionary and analytical. They coordinate the
people, tasks and resources to accomplish complex projects.
Green Lions (ENFJ types) are empathetic, exceptional communicators and natural
mentors. They are passionate about both the tasks that need to get done and the
caretaking of the people who do them.
Lion Style

Dynamic

Confident
Bold
In control
Demanding
Social
Driven
Lion Stressors:

Not being in control

Having to take a back seat
Hearing lots of talk but seeing little action
Not accomplishing results
Lion Talents

Acquiring resources
Taking charge of a project and its people
Leading others toward a goal
Motivating others to take action
Ensuring that progress is being made
Example Lion Strengths

Clearly communicating the mission

Supervising the team
Driving the action needed to accomplish the goal
Overcoming obstacles and challenges
Mentoring team members to achieve success

Print Friendly

Beavers (Directive and Introverted)

Beaver Motto: Follow the plan and reach the goal

beaver
Photo by Paul Stevenson
Beavers are directive and introverted in their style. All types of Beavers will have I
(for Introverted) in their four letter Myers Briggs code, and the directive part comes
from a T (for thinking) and/or a J (for Judging) in their code. There are four colors of
Beavers:
Red Beavers (ISTP types) are flexible, action oriented and objective. They work
quickly toward solving the problems of the moment.
Gold Beavers (ISTJ types) are responsible, duty oriented and dependable. They work
steadily and consistently toward the goal.
Blue Beavers (INTJ types) are intellectual, knowledge oriented and structured. They
apply concepts and theories to complex problems and use foresight in order to
achieve the best quality solution possible.
Green Beavers (INFJ types) are motivational, people oriented and organized. They
use their insights and foresight to help the team solve problems and achieve goals.
Beaver Style

Calm
Deliberate
In Control
Reserved
Reflective
Thorough

Persistant
Beaver Stressors:

Not having a definite goal in place

Feeling out of control
Dealing with the vague or unpredictable
Not seeing any progress being made
Beaver Talents

Creating a plan to accomplish a goal

Setting agendas and planning logistics
Creating and maintaining systems and processes
Seeing things through to the end
Organizing and structuring
Example Beaver Strengths

Planning what needs to be done, when, and by whom

Tracking progress toward the goal
Giving clear task guidance to team members
Forming a clear vision of the end result
Documenting plans, progress, and end results
Print Friendly

Otters (Informative and Extraverted)

Otter Motto: Enjoy the Ride

otter
Photo by Mike Baird
Otters are informative and extraverted in their style. All types of Otters will have E
(for Extraverted) in their four letter Myers Briggs code, and the informative part
comes from an F (for Feeling) and/or a P (for Perceiving) in their code. There are four
colors of Otters:
Red Otters (ESFP types) are genuine, charismatic, and want to make an impact.
They motivate others and help to achieve results by using their natural
showmanship and enthusiasm.
Gold Otters (ESFJ types) are warm, nurturing and excel in providing for others. They
develop an atmosphere of sharing and community by connecting with people and
ensuring that everyone's needs are met.
Blue Otters (ENTP types) are inventive, original, and love applying theories to
improve systems and communities. They solve problems using ingenuity and a
partnership mentality to build on new ideas and make them even better.
Green Otters (ENFP types) are motivational, intuitive and are passionate advocates
for causes that help people. They brainstorm ways to make a difference for people
and help them solve their problems.
Otter Style

Enthusiastic
Animated
Outgoing
Persuasive
Passionate
Collaborative
Gregarious
Otter Stressors:

Feeling left out or disliked

Not being able to collaborate

Repetitive or process-driven tasks
Not being able to make a difference for people
Otter Talents

Maintaining optimism in the face of challenge

Provoking dialogue and prompting action
Getting others involved
Connecting with people
Starting an initiative or project
Example Otter Strengths

Creating enthusiasm and buy-in for new projects

Brainstorming solutions and possibilities
Facilitating discussions and group decisions
Persuading or mediating between people
Encouraging people to take action

Retrievers (Informative and Introverted)

