Kangaroo - AusIDGlobal

Kangaroo (Adult)

Professional Report

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by Michael White

Contents

The Four Temperaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4AusID Global® - Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Modern Day Temperament Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Carl Jung & the Myers-Briggs Model of Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Your Reported Type – The Kangaroo (SP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Points to Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Suggested Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

AusID Global is a registered trademark and as such no portion of this publication may be re-produced, or transmitted in any form or media or by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of AusID Global Pty Ltd. This copyrighted publication may not be resold, sublicensed, exported, redistributed, or otherwise transferred.

The Four Temperaments

Have you ever noticed how…

4 seasons make up a year

4 chambers reside in our hearts

4 lobes compartmentalise the human brain

4 human blood groups exist: A, B, O, AB

4 basic elements are distinguished: earth, fire, water and air

4 basic states of matter are: solid, liquid, gas and plasma

4 is the number of points on a compass

4 is the number of gospels in the New Testament

4 is even made up of four letters

What do you think? One big coincidence? Not on your life…

The number 4 has always had quite some strength in our universe.

The system of Temperament and AusID Global both work with this principle and divide hu-manity into four distinctly different groups, each with their own set of type specific Behaviours, Talents, Values and Needs.

This is not to imply that a person is of only one type though, that would be stereotyping and putting people into boxes. The truth is that we all have elements of each of the four groups, just not in equal measure.

Originally developed by Empedocles and expanded by Aristotle, the theories regarding these ‘elements’ as they were then known, have had a significant influence upon many traditions stretching even into the 21st century.

Today there are many schools of thought based upon alchemy, astrology and psychology that have integrated this system, and even a number of the more contemporary personality theories have been influenced.

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The Four Temperaments

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According to many modern day psychologists, a person’s innate psychological development is directly relatable to the presence of, and relationship between these different ‘elements’ of the psyche.

It is not just one persons belief system we are promoting though, as many great minds have gone into shaping this fascinating aspect of humanity, helping to understand exactly what it is that makes us so different, yet fundamentally the same.

The following information is designed to introduce you to some of the modern and ancient origins of Temperament, as well the evolution of our understanding of personality typing and how people’s personalities affect their day to day lives.

In the system that prevailed in the Classical world, there were four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. This paradigm was highly influential in medieval natural philosophy, and it was a man by the name of Paracelsus (1493-1541) who first referred to the ancient idea of the elements as fundamental building blocks of nature.

It was actually this system that provided, in part, the inspiration for the selection of our four An-imals used in the AusID Global model, as we tried to remain true to the fundamental ‘element’ theme: The Eagle - Air; The Dolphin – Water; The Wombat – Earth; The Red Kangaroo – Fire.

AusID Global® - Introduction

AusID Global is modelled on the four ancient Temperaments, which were introduced to the public arena in 1978 by American Psychologist Dr. David Keirsey. We have then linked these Temperaments to four Australian animals, the Eagle, the Dolphin, the

Kangaroo and the Wombat. The choice for these animals is actually two-fold; to increase appreciation of Australian native wildlife, and also to set our AusID Global apart from other systems that might already be in use around the world.

The original AusID Global program was developed to assist school based students gain a greater sense of their own identity, while also helping Teachers and Parents to understand about different teaching and learning styles. While we found many excellent resources already available to support our understanding of the temperaments, we felt that we needed something more that would capture the imagination of our youth, yet at the same time involve adults too, in a colourful and inviting way.

So we travelled back in time nearly 2500 years looking for inspiration, to the days of ancient Greece and Hippocrates, the father of modern Medicine, who used a similar system. Since then of course, great progress has been made in refining his theories, each step bringing us greater clarity and understanding. People such as the Roman philosopher Gaelen, and Paracelus in the middle-ages; and Jung, Adickes, Spranger and Kretchmer in the early and mid 1900’s all added to our knowledge.

