Week 7 Individual Creativity Part 2

Psychology looks at who we are through temperament

According to David Keirsey

 "Temperament is a configuration of observable personality traits, such as habits of communication, patterns
of action, and sets of characteristic attitudes, values, and talents. It also encompasses personal needs, the
kinds of contributions that individuals make in the workplace, and the roles they play in society. Each
temperament has its own unique qualities and shortcomings, strengths and challenges."
There are some personality traits that are associated with each temperament, but temperament goes deeper
than visible traits.  Temperament theorists believe that temperament is inborn.  You can 'act' out of
temperament, but your temperament doesn't change (except perhaps if you experience severe psychological
trauma).
Dr. David Keirsey has identified humankind's four basic temperaments as the Artisan, the Guardian, the
Idealist, and the Rational

Each temperament has a different creative focus - they are likely to be creative in different ways.  Note that
Keirsey says your dominant temperament (your highest score) is your temperament.  Other theorists (and
Mary) think that you have some of each temperament - a 'rainbow', 'plaid', or a 'pie' with some of each
temperament.
Introversion/ Extroversion!
I/E is part of 5 Factor theory (the E in the OCEAN model) - you completed this assessment in Week 5. 
Introversion/extroversion (and ambiversion) is about where you get your energy.  Extroverts get energy from
others - they love to talk, discuss and argue, and they really need to be around people.  Introverts are the
opposite.  They get their energy from thinking.  They aren't shy, but they tend to be quieter than extroverts
because they think, decide and then speak while extroverts like to talk things through and then decide.  This
doesn't mean introverts don't change their minds, but they like to have time before they start to talk and
share their ideas and opinions.  Ambiverts?  They are in the middle.  They might need a break after hours and
hours of interaction, and too much time 'in their head' makes them want to be around others.

Where do you get your energy?

How does this affect your creativity?
 How you get ideas

 How you share or implement ideas

Temperament theory can be connect to creativity, happiness, relationships, self-actualization, finding meaning
in life, and lots of other things.  In this folder are some 'extra' documents and links about temperament and
creativity.  You do not have to read them; some of you may find them interesting. Some of them may help you
with the question on temperament and creativity in your Me + My Creativity assignment.