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About Your Rational Temperament
Rationals are ingenious, independent people who can be both
strong-willed and skeptical. Typically focused on the world of ideas,
Rationals spend much of their time and energy understanding how things
work. Known for being strategic leaders and skilled thinkers, Rationals
are generally even-tempered, goal-oriented individuals who yearn for
achievement and accomplishment. People of this temperament can make both
reasonable mates and effective parents. Indeed they can be the kinds of
mentors that can help their children gain confidence and independence.
Valuing logic and pragmatism above almost all else, Rationals can
sometimes seem cold and distant to others. It's not that they don't care
about the people around them. It's simply that they're more oriented
toward ingenuity and results, than toward interpersonal exploration.
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Being a Field Marshal (ENTJ)
At
times, you may have found yourself in charge of other people and wondered
how you got there. But the primary reason is likely your natural ability
to harness both people and resources. You can be an excellent tactician
when it comes to leading people toward their goals. Such an innate drive
may have had you taking command of groups at an early age, even if it was
just leading other kids on the playground.
Field Marshals like you can be supreme pragmatists. As a result,
you rarely lose sight of your end goal and often actively seek out ways to
bring order and efficiency to the tasks at hand. This holds true in both
your professional and personal life. By plotting out all the steps needed
to achieve your objectives, you can make a very strong strategic planner.
However, this proactive, deliberate way of living doesn't mean that you
stubbornly stick to an established route. On the contrary, you're
typically very willing to abandon any procedure that is shown to be
ineffective. Your quick mind allows you to adeptly rethink your plans so
you can focus your efforts in more productive ways.
For you to take action in any given situation, you likely need a
sufficient, concrete reason. As a result, people's feelings alone won't
always move you to act. You usually prefer that decisions be based on
impersonal data and want to work from well thought-out plans. Because of
your need for order and efficiency, Field Marshals can be more skilled at
reducing bureaucracy in organizations than any other type. In professional
situations, this may mean that you're willing to dismiss any employee who
can't keep up with new systems to increase their productivity. You can be
particularly impatient with incompetence, especially when you see errors
repeated. By being decisive and outspoken, you might find that there are
times when you're feared more than loved. However you've probably also
earned the respect of others around you for your high standards and
ability to walk your talk.
Field Marshals like you often rise to command positions in the
workplace and enjoy running the show. When in charge of an organization,
whether it's military, business, educational, or government, you seem to
have a special talent for visualizing where an organization is going. You
can also be exceptionally good at communicating that vision to others.
Systematizing, arranging priorities, generalizing, summarizing, compiling
evidence, demonstrating ideas - these are all areas you may excel in.
Because of these sought-after talents, many people of your type make
superb executives. In fact, some Field Marshals focus so heavily on the
satisfaction they gain from their work, that they push other areas of life
aside. You would do well to maintain a balance of personal and
professional endeavors.
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Work and Career
In
your ideal work environment, you would have the authority to decide upon
goals and direct their pursuit. You typically derive a real sense of
reward from devising solutions and setting them in motion. A born leader,
you can become restless when you find yourself in a follower position -
especially when you can envision solutions that the people officially in
charge cannot. You set high standards of performance to which you hold
yourself and other people. Consequently, you have little patience for
incompetence in superiors or subordinates.
Like other Rationals, you are wired to acquire competence and
intelligence. As a result, you tend to thrive in intellectually
stimulating, innovative work environments where you can be recognized for
your expertise.
At Work with the Four Temperaments
At Work with Artisans: Artisans (SPs) are
wired to seize freedom and spontaneity. They hunger for the liberty to act
on their impulses, to play, and to create. They make up about 35% of the
population.
In
business, Artisans are crisis managers and troubleshooters. They can be
expert at solving problems and doing what is necessary, whether they are
expressly permitted to or not. They are practical, resourceful, flexible,
and risk-taking individuals. Coworkers are apt to enjoy their creativity
and verbal wit, but may perceive Artisans as indecisive or even as
troublemakers.
