Shona Neff

Sam’s hazel eyes sparkled like twinkling stars. Marlenea’s big-browns shadowed with disappointment when I said, “We’re going to move things around. You’ll each have a quiet place to work.”

They were together in the room, and I’d spoken to both of them simultaneously. So . . . why the contrast in their reactions?

Personality – plain and simple.

Our new plan meant we would break the employees up. Instead of working side-by-side, each would do their job in separate offices, allowing fewer distractions, less noise, and greater concentration. But not everyone was happy. Read the rest of this entry »

Have you ever wondered what personality Sasquatch is? Probably not, but the Personality Mechanic has, and now I’ll bet have your curiosity piqued with my quirky question.

Sanguine?

Since I don’t know Mr. Squatch personally, I can’t be one hundred percent sure about his personality. But, I think its safe to say he is not sanguine. Why? Read the rest of this entry »

In previous three posts we explored how the One Assumption applies to the sanguine, choleric, and melancholy personalities. Today, the phlegmatic is thrust into the spotlight. And, as a phlegmatic, I’ll add there is a little kicking and screaming going on behind the scenes. The reason? Well, the phlegmatic personality has the distinction, in most areas, of being the easiest personality to get along with. However, when looking at myself through the lens of the “one assumption”, I find that there is plenty of work to be done. Us phlegs don’t like too much work.

In case readers to this series need a reminder as to the nature of the assumption (and for those who may not have read the prior posts), here’s the one assumption that all four personalities need to apply in their lives:

Don’t assume everyone is interested in what you have to say.

I know I’ve pinched a few people with the other posts in this series. Well, today, it’s my turn . . . along with any other phlegmatic types that decide to continue.

Read the rest of this entry »

In this series we have looked at the one assumption from the angle of the sanguine and choleric personalities. Today the melancholy temperament takes center stage. Just to review, the ONE assumption that works for all four personality types is this:

Don’t assume everyone is interested in what you have to say.

This may sound a little mean especially for a sensitive personality with such of wealth of information to share, but for you melancholy readers, don’t feel defeated. I know you have important things to share with the world, but this assumption can serve you well if you’ll give it a chance. Read the rest of this entry »

My last post talked about the sanguine and the one assumption to live by. Today, we will look at the choleric and this assumption. In case you missed it, I’ll restate the one assumption that all four personalities should live by:

Don’t assume everyone is interested in what you have to say.

The sanguine personality needs to remember to breathe since they tend to be the most loquacious of the four personalities. The choleric, on the other hand, has issues in other areas.

100% Practicality is not needed 100% of the Time

Practicality is not is not a bad thing, but when lurks in every conversation, it makes people want to scream! Read the rest of this entry »

I’m not sure if my “wisdom” in this area comes more from age, observation, and experience, or my study of personalities. Either way, both contributed to the musing I’m recording in black and white today. If you are having a fragile day emotionally, you may not want to go any further because this post is not full of fun revelations. Don’t get me wrong . . .  they are good, but most of the time, self-improvement is not easy on the ego for those who choose to engage it. But, if you are up for a challenge, I encourage you to read on.

The one assumption that I believe that all four personalities can live by is this:

Don’t assume everyone is interested in what you have to say. Read the rest of this entry »

This morning Christie Love, founder of LeadHer (a ministry for women) asked this question on Facebook: Today is the end of the first week of the new year . . . how are those resolutions and new routines working out so far????

As a phlegmatic, I had to chuckle. Why? I don’t have any firm resolutions (or long-term goals as I like to call them), because ideas are still tumbling around as ideas in my head as I ponder 2012.

Shortly after seeing Christie’s inquiry I ran across this from my Facebook friend, Sandra Stein: What would the story of your life be titled? That was an easy one for me: Flying by the Seat of My Pants. When I considered THIS question along with Christie’s, it confirmed what I’ve known all along, I’m a classic phlegmatic personality. Read the rest of this entry »

Political polls are everywhere. Polls, polls, polls. Sometimes I wish pollsters would just let us voters make our decisions based on the candidates’ views and not the results drawn out of participants by oft skewed questions. (Don’t worry; I’m not stepping on my soapbox.) However, there is one bit of information emerging from all the latest polls that intrigues me from a personality angle: the surge of former Pennsylvania senator, Rick Santorum.

Why is this so interesting to me? Well, as far as I can tell from my distant observations, all indications are that Santorum is phlegmatic. Phlegmatic personalities usually are not the ones who seek out positions of such power, but this goes to show there are always exceptions.

Read the rest of this entry »

In part one of Resolution Solutions we looked at strategies to help choleric and melancholy personalities approach self improvement for 2012. In part two I’ll provide helpful hints for the laid-back phlegmatic and the easily distracted sanguine.

Encouragement for the Laid Back and Easily Distracted

If you are either the phlegmatic or sanguine resolutions makers, I feel your pain. Being a blend of BOTH these non-task oriented personalities, resolutions used to make me break out in a cold sweat. A sweat from the fount of failure! Read the rest of this entry »

I don’t know about you, but New Year’s Resolutions give me a headache. Well, they used to. I always had such high hopes of accomplishing great things, but I usually failed miserably when it came time to follow through. How about you? What do you think of the self-improvement game as we flip the calendar to 2012?

For years my well-intentioned plans floated to the floor like the festive confetti of New Year’s Eve only to be swept away like yesterday’s trash. My resolutions were left behind as time marched forward. Ever been there? It’s quite depressing. However, when I learned about personalities I gained a new and improved outlook toward New Year’s resolutions. It made all the difference in the world and I want to share some practical solutions for those struggling with the traditional self-improvement of the season.

Tips for the Task Oriented

Choleric and melancholy personalities have a better chance of succeeding than do the sanguine and phlegmatic people of the world. The fact that they are the task-oriented temperaments gives them the edge. Read the rest of this entry »