Temperament and character part 2

Temperament and character part 2

Phlegmatic

The Phlegmatic temperament has three combinations: Phlegmatic-Choleric, Phlegmatic-Sanguine, and Phlegmatic-Melancholy.

The traits of the primary temperament, Phlegmatic, may be altered or modified in some significant way determined by the influence of the secondary temperament. Remember, there are at least three levels of intensity of a temperament: classic, moderate, and mild. Some Phlegmatics will be very strong, others somewhat strong, and still others more mild.

Phlegmatics are naturally service-oriented. They are passive in both favorable and unfavorable environments. They influence their environment by cooperating with others to carry out the task. They tend to not be highly ambitious and they tend to lack a sense of urgency (both due to their passive nature). Phlegmatics are introverted, calm, unemotional, easygoing, indecisive, patient, and agreeable. They are both slow and indirect when responding to others. Phlegmatics are slow to warm-up, but will be accommodating in the process. They are by far the easiest people with whom to get along—as long as you do not try to alter their routine or ask them to change.

Phlegmatics live a quiet, routine life free of the normal anxieties of the other temperaments. They avoid getting too involved with people, and life in general, preferring a private, low-key life-style, centered around home and family. A mother who has the Phlegmatic temperament will often refer to her children as, “My children,” leaving a bewildered look on her husband’s face.

Phlegmatics seldom exert themselves with others or push their way along in their career. They just let it happen. They make good team players. They communicate a warm, sincere interest in others, preferring to have just a few close friends. They are possessive of their friendships and material things. Phlegmatics will be very loyal to their friends. They find it difficult to break long-standing relationships regardless of what the other person does or doesn’t do. However, once a relationship is broken, they seldom return.

Phlegmatics strongly resist change. They need time to adjust when change does occur, especially sudden change. They avoid conflict (which is why they are so accommodating). They resist making quick decisions. Phlegmatics are practical, concrete, and traditional thinkers. Their stoic expression often hides their true feelings. They can be grudge holders. Phlegmatics can also be patient to the point of paralysis. They are persistent, and consistent, at whatever they undertake. Because of their passive nature, they tend to procrastinate easily and often.

Strengths:

• This temperament is calm, careful, patient and diligent.
• Phlegmatic show sequence and circumstantiality at work, thus they finish all their tasks.
• Phlegmatic people are persistent in achieving their goals.
• Speech is quiet, with pauses, without expressive emotions, gestures, and facial expressions.
• They are taciturn.
• They are able to perform monotonous hard work.
• They do not waste their strengths in vain.
• They are systematic in work.
• Phlegmatic prefer routine to chaotic and rough life.
• This type is able to control emotions and feelings.
• They are not spiteful.
• They are stable in relationships and interests, often monogamous.
• They do not like chaos and mess.
• They are not led by feelings.
• They get along with people of other temperaments.
• Good memory.
• They are reliable.
• Feelings are strong but they are hidden from others.

Weaknesses:

• They do not pay attention to approval or disapproval.
• They cannot respond quickly to new situations.
• They hide their emotions and feelings.
• Facial expressions and movements are slow and inexpressive.
• They slowly move from one task to another.
• They adapt to new environment with great effort and do not want to get acquainted with new people.
• There are many stereotypes and templates in their life.
• They are not shifty.

It is necessary to develop such qualities as mobility and activity. Inertia and lethargy should be suppressed.

Melancholic

The Melancholy temperament has three combinations: Melancholy-Choleric, Melancholy-Sanguine, and Melancholy-Phlegmatic.

The traits of the primary temperament, Melancholy, may be altered or modified in some significant way due to the influence of the secondary temperament. Remember, there are at least three levels of intensity of a temperament: classic, moderate, and mild. Some Melancholies will be very strong, others somewhat strong, and still others more mild.

The Melancholy naturally wants to do things right, and is quality-oriented. Melancholies are not trying to be right, they are driven to figure out what is right. They have a cautious, tentative response designed to reduce tension in an unfavorable environment. The Melancholy’s second response is often to become aggressive to restore peace in an unfavorable situation. They influence their environment by adhering to the existing rules, and by doing things right according to predetermined (and accepted) standards.

Melancholies are detailed-oriented, operate from a plan, and they are very private. Melancholies are introverted, logical, analytical, and factual in communication. They need information, time alone to think, and a detailed plan in order to function effectively without anxiety.

Melancholies respond to others in a slow, cautious, and indirect manner. They are reserved and suspicious until they are sure of your intentions. Melancholies probe for the hidden meaning behind your words. They are timid, may appear unsure, and have a serious expression. Melancholies are self-sacrificing, gifted, and they can be a perfectionist.

Melancholies are conscientious, picky, and can be sensitive to what others think of their work. They have anxiety about the present and future. They tend to have guilt feelings but fail to realize that guilt will not change the past nor will worry change the future. They allow guilt and worry to rob them of enjoying the present.

Melancholies are well organized. However, on occasion, they may keep things cluttered, but they will know what is in the piles. They are determined to make the right and best decision so they will collect lots of information, and ask very specific questions, and sometimes they will ask the same question several times. They may take excessive time to think about their options before making a decision. Even then, they may not be sure it is the right, and best decision.

Melancholies need reassurance, feedback, and reasons why they should do something. They can be moody, which is usually related to their negative evaluation of people or events.

Melancholies fear taking risks, making wrong decisions, and being viewed as incompetent. They tend to have a negative attitude toward something new until they have had time to think it through. Melancholies are skeptical about almost everything, but they are creative and capable people. They tend to get bored with something once they get it figured out.

Strengths:

• This type is characterized by increased sensitivity.
• They are able to accept approval and disapproval.
• High demands on oneself and other people.
• They feel others.
• They are restrained and tactful.
• Emotions and feelings are strong and durable.
• In a familiar and peaceful atmosphere people with this temperament type feel comfortable and work very productively.

Weaknesses:

• Emotional sensitivity.
• Melancholic hide their emotions.
• They do not share their thoughts and feelings with others.
• They cannot go through failures.
• A melancholic is very timid, sensitive, modest, hesitant, and insecure.
• They are often pessimistic, rarely laugh.
• They are lost in unfamiliar surroundings.
• They are not eager to communicate with new people.
• It takes time while they adapt in a new team.
• They have few close friends.
• There is a tendency to loneliness, depression , suspicion. They are detached and unsociable.
• Speech is weak and quiet, sometimes they whisper. They are prone to crying.
• The slightest trouble or stressful situations may lead to breakdowns.
• Melancholic is the only type of temperament characterized by vulnerability and touchiness.
• A melancholic prefers to obey the rules and authority.
• Before important events they always experience
• anxiety .
• The other types can deal with some problems while a melancholic is not able to overcome an obstacle. In such moments, they need sympathy and support of their loved ones and friends.

It is necessary to be more active, engaged in organizational activity and mentoring in order to feel one’s importance and improve self-esteem. Regular

exercises are helpful and effective.