When a group of students are confronted by a threat of suspension from school due to a grievous mistake they committed together, chances are that the students will exhibit different tendencies of perception, retention of feelings, and organization when they face the disciplinary panel. Their behavior style coupled with their abilities and motivations will definitely inform the decisions that will be reached by the panel regarding the case. The panelists will definitely fail to unearth the ring leader and the ‘blind’ follower in the group if they do not review the temperaments exhibited by the students in correlation with their individual abilities, motives, environmental factors, and opportunities (Heineman, 1995). This forms the basis of temperament assessment. According to Heineman, temperament can be described as a characteristic pointer of the distinguishing behaviors of how an individual learns and adapts to the environment.
Many techniques have been developed to measure personality and temperament. Some of the widely used techniques include the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and the Interstrength Temperament Assessment tool (Berens & Nardi, 2009). Both techniques utilize some pre-set questions that assist individuals to discover and understand their most fundamental psychological needs, values, talents, and personality type. After undergoing both techniques, I realized that I’m an Idealist.
I’m deeply captivated by human relationships that add value to my personal growth. In the many relationships that I have established, I’m always responsive to the subtle gesticulations and metaphoric behavior of others. According to Kelly (2007), such tendencies reveal an idealist temperament disposition. When faced by a challenging task, the pursuit of knowledge from any available source to solve the puzzle becomes my primary concern. Most of the times, I find myself waking up in the middle of the night to surf the internet for information about a nagging idea or concept that has just crossed my mind. This kind of tendency originates from a sense of wanting to be superior, faultless, self-actualized, and authentic (Kelly). Plainly put, I want to be on top of everything at all times.
When challenges seem unsolvable, I’m always at the frontline in coming up with various alternatives and innovations to make the situation work for the good of the majority rather than for my own good. This altruistic tendency distinguishes an idealist individual from the rest of the group (Kelly, 2007). I’m always loving and kind hearted to all people, especially those undergoing difficulties in their lives. More often than not, I find myself participating in non-profit activities that aim at collecting funds for the poor in developing countries. As a matter of fact, three organizations that I’m affiliated with offer philanthropic assistance to the less fortunate. This tendency towards assisting others to achieve their own growth borders on idealism.
I began searching for mySelf’ at a very tender age. Through struggles and good times, my aims have always been to a have a purpose in life and have an identity that is uniquely mine. I prefer reading motivation books and magazines during my free time. I also prefer books that deal with individual character and identity development. I have realized that I detest individuals, especially musicians, who imitate the dancing styles and vocals of others. As a matter of fact, I find myself changing channels on the television set or switching it off when such musicians and artists are featured. These sublime tendencies of detesting pretense, role-playing, and fakeness are linked to an idealist temperament (“Personality Zone,” 2009; Kelly, 2007). I also try as much as possible to avoid been distracted from achieving my goal of living in harmony with my inner self by not carrying and internalizing the negatives that I face on day to day basis.
In conclusion, it is crucially important for individuals to undertake a temperament assessment so as to improve their quality of life. Besides improving interpersonal relationships, such an analysis enables individuals to engage in positive conflict resolution, sound career decisions, and team-building processes. People have been able to perform exemplarily well in their careers by taking time to learn about their temperaments in the hope of aligning them to meet their most fundamental needs, opportunities, and strengths. This can only bring more happiness, vigor, and passion for life (Berens & Nardi, 2009).
Works Cited
- Berens, L., & Nardi, D. Interstrength Temperament Assessment. 2009.
- Heineman, P.L. Introduction to Temperament. 1995.
- Kelly, D. The Idealist (melancholic) Temperament. 2007. Web.
- Personality Zone. Making the Grade with your Professors. 2009.