In 1956, the daughter and mother partnerships of Isabel Briggs-Myers and Katherine Cook-Briggs took our understanding to a whole new level when they developed a system that could be understood by ordinary people everywhere. Today, each year, millions of people worldwide use their system. Research and refinement continues through the work of global institutions which have grown up around this topic.

The AusID Global program continues this journey by identifying innate differences between people and highlighting their observable patterns of behaviour and then linking these be-haviours to the characteristics of Australian native animals. While similar systems have been introduced throughout the world to help understand differences between people, only Aus-ID Global offers this uniquely Australian perspective that our young people especially can quickly and easily identify with.

The use of animal totems also pervades many ancient myths and cultural traditions globally, and they have been used for centuries to foster spiritual growth and to guide people in their lives. Knowledge of animal totems can also enhance our understanding of the innermost aspects of human nature by revealing more of a person’s innate character, and it is by borrowing from the wisdom of these ancient cultures that we are able to add to a modern approach to life that has all too often failed to recognize or understand the inter-connectedness of all things.


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AusID Global® - Introduction

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An excellent example of the use of animal totems is among some of the native north American tribes, where one of a child’s first teachings was that of the four great powers of the medicine wheel, which are inherent in each of us. The story of the medicine wheel states that when we are born, each of us will adopt a beginning place within these four directions, which in turn will give us our first perspective of life. This perspective is destined to become our easiest and most natural way of experiencing the world.

Understanding your personality and how you respond to situations therefore, can help you to better manage all aspects of your life, from the work you do, to how you manage your most important relationships. People differ from each other in many exciting and fundamental ways. That is a given. We hold different beliefs, are moved by different things, perceive “facts” differ-ently and generally behave in ways not always in step with those around us.

Perhaps you are like the Eagle, who likes to be seen as an expert in their chosen area of interest, displaying extensive knowledge whatever the subject matter. Eagles are drawn to roles requiring superior knowledge, expansive thinking and creative problem solving. From an early age they often display independence and crave knowledge.

Or are you more like the Dolphin, helping others to achieve their goals. Unassuming and dedicated, Dolphins derive a great deal of satisfaction from fostering greatness in others, often working in the background to inspire and encourage. From an early age this type will usually move towards other people seeking a deep connection.

The Wombat is determined and focused, loves to be of service and is steadfast and diligent in the completion of their goals, no matter how big or small. The most responsible of the types, Wombats will always put work before play. From an early age they will often look to those around them for structure, routine and consistency.

Or possibly you are more like the Kangaroo, fun loving, non-judgmental, preferring to be guid-ed by your own desires, happiest when left to your own devices. Kangaroos enjoy a hands-on approach, and like to take time to make work as enjoyable as possible. From an early age they like to play and have fun, often testing their boundaries as they go.

Through AusID Global you will begin to recognise and understand:

X Four fundamentally different approaches to life and work

X Ways to enhance communication between people

X Four distinctly different teaching and learning styles

X Strategies to support others in their everyday lives

X How and why other people act the way they do

Modern Day Temperament Theory

X We are born with a natural predisposition for our type

X Each type brings with it a different perspective on life

X Each one has it’s own unique gifts and challenges

X Aspects of our personality not our entire personality

X One of the most tested and validated of all psychometric tools

X Supported by a vast network of institutions and organisations

While every person is special and unique, there is also clear historical evidence for differing sets of core values which are able to form the basis for four essential per-sonality types. These four ’aspects of humanity’ have appeared throughout both

ancient and modern traditions - Hippocrates (450BC); Paracelsus (1550); Jung (1910); Spranger (1920); Myers-Briggs (1956) & Keirsey & Bates (1978). Native American tribes also used animal totems to differentiate between people. AusID Global uses the Dolphin, Eagle, Kangaroo & Wombat to highlight these same differences.