At Work with Guardians: Guardians (SJs) are
wired to seek belonging to a group or community. They often stabilize
relationships and institutions through their responsible, conventional
behavior. They make up about 45% of the population.
At
work, Guardians tend to be administrators and managers. They can be expert
at doing what needs to be done, and in the manner is must be done. They
are dependable, accountable, realistic, and service-oriented. Coworkers
likely appreciate their desire to belong and contribute, but may perceive
Guardians as being either slave drivers or sticks-in-the-mud.
At Work with Rationals: Rationals (NTs) are
wired to acquire competence and intelligence. Ordinarily, they strive to
learn, know, predict, and control the resources and ideas in their
environment. They make up less than 10% of the population.
In
the workplace, Rationals are often the researchers and strategists. They
can be expert at conceptualizing and seeing the big picture, as well as
architecting and implementing the necessary systems. They are logical,
precise independent individuals who usually are responsive to new ideas.
Coworkers often appreciate their ingenuity and competence, but may
perceive Rationals as being impersonal and not good with follow-through.
At Work with Idealists: Idealists (NFs) are
wired to pursue personal growth, authenticity, and integrity. They can
yearn both to develop fully as individuals and to facilitate growth in
others. Idealists make up 10-15% of the population.
In
work environments, Idealists are usually positive, helpful, and
people-oriented. They can be expert at dealing with the human resource
concerns of an organization, whether these issues are part of their job
description or not. Idealists are warm, idealistic, caring individuals.
Coworkers are apt to appreciate their authenticity and loyalty to the
human side of the business, but may perceive Idealists as not being
effective enough or even of being flaky.
Tips to Help You Find the Right Workplace
- Seek out a
place where you can exercise your intellectual freedom.
- Be wary of
positions that reward obedience to procedures and policies rather than
competence.
- Consider
getting formal training, certification, or education that would make you
marketable doing what you already know.
Rationals
tend to be about as satisfied in their work as their intuitive
counterparts the Idealists. About 75% are satisfied in their present jobs.
However in contrast to the Idealists, Rationals seem to base a great deal
of their satisfaction on being provided both challenging work and flexible
hours. In addition, their satisfaction was driven by like
company-sponsored beer on Fridays, pets allowed in the workplace, and
stock options. Rationals tend to have a wide set of interests. So although
they appreciate, and even demand, a challenge at work, most Rationals also
need time to play at their own outside interests.
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Famous Field Marshals
Did you know
that Bill Gates and Margaret Thatcher are both ENTJs too? It's not so
surprising when you think about it. As the titan behind Microsoft, Bill
Gates is known for being able to strategically marshal a complex battery
of people and resources in order to build his software empire. He is also
a perfectionist who does not tolerate repeated mistakes. In her role as
the former Prime Minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher showed herself to
be a Field Marshall both in her adept strategic thinking and in her
ability to lead others by principle.
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What Each Letter Means
The pair of
letters are E-I, S-N, T-F, and J-P. No single letter should be taken as
naming a type of person. For example, there are no "Extraverts" or
"Thinkers," as such. A personality is a complex union of traits. These
letters merely suggest stronger or weaker tendencies in a person's overall
makeup. The pairs of letters stand for the following qualities:
| E =
Extraversion |
I =
Introversion |
| S =
Sensation |
N =
Intuition |
| T =
Thinking |
F =
Feeling |
| P =
Perception |
J =
Judgment |
The terms Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I) describe two vastly
different social styles. People who score high in Extraversion on the
Temperament Sorter tend to be gregarious and expressive; those scoring
high on Introversion tend to be private and reserved.
People strong
in Extraversion are typically more comfortable socializing with groups
than being alone. They often report that they're energized by contact with
other people. These individuals usually have a large circle of friends and
are happy to approach others, even strangers, to talk. For people high in
Extraversion, social banter is usually an easy and pleasant thing.
Interaction is something that makes them feel alive. As a result, too much
quiet and seclusion can actually exhaust such persons. They tend to report
feelings of loneliness or power drain when not in contact with others.
