Each of us has a mix of characteristics,
We call these groups, or behavioural styles monkeys, lions, horses and owls.
Lion
tend
to be autocratic,
independent and strong willed.
Authoritative and
goal-oriented,
Lions leap to challenges,
take decisive action and
seek
to dominate the problem-solving process.
Able to cut to the chase,
at
their most extreme, Lions are intolerant of other people’s advice and
feelings,
wanting immediate results and failing to co-operate.
Best at: Being in Control
Worst social feature: Dictatorial
Response to stressful situation: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
Horse
are
caring creatures,
at the other end of the scale to the Lion.
They value
close personal relationships and
actively listen to the opinion of
others.
Horses are steady,
calm and supportive,
working slowly and
cohesively while avoiding conflict.
Qualities of patience, loyalty and
consideration are the flipside of passivity,
dependency and indecision.
Best at: Supporting others
Worst social feature: Submissive
Response to stressful situation: “OK, if that’s the way you must have it, we’ll try it.”
Monkeys
are
sociable and spontaneous beasts,
jumping rapidly between activities.
Intuitive and emotional,
monkeys love to be involved.
They
tend
to dream the dramatic,
taking risks and
persuading others to follow the
rainbow.
At best they are open and
enthusiastic visionaries:
at worst
impulsive and
inconsistent time wasters.
Best at: Socialising
Worst social feature: Confrontational
Response to stressful situation: “Listen you idiot, I’m fed up with the way you’re treating me.”
Owls
tend to have serious personalities.
Persistence is more
important than imagination or deadlines.
Driven by data,
owls
are intellectual,
structured and organised animals,
devoted to ‘getting
it right’.
Cautious and compliant with authority,
they like to work
methodically through objective tasks
in a controlled environment.
This
can make them resentful in the face of change.
Best at: Processes and Systems
Worst social feature: Withdrawn
Response to stressful situation: “I can’t help you any further - do what you want.”
If you know your own characteristics,
you can accentuate strengths and
minimise weaknesses.
If you are a horse, be more assertive and
really
work on the eye contact;
if a lion, show that you are listening.
Owls
should try to be open-minded and
demonstrate attentive body language.
Monkeys need to concentrate and appear businesslike.
