Understanding Human Behaviour Through Temperaments

Discover Insights from "The Seven Human Temperaments"

Understanding Human Personality Through Geoffrey Hodson's "The Seven Human Temperaments"

While recently having a conversation with a project head about a training program on personality transformation, we discussed how behaviour has changed, especially post-pandemic with the return to office work. Leaders are displaying varying behaviours—sometimes rude yet smiling, and other times silent but aggressive. This made me think about why people act differently in various situations. Many times, at home, both genders can be sober, while at work, they might be stern and vice versa. At this time, I stumbled upon Geoffrey Hodson's book, "The Seven Human Temperaments," and thought, let me understand temperaments and why and how they influence our reactions.

What is Temperament?

Ok, now let's find out what temperament is. Does it really matter? Yes, of course. Temperament is a person's nature. It is our innate behaviour, a trait that one exhibits in response to a situation or towards a person. So, how are temperaments formed? They include displaying emotions based on mood. Understanding oneself (self-awareness) and others is crucial. Hodson's book breaks down human personality into seven distinct temperaments, each with its own unique traits and behaviours.

The Seven Human Temperaments

Geoffrey Hodson describes the seven temperaments as the Solar, the Martial, the Mercurial, the Jovian, the Saturnine, the Venusian, and the Lunar. Each temperament exhibits distinct characteristics that influence how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.

The Solar Temperament

People with the Solar temperament are optimistic, enthusiastic, and energetic. They tend to be natural leaders, inspiring others with their vision and charisma. For example, in Hodson's book, he describes a Solar individual as "a ray of sunshine, always brightening the room with their presence." At home, they might be the life of the party, always bringing positive energy to family gatherings. However, at work, they may sometimes be perceived as overbearing or unrealistic due to their high expectations and relentless drive.

The Martial Temperament

Martial individuals are characterized by their assertiveness, competitiveness, and determination. They are often goal-oriented and thrive in high-pressure environments. Hodson portrays Martial individuals as "warriors, always ready to face challenges head-on." In a personal setting, a Martial person might come across as domineering or confrontational, especially when things don't go their way. In a professional setting, they excel in roles that require decisiveness and resilience but may struggle with collaborative tasks.

The Mercurial Temperament

Mercurial temperament individuals are known for their adaptability, intelligence, and quick-wittedness. They are excellent communicators and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Hodson describes them as "the swift and agile thinkers, ever-changing and versatile." At home, they might be the ones who easily switch between roles and responsibilities, keeping everything running smoothly. At work, they are invaluable in roles that require problem-solving and innovation but might become easily bored with routine tasks.

The Jovian Temperament

Jovian individuals are characterized by their generosity, wisdom, and sense of justice. They are natural mentors and often take on advisory roles in both personal and professional settings. Hodson likens them to "the benevolent rulers, always fair and just." At home, they are the peacemakers, always striving to maintain harmony and fairness. In the workplace, they are valued for their ability to see the bigger picture and guide others towards common goals.

The Saturnine Temperament

Saturnine individuals are known for their seriousness, diligence, and introspective nature. They are often seen as reliable and hardworking but can also be perceived as overly cautious or pessimistic. Hodson describes them as "the thoughtful planners, ever-prepared and meticulous." At home, they might be the ones who ensure that everything is in order, sometimes to the point of rigidity. At work, they excel in roles that require attention to detail and long-term planning but might struggle with flexibility.

The Venusian Temperament

Venusian individuals are characterized by their warmth, empathy, and sociability. They are natural caregivers and often prioritize the needs of others above their own. Hodson sees them as "the loving nurturers, spreading warmth and kindness." At home, they are the nurturing presence, always making sure everyone feels loved and supported. In a professional setting, they excel in roles that require teamwork and emotional intelligence but may find it challenging to assert themselves in conflict situations.

The Lunar Temperament

Lunar individuals are known for their sensitivity, creativity, and intuition. They are often in tune with their emotions and the emotions of those around them. Hodson describes them as "the dreamers, lost in their world of imagination." At home, they might be the ones who create a peaceful and harmonious environment through their artistic and nurturing tendencies. At work, they thrive in roles that allow for creative expression and empathy but might struggle with structured and analytical tasks.

Connecting Empathy and Understanding Temperaments

Understanding these temperaments helps us build empathy. When we recognize that people have different innate behaviors and emotional responses, we can better appreciate their perspectives and reactions. Empathy is the ability to recognize, understand, and share the feelings of another person. When we combine this with an awareness of temperaments, we can create more meaningful connections and improve our relationships, both personally and professionally.

The Impact on Personal and Professional Relationships

In personal life, knowing someone's temperament can help you communicate more effectively and navigate conflicts with greater understanding. For instance, if your partner has a Saturnine temperament, recognizing their need for structure and order can prevent misunderstandings and create a more harmonious relationship.

In the workplace, understanding temperaments can lead to better team dynamics and improved collaboration. For example, if you know a team member is Mercurial, you can assign them tasks that require creativity and quick thinking while providing enough variety to keep them engaged. Conversely, recognizing a Jovian temperament can help you leverage their wisdom and fairness in team decision-making processes.

The Consequences of Ignoring Temperaments

Ignoring temperaments can lead to a host of issues. In personal relationships, it can cause misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of harmony. In professional settings, it can result in poor team dynamics, decreased productivity, and high turnover rates. By not acknowledging and adapting to different temperaments, we miss out on the opportunity to create supportive and effective environments.

Understanding and respecting different temperaments is essential for building strong, empathetic relationships. Whether at home or in the workplace, recognizing these innate traits can help us communicate better, resolve conflicts more effectively, and foster a more positive and productive atmosphere.

As Geoffrey Hodson aptly puts it, "Understanding the temperaments allows us to travel across the complexities of human interactions with greater compassion and insight."

Now, I'd love to hear from you. How do you think understanding temperaments can improve your relationships? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Shubashree

Better Self

#temperaments #behaviour #empathy