Do actions speak louder than words? The Keirsey temperament test believes so. Most people attempt to accomplish a goal in daily life, but their approach defines what sets them apart.
A Keirsey Temperament Sorter (KTS) self-assessment personality test can help people better understand themselves. The idea was first introduced by Dr. David Keirsey in his 1978 book “Please Understand Me.” It encompasses personal needs, the kinds of contributions individuals make in the workplace, and societal roles.
Have you ever wondered why you do what you do? Perhaps even better, have you ever tried to understand why some of your co-workers behave the way they do? Well, stay tuned because this guide will answer those questions, plus explore the Keirsy theory in detail.
Having learned what the Keirsey temperament test is, why is it so useful? After all, it is the most widely utilized temperament and personality assessment globally.
Benefits of the Keirsey Temperament Test
- Identifies your preferred behaviors – Everyone has different behavior patterns. These behaviors are instinctive and display the kind of actions you are most comfortable with.
- Identifies your strengths – Knowing the areas you excel in will shed light on the best role for you in the workplace. For example, you may thrive in leadership versus support roles.
- Identifies your problem areas – If you are struggling with your career choice, you may be able to find out why with this test. Knowing yourself better will help you select a more fulfilling profession.
- Identifies your communication style – Some people prefer direct feedback, while others prefer abstract feedback that allows them to conceptualize their own ideas.
In general, the Keirsey test helps co-workers understand and interact with each other more effectively and provides managers with a tool for engaging with their employees more productively.
Four Temperament (Personality) Types
People communicate quite differently and typically feel more comfortable in one scenario versus another. For instance, some speak concretely and use facts and news, while others speak abstractly based on dreams and theories.
The Keirsey test will also reveal how folks accomplish their goals. You may be cooperative and always want to do what is right, or you may be more utilitarian and just want to do what works. So what is your temperament?
- Artisan – The artisans are creative and tactile. A combination of artistic action, boldness, and versatility drive them. They are great performers, musicians, and dancers. This type can be further subdivided into the
- Promoter – Influencing others
- Crafter – Expediting instruments
- Performer – Performing artists
- Composer – Exceptional improvisers
- Guardian – The guardians are the natural-born leaders. They prefer logic and live by the rules—dependability, responsiveness, and credibility drive this personality. This type can be further subdivided into the
- Supervisor – Coordinating and enforcing
- Inspector – Monitoring and certifying
- Provider – Providing support and services
- Protector – Maintaining resources efficiently and effectively
- Idealist – The idealists are excellent communicators. They wear their heart on their sleeve by showing compassion, benevolence, and authenticity. This type can be further subdivided into the
- Teacher – Mentors and educators
- Counselor – Provides direction and development
- Champion – Facilitating and motivating
- Healer – Conciliator and mediator
- Rational – The rationals are innovative thinkers. They are strategic and think outside the box. Imagination, independence, and tenacity drive them. This type can be further subdivided into the
- Field Marshall – Planning and mobilizing
- Mastermind – Organizing and involving
- Inventor – Creates and constructs
- Architect – Builds and designs
NOTE: Dr. Keirsey visualized each of the four temperaments as a tree with four other tree rings (or branches) showing growth. These rings represent the four subdivisions of each temperament listed above.
How is the Keirsey Temperament Test Administered?
Keirsey tests can be given online in various formats. An example is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter-II, which features 70 questions asking participants to choose between two statements describing their personalities. The test measures your preferences, not your abilities.
A report is provided following the test completion that identifies an individual’s temperament, strengths, weaknesses, and preferred career paths.
How is the Keirsey Temperament Test Used?
If you want to take the Keisey test independently, you may do so by clicking on this link, Keirsey. Discover your leadership strengths, choose a career, or decide what kind of relationship you want with the information in your KTS report. Simply put, what drives you?
Schools, government, and corporations use the Keirsey test to:
- Recruit, hire, and retain the best talent for their team
- Recognize the differences and strengths of each individual
- Analyze problems from different angles
- Enhance internal communication within the company
- Ensure that conflicts are resolved
- Be aware of every team member’s contributions
- Build a sense of teamwork
In most cases, people find the Keirsey Temperament Sorter to be accurate, which empowers them to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and pursue their dreams with more vigor.
Limitations of the Keirsey Temperament Test
Despite their worth, personality tests have limitations. A Keirsey test examines people’s temperament but ignores their function, and this can be misleading because a gentle personality may prefer a firm and direct approach.
Even though the Keirsey Temperament Sorter indicates your strengths, it does not indicate how much skills or knowledge you have. Ultimately, the test shows what role you’re best suited for, but there are other roles you might qualify for.
Recognizing personality tests as a tool is helpful but not without flaws and limitations.
Last Thoughts
We define ourselves largely by our temperaments. Humans are predisposed to understand the world and other people in certain ways based on our temperaments. Identifying the most effective communication and relationship methods can be achieved when we understand our nature and the characteristics of others.
A personality cannot be judged as “better” or “worse” than another. Everyone has strengths and limitations that affect how they perceive themselves and interact with the world. You can enhance your self-concept and relationships by gaining a deeper understanding of your temperament. Give the Keirsey test a try and discover the real you!