David Keirsey Psychologist

RationalIdealist Guardian Artisan


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Modern Day Temperament Theory

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In their book , Please Understand Me, Keirsey and Bates say, “It will clarify things to name the four temperaments after gods because each god-and each temperament-has its followers.” He then goes on to say; “who worships Apollo (spirit) does not worship Prometheus (science) and who desires Dionysian joy (or release) is not content with Epimetheus (duty). You will see that the four temperaments are different from each other in very fundamental ways.”

Dr. Keirsey compared the behaviours of his four temperaments with the essential elements of Jung’s concepts. He suggests strong links to his four temperaments with SJ, SP, NF & NT pairs contained in the Myers-Briggs model. He goes on to say:

“I soon found it convenient and useful to partition Myers’s sixteen types into four groups, which she herself suggested in saying that all four of what she referred to as the “NFs” were alike in many ways and that all four of the “NTs” were alike in many ways – although what she called the “STs” seemed to me to have very little in common, just as the “SFs” had little in common.”

“However, four earlier contributors, Adickes, Spranger, Kretschmer, and Fromm, each having written of four types of character, helped me to see that Myers’s four “SJs” were very much alike, as were her four “SPs.”Bingo! Typewatching from then on was a lot easier, the four groups – SPs, SJs, NFs, and NTs – being light years apart in their attitudes and actions.”

The Myers-Briggs Model of Type

ISTJ ISTP INFJ INTJ

ESTJ ESTP INFP INTP

ESFJ ESFP ENFP ENTP

ISFJ ISFP ENFJ ENTJ

Note: in this model we have deliberately changed the layout of the 16 types, and used colours to highlight the connection between the different models of Temperament and Type.

Carl Jung & the Myers-Briggs Model of Type

T he personality types first identified by Carl Jung, and later developed further by Kath-arine Cook-Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs-Myers form one of the most widely recognised psychometric testing tools at use in the world today.

The word psychometric roughly translated means ‘measurement of the mind’ which can be a little misleading as the theory related does not measure intelligence. These instruments are indicators only and act like a guide to help understand why people behave in different ways and just as importantly, what motivates individuals.

Recognition of personality type supports identification of divergent learning styles and assists people with career choice and working in teams. Many organizations use personality type knowledge to improve workplace performance through improved communication, teamwork and more effective leadership.

The Jungian and Myers-Briggs concepts describe the psychological essences of 16 person-ality types. While each person is energised when they use one or two specific psychological functions, everyone can in fact consciously use all the functions. However, the less preferred of these can be more difficult to use and may take more of our energy. It is similar to how most people have severe difficulty in writing fluently with their non-preferred hand.

While there are only four dichotomous preferences in the table below, they offer us a total of sixteen different combination types, which in turn gives us the sixteen personalities identified in the Myers-Briggs Model of Type.

The PREFERENCES

Extroverted Introverted

Sensing iNtuition

Thinking Feeling

Judging Perceiving

Note: Each person will use all eight preferences, however, like moths to a flame, each will be drawn to use their innate preferences with more energy and enthusiasm.


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Carl Jung & the Myers-Briggs Model of Type

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Recognising where our natural energy lies and where our challenges are located enables us to understand the aspect of our lives that bring us both the greatest success, as well as the greatest challenges.

Understanding Jungian and Myers-Briggs concepts can also help explain why our colleagues, family and friends are energised in different ways, and how tasks which may energise you might in fact be de-energising for another person.

Another advantage to the way that preference pairs, as they are sometimes called, are present-ed, is that they clearly show that there are two possibilities in each case, and while you have access to both, and indeed use both, you will inevitably favour one over the other. This gives us our inherent nature, which we will use to navigate the areas of our lives that are deeply personal, as opposed to our learnt behaviour which might indicate differently.

The sixteen types of the Myers-Briggs Model

ISTJ ISTP INFJ INTJ

ESTJ ESTP INFP INTP

ESFJ ESFP ENFP ENTP

ISFJ ISFP ENFJ ENTJ

In this model, Isabel Briggs-Myers arranged 8 letters into 16 different combinations to provide us with a dynamic profiling system, one that is still widely used today.