Retriever Motto: Integrating it all to achieve harmony

retriever
Photo by charlietphoto
Retrievers are informative and introverted in their style. All types of Retrievers will
have I (for Introverted) in their four letter Myers Briggs code, and the informative

part comes from an F (for Feeling) and/or a P (for Perceiving) in their code. There are
four colors of Retrievers:
Red Retrievers (ISFP types) are flexible, action oriented and unassuming. They
quietly work to combine all resources into a symphony of motion and integration.
Gold Retrievers (ISFJ types) are reliable, protective and supportive. They offer a
steady shoulder for others to lean on and take care of the details so others can
accomplish their goals.
Blue Retrievers (INTP types) are exploratory, analytical and constantly learning.
They combine concepts and theories with knowledge and systems to create a
cohesive solution.
Green Retrievers (INFP types) are introspective, curious, and relationship oriented.
They have an intuitive understanding of people, combined with a knack for asking
questions that provoke reflection.
Retriever Style

Quiet
Friendly
Warm
Supportive
Patient
Consultative
Easygoing
Retriever Stressors:

Confllict
Pressure to act or decide quickly
Situations that go against their values
No opportunity to give input
Retriever Talents

Connecting ideas and people

Mediating differences
Getting to the heart of the matter
Finding common ground
Asking questions that provoke introspection
Example Retriever Strengths

Getting the group happily heading in the same direction

Integrating disparate points of view
Guiding by asking questions and sharing ideas
Helping things progress
Nurturing team members
Print Friendly

Reds

Photo by
Photo by The Wandering Angel

If you identified with the Red description words in part 4 of the free personality quiz,
your type is also known as:
The Artisan or SP (Sensing, Perceiving) temperament

These temperaments are based on two of your preferences they way you collect
information and the way you prefer to live in the outside world. Reds collect
information through their senses, whether that means experiencing the situation
directly or learning from the experiences of others. In this preference, Reds are just

like Golds . The difference is that Reds prefer to lead their lives in a flexible, reactive
way.

Most people see Reds as the movers and shakers of the world.

This is the person you want when you want quick action. Reds are the world's
daredevils, emergency medical responders, passionate fighters for cause. They are
often perceived as thirsting for excitement, striving to achieve, willing to break the
rules when it serves the purpose.

Reds come in many varieties.

After all, there are four full personality types for each of the four temperaments.
There are Introverted and Extraverted Reds, Reds that make decisions based on
logical facts (Thinking) and those that make decisions based on personal values
(Feeling). The four types of Reds are:

Red Otters : Extraverted and Feeling (ESFP)

Red Retrievers : Introverted and Feeling (ISFP)
Red Lions : Extraverted and Thinking (ESTP)
Red Beavers : Introverted and Thinking (ISTP)
I hope this article has helped you to understand the Red temperament better,
whether this described you or someone you know.

Print Friendly

Golds

Photo by Joe Nangle

Photo by Joe Nangle

If you identified with the Gold description words in part 4 of the free personality
quiz, your type is also known as:
The Guardian or SJ (Sensing, Judging) temperament

These temperaments are based on two of your preferences they way you collect
information and the way you prefer to live in the outside world. Golds collect
information through their senses, whether that means experiencing the situation
directly or learning from the experiences of others. In this preference, they are just
like Reds . The difference is that Golds lead their lives according to an organized,
structured plan.

Most people see Golds as the picture of responsibility.

This is the person to let lead when you want someone to bring order out of chaos.
Regardless of outside forces, last minute changes, and obstacles, a Gold
temperament will hold to the plan and get the task done. This person can be your
rock in times of upheaval. Golds are the traditionalists, and don't usually take the
spotlight. Golds are usually perceived as respectful of the rules, a solid partner and
friend, an island of calm in a chaotic world.

Golds come in many varieties.

After all, there are four full personality types for each of the four temperaments.
There are Introverted and Extraverted Golds, Golds that make decisions based on
logical facts (Thinking) and those that make decisions based on personal values
(Feeling). The four types of Golds are:

Gold Otters : Extraverted and Feeling (ESFJ)

Gold Retrievers : Introverted and Feeling (ISFJ)
Gold Lions : Extraverted and Thinking (ESTJ)

Gold Beavers : Introverted and Thinking (ISTJ)

I hope this article has helped you to understand the Gold temperament better,
whether this described you or someone you know.

