A lot of knowing who you are is knowing what you’re good at. Sometimes we know right away- as kids we’re the first one to volunteer, the first to speak in a group, the first to run outside and jump on the swings. We might show signs of leadership from a very early age, inspiring others to follow us to greatness or misadventures. Other people prefer the middle of the pack, speaking up when they have something to say, but not dominating the conversation.
Some of these people are expert negotiators not because they were taught, but because their strengths lie with keeping the peace among conflicting ideas and groups. From an early age, they’ve cultivated this talent, whether they knew it or not. Some of us are born to meet deadlines, operating swiftly and effectively under stress when the rest of us buckle under the pressure. What differentiates all these different groups of people and their reactions?
Recognizing Weaknesses
Carl Jung put together the basis of psychoanalytical theory by studying the conscious and unconscious minds, the environments in which these minds lived, and the ways in which they reacted to the world around them. Humanity has a tendency to recognize the faults of others far before we ever acknowledge our own; just think about the last time you were on the road, and someone cut you off. Did you immediately jump to conclusions about their driving ability or general intelligence? Or did you sit back and think, maybe you weren’t paying as close of attention to your surroundings as you could have been?
How we react to our own and others’ weaknesses can define our workplace relationships and our lives as a whole.
Recognizing Strengths
Unfortunately, our strengths can get us in as much trouble as our weaknesses can! There might be someone you know or work with who you seem to clash with, even though the two of you are very similar when it comes to working and communication styles. The strengths of Cool Blue types runs through their conscientiousness, attention to detail, and their thoughtfulness. Sunshine Yellow personalities are strong when they can be sociable, dynamic, and persuasive. Earth Green types are loyal and supportive while remaining personable and genuine. Finally, Fiery Red personalities are strongest when they can be direct, precise, and purposeful.
Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of ourselves and the people around us can help us build better workplace relationships and increase communication with all the people we interact with in our lives.
Jung opened up an entirely new world with his discoveries, and discoveries into the psychology of personality and the self are still being made today. Insights Discovery is based squarely on Jung’s theories, and as such is an invaluable tool in helping people understand themselves and others. Schedule me, Scott Schwefel, as your keynote speaker, and I will come to your group and address the differences in personalities in a truthful, fun, and easy-to-understand way. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to share my blogs with the color energies you work with!