Michael White


Historical Models

Greek Mythology Apollonian Promethean Epimethean Dionysian

Hippocrates (c. 370 B.C.) Enthusiastic Calm Sombre Cheerful

Galen (c.190 A.D.) Choleric Phlegmatic Melancholic Sanguine

American Native Tribes Eagle Buffalo Mouse Bear

Paracelsus (c.1550) Water Air Earth Fire

Adickes (1907) Dogmatic Agnostic Traditional Innovative

Spranger (1920) Religious Theoretic Economic Aesthetic

Fromm (1947) Receptive Marketing Hoarding Exploitive

Myers-Briggs (1956) Intuition/

FeelingIntuition/ Thinking

Sensing/ Judging

Sensing/Perceiving

Keirsey (1978) Idealist Rational Guardian Artisan

AusIDentities (2008) Dolphin Eagle Wombat Kangaroo

Your Reported Type – The Kangaroo (SP)

The following chart is a general overview of the nature of the Kanga-roo, outlining four different levels of the structure of personality that are presumed to exist.

Each of the types has such a structure, but of course it is different for each of them. There will of course be times when they overlap, especially when it

comes to the ‘Typical Behaviours’ and ‘Innate Talents’, but since these operate more at a surface level, not at a deep psychological level, this is quite normal.

When seeking to understand another it is more important to dig a little deeper and appreciate what it is that drives a type, in other words their ‘Values’ and what they are ’Searching For’. It is at this level that the differences become much more profound, and begin to shape our entire perspective of life.

Typical Behaviours Innate Talents

Impact Focused Cynical

Risk TakingSensory awareness

ImpulsiveEntertaining

RestlessSpontaneous

TacticalTrouble Shooting

Crisis ManagementVariation

Contextual ThinkingAdaptable

Practical & improvised problem solving

Life Values Searching For

Stimulation & ExcitementActionVariety

Cleverness

Freedom to ActTo Make an Impact

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Michael White


Kangaroo – SP

I f there was one word that best describes the Kangaroo it would probably be adaptable. They will usually take to new tasks and duties with an acceptance and enthusiasm that is rarely seen elsewhere. They are also playful, spontaneous, easy-going and practical and it seems

that they will often respond better to a crisis situation than to a set routine, using their natural abilities to deal with the situation at hand.

In fact the less predictable the job, the more likely you are to find a Kangaroo type in that role and many of our acci-dent and emergency department nurs-es, ambulance officers and fire-fighters are Kangaroo types. Of course they also occupy many other positions within the broader workforce, including business and commerce but It is their great love of becoming actively involved in what they do that drives them and gives them the stimulation and satisfaction that they are seeking.

Perhaps because of this you do not find many people of this type content to sit behind a desk all day. On the contrary, they will often go to where the work is and then do their best to make it fun, which is not to say that they are practical jokers or irresponsible in any way, merely that any task that can be made enjoyable will naturally be more compelling to them.

They are extremely useful types to have around when the work needs to be done as they usu-ally seem much happier when they are busy and if there is room for negotiation in how they approach their work all the better. When learning a new skill or before taking up a new position, it can be of great benefit to the Kangaroo type to help them to understand the practical impli-cations of any new information that they will be expected to remember, using real life examples and audio-visuals wherever possible to highlight the key points.

Within the workplace, their apparent dislike of too many rules and regulations should not be equated to a dislike of basic instructions. In fact quite the opposite is true, they actually want and expect a clear indication of exactly what is expected of them, coupled with a timeframe. However, there can be a tendency towards dissatisfaction or even rebellion if they are being over managed or their freedom is being restricted.

While they may not always be the most suited of the types for working to tight deadlines, they actually perform better knowing that the pressure is on and they have a limited time frame

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Your Reported Type – The Kangaroo (SP)

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to complete a task. They can also have a better than average ability to both engage and to motivate others when they themselves are motivated.

