What Are the Four Personality Styles?

We each have a unique personality—unique in many ways.  We behave in different ways, respond to people, pressures and problems differently and tend to see life from our own unique perspective.  As we explore our design for ministry in the church it is vital that we look, not only to the external needs around us, but also internally at who we are.  We all have something to learn and appreciate about our own personality and the personalities of others.  Better understanding our own personality will not only help us build on our strengths but also acknowledge the weaknesses in our personality design.  One useful exercise for helping us explore our ministry design is found in understanding the four recognized personality styles.

D Dominant, Direct, Decisive

(Strong-willed, born leader, organized, delegates work, goal-oriented, always striving to achieve, determined, thrives on change, has little need for close friends)

I Inspiring, Influential, Impressing

(Appealing personality, makes friends easily, enthusiastic and expressive, talkative, life of party, storyteller, influencing, interactive socializer, colorful and creative)

S Submissive, Steady, Stable

(Low-key but happy, patient, calm and cool, many friends, easy to get along with, good listener, peace-maker, has administrative ability, well-balanced, steady)

C Competent, Compliant, Cautious

(Deep, thoughtful, analytical, organized, very orderly, likes charts, lists and graphs, perfectionist, detail conscious, quiet, cautious thinker, pessimistic nature, serious and purposeful)

More detailed explanations of each of the four basic personality types are outlined in the following pages.  As you review each, begin to assess your unique personality style or combination of styles.  Then you may want to ask several people who know you well to offer their opinions concerning the accuracy of your conclusions from this session.  Most often if there is a difference between your conclusion about your personality type and the conclusion of a close friend, the friend is right.

THE DOMINANT “D”

(Active / Task-oriented)

Biblical Character:      PAUL    

Basic Description:  A very strong personality that tends to be driven by a task or goal and possesses a powerful presence that may lack social skills but will usually get the job done with excellence! (Dominant, Direct, Demanding, Decisive)

Basic Motivation:      CHALLENGE and CONTROL    

Basic Desires:

Responds Best To Leader Who:

Needs To Learn:

Biblical Advice:

Be gentle, not bossy “Wisdom from above is . . . gentle,” —James 3:17 (NASB)

Control your feelings / actions “In your anger do not sin.” —Ephesians 4:26

Focus on one thing at a time “But one thing I do . . .” —Philippians 3:13

Have a servant’s attitude “Serve one another in love . . . “ —Galatians 5:13

THE INSPIRING “I”

(Active / People-oriented)

Biblical Character:     PETER    

Basic Description:  A personality that includes an outgoing nature, optimistic outlook and the ability to keep everyone loose.  Usually the first to volunteer for a job but usually becomes disinterested and prefers to move on to other fun adventures rather than finish the work.  Their enthusiasm is often contagious and they usually show everyone else how to have a good time.  (Inspiring, Influencing, Impressing, Inducing)

Basic Motivation:      RECOGNITION and APPROVAL     

Basic Desires:

Responds Best To Leader Who:

Needs To Learn:

Biblical Advice:

Be humble / avoid pride “Be completely humble and gentle . . .” —Ephesians 4:2

Control your speech “Be quick to listen, slow to speak . . .” —James 1:19

Be more organized “Everything should be done in an . . . orderly way”

             —1 Corinthians 14:40

Be patient “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . patience . . .” — Galatians 5:23

THE SUBMISSIVE “S”

(Passive / People-oriented)

Biblical Character:     MOSES    

Basic Description:  A personality known as more of an introvert who is often found observing situations and tends to be rather pessimistic.  Their low-key nature can be a calming force in times of crisis and they can serve as effective peacemakers.  Tends to have many friends and will choose to sacrifice achieving the task if it means that relationships may suffer.  (Submissive, Steady, Stable, Security-oriented)

Basic Motivation:       STABILITY and SUPPORT    

Basic Desires:

Responds Best To Leader Who:

Needs To Learn:

Biblical Advice:

Be bold & strong “Be strong and courageous.” — Joshua 1:6

Be confident “God did not give us a spirit of timidity . . .” — 2 Timothy 1:7

Be more passionate “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart. . .” — Colossians 3:23

THE COMPETENT “C”

(Passive / Task-oriented)

Biblical Character:      THOMAS    

Basic Description:  A personality best described as an introvert who is a thinker and tends to view life from a rather pessimistic perspective.  Known to be very analytical, serious and detail conscious.  Often the plotters and strategists in the group who are schedule oriented and determined to keep everyone on track.  (Competent, Compliant, Cautious, Calculating)

Basic Motivation:      QUALITY and CORRECTNESS    

Basic Desires:

Responds Best To Leader Who:

Needs To Learn:

Biblical Advice:

Be positive “If anything is excellent . . . think about such things.” —Philippians  4:8

Avoid a bitter spirit “Get rid of all bitterness . . .” —Ephesians 4:31

Be joyful “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy . . .” —Galatians 5:22

Don’t worry “Do not fret . . . ” —Psalms 37:1

What is your personality type?  There may be more than one that you identify with.  Do you agree with this finding (Y/N) and why?

Send to your instructor:  roxy@asof.org

Subject:  Session 2:7 - My personality type