On the other
hand, people prone to Introversion often seem more comfortable alone than
in a crowd. They tend to draw energy from private, solitary activities,
including reading, listening to music, and working by themselves on their
latest project or favorite hobby. Introverts usually have a few, long-time
friends, and can remain in contact with larger groups only so long before
their energies are depleted. If their job, family, or social
responsibilities require them to be outgoing or take center stage, they
can soon become exhausted and need down time in quiet places to rest and
recharge their batteries.
Remember,
however, that no one is simply an "Extravert" or an "Introvert." These
terms are merely end points on the E-I scale, with most everyone falling
somewhere in between. Most individuals embody a mixture of these two
social styles. Also, different tasks or roles at work or in the family can
bring out more Extraversion or Introversion in a person. This dimension of
personality, more than the other three, is fluid and situational.
The
Sensory/Intuitive (S-N) scale on the Temperament Sorter
differentiates between two distinct kinds of human focus. People with high
Sensory scores pay more attention to what is going on outside themselves
in the world of concrete things; people with high Intuitive scores pay
more attention to what is going on inside themselves in the abstract world
of ideas.
Sensory
people make up the vast majority of the population -- upwards of 85%.
These people seem more at home in the material world, where they spend
their time looking after the business of everyday living: food and
clothing, transportation and shelter, job and family, recreation and
social life. With their eye on physical realities, they tend to see all
the particulars of what is right in front of them. They typically focus on
what's happening in the here-and-now, or what has happened in the past,
rather than speculating about future possibilities. These are practical,
down-to-earth people who want facts, trust facts, and remember facts. They
believe in common sense and usually trust that experience is the best
teacher.
In contrast,
people who are strongly Intuitive seem more at home in the abstract,
conceptual world of ideas. Intuitive types deal in inferences, theories,
daydreams, musings, speculations, and symbols -- things that can only be
seen with the mind's eye. In fact, because they're so often focused on
their internal world, these individuals can sometimes miss a great deal of
what's going on around them. For highly Intuitive people, reality is not a
solid, present thing, but is more a mental image or a stage of development
toward some future ideal. The possible almost always looms large for
Intuitive people: whatever "is" can be better. They can be fascinated by
hypotheses and potentials. They are also often absorbed by their vivid and
complex imaginations. The S-N scale measures the most fundamental of the
four dimensions of personality. It's the first cut, so to speak, in
evaluating one's type.
However, this
delineation doesn't mean that being Intuitive or Sensory is an "either-or"
proposition. Intuitive individuals certainly turn outward at times and pay
attention to the world at large; they're just far more inclined to become
preoccupied with their own ideas. So too, Sensory people do sometimes look
inward to ponder and to dream. However, for the most part their flights of
imagination lag well behind their real-world observations. Neither type
can occupy both worlds at once, and each will usually show a clear
preference for one over the other.
The
Thinking/Feeling (T-F) scale assesses how people govern themselves and
make decisions. Everyone has both thoughts and feelings. However those who
score high on Thinking tend to use their head more when making choices,
while those scoring high on Feeling tend to follow their hearts.
People
falling on the Thinking end of the scale tend to be more comfortable
basing their actions on impersonal, objective factors. Thinking people can
be critical and exacting, both with themselves and others. They're often
convinced only by hard data and sound reasoning. Individuals who scored
highly in Thinking tend to be frank and straightforward. They are the kind
of people who are usually willing to speak their minds and stick to their
guns, even if it causes conflict with others. They're known for being
tough-minded in their decisions, preferring to keep emotions and desires
out of the process as much as possible. Thinking types do have powerful
feelings, but a strong show of emotion can embarrasses them. As a result,
they'll usually keep their feelings in check rather than appearing to lose
self-control, even at the risk of seeming hard-nosed or cold.
In contrast,
people on the Feeling end of the scale are typically more comfortable
basing their actions on personal, emotional factors. When considering
their course, this type will consult their feelings first and will almost
always show concern for others. For the most part, these individuals are
sympathetic and sentimental. As a result, many times they can be swayed by
powerful desire or a touching appeal. Feeling people tend to be
softhearted when making decisions. They don't like to hurt anyone's
feelings. It's not that Feeling individuals necessarily have more or
deeper emotions than those on the Thinking end of the scale. They simply
let their feelings show more easily. This tendency makes them seem warmer
and friendlier, which in turn can give them an easier time getting along
with others.
