Personality Tells the Truth

Assessment of Personality Profile

Data. We need data. Both qualitative and quantitative information allow us to better understand individuals and build an accurate action plan for achieving goals. Without data, we risk falling far short of true success.

Intuition alone is not enough—we need a foundation.

That foundation begins with identifying personality profiles.

There are many effective personality assessment tools available, but we use a simple and powerful method developed by Florence Littauer in her book Personality Plus. We strongly encourage you to read it as part of this process.

Understanding Personality Profiles

Each of us is unique, but underlying our individuality is a core personality structure that shapes our behavior, desires, and perspective.

Unlike fixed traits such as eye color, personality is fluid. It evolves through life experience, but it remains deeply rooted in how we see the world.

This influences:

• Our ambitions

• Our decision-making

• Our sense of fulfillment

When we pursue goals that conflict with our natural profile, we often feel:

• Anxiety

• Apathy

• Dissatisfaction

At that point, we must determine:Is this discomfort caused by unresolved personal blocks—or is it a misalignment with our core personality?

This distinction is critical.

The Four Primary Personality Types

Choleric

The Choleric is a dominant, competitive, results-driven individual. While extreme cases are rare, many people have strong Choleric tendencies.

They are driven to:

• Lead

• Win

• Achieve

They thrive in challenge and often see themselves as the natural leader. Cholerics respect strength and can dominate weaker personalities if unchecked.

Summary:Cholerics are extroverted, decisive, and goal-oriented. They want to be the best and to lead in their environment.

Melancholic

Melancholics are analytical, detail-oriented, and thoughtful. They are introverted and often cautious.

They value:

• Structure

• Accuracy

• Planning

They do not act impulsively and expect decisions to be supported by logic and data. Disorganization frustrates them, and they quickly lose respect for a lack of discipline.

Summary:Melancholics are organized, precise planners who thrive in structured environments and value thoughtful decision-making.

Sanguine

Sanguines are expressive, social, and energetic. They are often the most outgoing personality type.

They enjoy:

• Interaction

• Creativity

• Excitement

They tend to be impulsive and may struggle with consistency or punctuality, but they bring energy, humor, and creativity to any environment.

Summary:Sanguines are charismatic, imaginative, and fun—but may lack reliability if unstructured.

Phlegmatic

Phlegmatics are calm, empathetic, and steady. They value peace and harmony.

They are:

• Supportive

• Patient

• Compassionate

They often avoid conflict and prefer cooperation. While quiet, they are emotionally strong and deeply caring.

Summary:Phlegmatics are empathetic, relationship-focused individuals who help maintain balance and harmony.

Blended Personalities

Most people are not purely one type—we are blends.

Think of it like mixing colors:

• Blue + yellow = green

• Some blends are stronger, some more subtle

To gain clarity, take a structured personality assessment. This will help identify your dominant traits and potential challenges.

Applying Personality to Growth

Once you understand your profile, you can build a strategy that:

• Leverages your strengths

• Addresses your weaknesses

For example:

• A Sanguine may need structure and discipline

• A Choleric may need to improve listening and collaboration

• A Melancholic may need to act more decisively

• A Phlegmatic may need to build assertiveness

Growth is possible for everyone.

Personality traits are not fixed limitations—they are starting points.

Customizing Communication and Coaching

Every individual requires a different approach. A one-size-fits-all method does not work.

As a coach or leader, your job is to:

1. Identify the person’s core personality

2. Adjust your communication style

3. Deliver guidance in a way they can receive

Real-World Examples

Example 1: The Analytical Client

Arrives early, dresses conservatively, asks structured questions, takes notes.

Likely profile: MelancholicApproach: Be organized, precise, and data-driven. Avoid vague language. Respect their need for structure.

Example 2: The Energetic Client

Arrives late, dresses creatively, tells jokes, jumps between topics.

Likely profile: SanguineApproach: Keep things engaging and dynamic. Use humor, but maintain direction and structure.

Example 3: The Dominant Client

Arrives confidently, takes control of the conversation, speaks assertively.

Likely profile: CholericApproach: Be direct and authoritative. Focus on results, achievement, and winning.

Example 4: The Gentle Client

Arrives quietly, is polite and accommodating, avoids dominating the conversation.

Likely profile: PhlegmaticApproach: Be warm and encouraging. Create a safe, supportive environment and invite them to share.

Building Trust Through Adaptation

When you adapt your communication style to match someone’s personality, you:

• Build trust faster

• Improve understanding

• Increase effectiveness

Think of it as becoming “multi-lingual” in human behavior.

If you only communicate in your natural style, you limit your ability to connect and lead.

Final Thought

Understanding personality is essential for effective development.

Your personality influences your:

• Goals

• Satisfaction

• Behavior

When your plan aligns with your core nature, progress feels natural and sustainable.

When it doesn’t, something will always feel off.

By combining:

• Personality awareness

• Data-driven decisions

• Customized action plans

…you dramatically increase your ability to create meaningful, lasting change.