One thing I have studied for years and utilized in my therapy and consulting has been the Myers- Briggs Personality Inventory. Feel free to look it up and read about it. For this Thursday’s Thought which is a follow up to last week’s Thursday’s Thought involves money, I am relating “money” to the 4 temperaments, a key concept in personality assessment.
The “Catalysts” have core needs of authenticity, meaning and significance. They are motivated through their inspiration. They are self-actualization-focused. If they are inspired to make a purchase or to buy a business, they will, if the purchase gives them a sense of purpose and allows them the possibility to achieve their dreams.
The “Theorists” reach for mastery and control as well as knowledge and competence. They are long term planners and see the big picture financially. They are expertise-focused. They are more apt to analyze how money is spent and what are the best uses of a budget that allows for success in the end.
The “Stabilizers” thrive when there is a sense of membership and belong as well as when they have a reason to serve others and be dutiful. They are security-focused and may get anxious if the financial situation seems out of control or not adding up.
The “Improvisers” want the freedom to act-NOW and the ability to make an impact. They are action-focused. An improviser who loves to ski may spend much money on ski equipment even if it is more than they have, because their energy comes alive when they are doing the activity they love.
No temperament is better or worse than another and each person falls into one of these categories more than the others. The key is to understand and not judge your partner who is most probably of a different temperament and who thinks of and utilizes the concept of money very differently than you. As you both come to understand each other, there is now room for negotiation.
When people come from judgment, solutions are not creative as power struggles are not conducive to good problem solving. Understand (your temperament and that of your partner), accept and negotiate. That is the key to being effective partners- financially and otherwise.
If you want to learn more about this and other important Myers-Briggs assessment concepts so that you can have improved relationships (at home or work), better morale at work and increased performance, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to see how I can help utilizing the Myers Briggs concepts. I have helped many couples and businesses and get relief from suffering by working with these amazing ideas that help people understand and work with each other more effectively.
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