While they are noted for being good short range planners, the absence of a clear, long term vision can at times trip them up. They are highly resourceful and sometimes take risks in their work or business, but when we notice how well they tend to cope with the out of the ordinary and the unexpected, we can probably forgive them for the absence of a clear plan or strategy. That is until matters really start to fall apart, which is when these normally very upbeat and ca-pable types might begin to flounder and start sounding cynical or appear confused.

This is when friends and colleagues need to step in and help them to prioritise or even relieve them of some of their responsibilities until the way forward becomes clear again. Any opportunity to turn their work into play will also pay dividends, either through increased energy and enthusiasm towards their duties or a higher level of out-put, or both.

Kangaroos at Work

I t is important to remember that any one approach is seldom enough to provide a com-pletely accurate picture for the direction a person needs to take in their choice of career, and the AusID Global animal type indicator on its own only serves to point people in

the right general direction. Coupled with the thoughts, hopes and dreams of the individual though, they become a powerful influence in revealing exactly to which sort of career some-one would best be suited to.

X Work that is attractive to the Kangaroo

It is never an easy task for an individual to try and narrow down a seemingly endless list of possibilities when it comes to choosing a career. Sometimes we would do better considering exactly what sort of activities we would like any new job to incorporate.

In the following list we have isolated a few of the general requirements for any position that you might be considering, but you would do well to remember that this list is by no means conclusive.

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Michael White


This list is just there to guide you in your final choice and to assist you when weighing up any potential position, outlining qualities that you would probably find essential.

X Varied and challenging environment.

X Work that includes the opportunity to be flexible.

X Competitive, giving them a chance to win.

X Somewhere they can focus on having an impact.

X The opportunity to try new ideas and approaches.

X Someplace that allows them to use their skills.

X Somewhere that has real-world incentives.

X A place where they are given some freedom.

X Type of work that allows them to become physically involved.

X An organization whose expectations are clear.

X The opportunity to become involved.

X Somewhere fun or exciting.

X A chance to use their cleverness and adaptability.

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Points to Remember

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Famous Kangaroos

James Bond

Points to Remember

X Tend to treat everyone as equals

X Grounded & very practical

X Dislike an overly rigid schedule

X Very flexible & spontaneous

X May act like there is no tomorrow

X Like to be actively involved in projects

X Have the ability to engage others

X Natural trouble-shooters

X Can be impatient with complexity

X Tendency to focus on the here & now

X Easy going & enjoy the use of humour

X Prefer variety over routine

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Chris Rock

Marilyn Monroe

Steve Irwin

Clint Eastwood

Elizabeth Taylor

Madonna


X Books:

• AusID Global® Who’s Who: A Guide to the Four Temperaments• AusID Global® Who’s Who in the Classroom: A Teachers Guide • AusID Global® Who’s Who in the Zoo: A Children’s Guide to Type

X A4 Full Colour Posters:

• In the Classroom – Set of 4• In the Workplace – Set of 4

X Questionnaires, Certificates and Professional Reports:

Entry Level: 8-12 Years of ageIntermediate Level: 13-17 Years of ageAdvanced Level: Adult

X AusID Global® App

The Aussie Zoo Crew – Available through i-tunes and Google Play

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Following on:

Once you have entered the world of Type and the Four Temperaments, you are likely to have many unanswered questions and we encourage you to find answers to these questions through exploring the AusID Global® website and the list of books and

resources we have available for purchase.

If you would like to be trained in how to use the AusID Global® program or arrange a workshop in your school or workplace, please use the ‘contact us’ link on the website or send an email to [email protected]. We hold regular 1 and 2 day workshops throughout Australia.

We look forward to working with you.

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For more information, or to order your copy, contact us at:[email protected]

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Kangaroo - AusIDGlobal