The
Judgment/Perception (J-P) scale measures how people process information
and arrange their lives. Those who score high on Judgment tend to make up
their mind quickly and commit to schedules, while those scoring high on
Perception prefer to keep their options open and their timetables
flexible.
People strong
in Judgment waste no time forming opinions or drawing conclusions. They
often report feeling a sense of urgency until a decision is made, and can
rest only after everything is settled. Closure and finality are important
to these individuals, as is orderly procedure. As a result, they can be
quick to make schedules, agendas, or timetables for themselves and others
to follow. People strong in Judgment will establish deadlines and take
them seriously, expecting others will do the same. They're usually
comfortable with routines and can be willing to do all sorts of
maintenance and cleaning up after a task, feeling that these are necessary
steps for a job's completion. For this type, neatness counts. They usually
feel unhappy or unsettled when their personal space is a mess.
Straightening things up is often near the top of their list.
For their
part, people given to Perception keep their eyes open to what's around
them, gathering information and looking for opportunities and alternatives
that might be available. They usually feel no hurry to nail things down or
settle on a finished product. Instead, they tend to prefer exploring
possibilities. These individuals are often playful and spontaneous in
action. Schedules can make them feel hurried and over-controlled; they
tend to look upon deadlines as mere reminders to get on with the job.
Also, People high in Perception prefer their work to be enjoyable and
meaningful. If a task of routine maintenance or clean up falls to them,
they may balk at doing it, or may leave it to someone else. Easy-going,
even somewhat impulsive, these people are usually quite tolerant of mess.
Their personal spaces are often cluttered with an assortment of things
they've picked up, used, then dropped and forgotten about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is temperament?
There are two
sides to personality: One is temperament and the other is character.
Temperament is a set of inclinations we are born with, while character is
a set of habits we acquire as we grow and mature. Character is
disposition, developed over a lifetime; temperament is predisposition,
hardwired in from birth. Thus, those of the Artisan temperament are
predisposed to impulsive action, those of the Guardian temperament to
responsible service, those of the Idealist temperament to personal
development, and those of the Rational temperament to objective analysis.
Each type of person, unless blocked or deflected by an unfavorable
environment, will develop the habits of character appropriate to his or
her temperament.
Put another
way, our brain is a sort of computer that has temperament for its hardware
and character for its software. Our hardware is the physical base of our
personality, placing on each of us an unmistakable temperament signature,
some facets of which can be observed from a very early age. Our software
on the other hand, is made up of our individual experience and social
environment -- the forces around us that, with time and occasion, give
shape to our individual character.
Thus
temperament is the inborn form of human nature and character is the
emergent form that develops through the interaction of temperament and
environment. Personality, your unique personal style, is a combination of
the two.
How can the Temperament Sorter help me?
Fundamentally, the Temperament Sorter helps you to do two things:
Understand your own temperament, and gain insight to other peoples'.
Possessing this valuable knowledge of human nature can have a variety of
far-reaching effects on your life.
In the work
world, being savvy about your temperament can lead you to a clearer
understanding of your natural role and functions within an organization.
It can also help you better capitalize on your personal strengths to build
your success. By comprehending your coworkers' temperaments and how each
temperament relates, you can begin to master your interactions with
supervisors and staff. In addition, being able to interpret others' innate
styles can help you to meet their implicit expectations, as well as
increasing your own leadership abilities.
In your
personal life, being knowledgeable about temperament can help you build
strong, lasting ties with others. This is true because it aids you in
anticipating your loved ones' needs and respecting their different ways of
dealing with life. When you are responsive to others, you will naturally
be looked upon as dependable, responsible, helpful, and empathetic. These
are all wonderful qualities to bring to your personal relationships. In
addition, coming to terms with your own temperament and innate tendencies
can bring new levels of wisdom and self-knowledge to all of your
interactions, as well as identifying how your particular temperament
impacts and influences others.
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