Print Friendly

Blues

Photo by fedecomite
Photo by fedecomite
If you identified with the Blue description words in part 4 of the free personality
quiz, your type is also known as:

The Rational or NT (iNtuiting, Thinking) temperament

These temperaments are based on two of your preferences they way you collect
information and your primary consideration in making decisions. Blues collect
information through understanding a concept or theory in the abstract and how the
information fits into the bigger picture, just like Greens . The difference is that Blues
make decisions or take action based on objective, logical facts.

Most people see Blues as the voice of reason.

This is the person you want when you need the cool voice of logical analysis.
Regardless of the heat of the moment, a Blue temperament will do the right thing
according to the letter of the law. Blues are often perceived as objective, ruled by
their heads, even harsh or dogmatic when they are defending a principle.

The Thinking and Feeling preferences are the only two that split along gender lines.

About 65% of females identify with Feeling (vs. only 35% of males), and about the
same amount of males identify with Thinking (vs. 35% of females). It's becoming
less so, but our culture still prizes Feeling traits in women careful of the feelings of
others, nurturing, supportive, mediating. Our culture also prizes Thinking qualities in
men acting based on what makes logical sense, skeptical of new information until
it's proven, saying what's true even if it hurts. Therefore, women who prefer
Thinking and men who prefer Feeling often carry an extra burden of either hiding or
defending their gender-opposed differences.

Blues come in many varieties.

After all, there are four full personality types for each of the four temperaments.
There are Introverted and Extraverted Blues, Blues that prefer having things settled
and decided (Judging) and those that prefer leaving their options open (Perceiving).
The four types of Blues are:

Blue Lions : Extraverted and Judging (ENTJ)

Blue Beavers : Introverted and Judging (INTJ)
Blue Otters : Extraverted and Perceiving (ENTP)
Blue Retrievers : Introverted and Perceiving (INTP)
I hope this article has helped you to understand the Blue temperament better,
whether this described you or someone you know.

Print Friendly

Greens

Photo by pinksherbet
Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography

If you identified with the Green description words in part 4 of the free personality
quiz, your type is also known as:
The Idealist or NF (iNtuiting, Feeling) temperament

These temperaments are based on two of your preferences they way you collect
information and your primary consideration in making decisions. Greens collect
information through understanding a concept or theory in the abstract and how the
information fits into the bigger picture. They make decisions or take action based on
how it will affect others or how it fits in with their personal values.

Many Greens are crusaders.

Sometimes people think of Greens as softies they believe passionately in doing

things for the good of the people or for the right reasons. Just because they think
it's right doesn't mean it always is, but the point is that Greens take a stand
according to their personal beliefs. People perceive Greens as passionate, caring,
willing to fight to the death for what he sees as THE right outcome.

The Thinking and Feeling preferences are the only two that split along gender lines.

About 65% of females identify with Feeling (vs. only 35% of males), and about the
same amount of males identify with Thinking (vs. 35% of females). It's becoming
less so, but our culture still prizes Feeling traits in women careful of the feelings of
others, nurturing, supportive, mediating. Our culture also prizes Thinking qualities in
men acting based on what makes logical sense, skeptical of new information until
it's proven, saying what's true even if it hurts. Therefore, women who prefer
Thinking and men who prefer Feeling often carry an extra burden of either hiding or
defending their gender-opposed differences.

Greens come in many varieties.

After all, there are four full personality types for each of the four temperaments.
There are Introverted and Extraverted Greens, Greens that prefer having things

settled and decided (Judging) and those that prefer leaving their options open
(Perceiving). The four types of Greens are:

Green Lions : Extraverted and Judging (ENFJ)

Green Beavers : Introverted and Judging (INFJ)
Green Otters : Extraverted and Perceiving (ENFP)
Green Retrievers : Introverted and Judging (INFP)
I hope this article has helped you to understand the Green temperament better,
whether this described you or someone you know.

Print Friendly