There is a natural order to things. To understand that order is to understand what could maintain or disrupt the balance. To maintain that order there needs to be a certain level of understanding.
To understand the R+M ecosystem, each of us at R+M completed a questionnaire known as the Keirsey Temperament Sorter developed by Dr. David Keirsey. Temperament is the natural predisposition of an individual – inclinations one is born with – the combination of mental, physical and emotional traits.
As we sorted through the individual Character Types of R+Mers, we learned there are “Champions,” “Healers” and “Inspectors” in our presence. We wanted to delve deeper into the potentially perilous minds of R+M’s finest. To do so, we observed them in their natural environments to see how their temperament was evidenced in their workspaces. What clues have been around us the whole time that would shed light onto these individuals’ inclinations? We sought out these select specimens.
Fig. 1
Chris Schwing, Idealist Healer
According to Keirsey Temperament Sorter results this Healer exhibits the following:
– Great passion is to heal the conflicts that trouble individuals, or that divide groups, and thus to bring wholeness, or health, to themselves, their loved ones and their community.
– A gift for interpreting stories, as well as for creating them.
– Profound sense of idealism.
– Conceives of the world as an ethical, honorable place, full of wondrous possibilities and potential goods.
Fact: only about 1% are known to exist in the entire population. You can tell that an Idealist Healer in habits this space based on what he has chosen to surround himself with in his natural, work environment. The gift for interpreting stories as well as creating them is evidenced by the variety of characters, figures and imaginative items that surround him. The world is seen as a place full of wondrous possibilities. We will now exit the space so that we don’t further disrupt Mr. Schwing’s natural state of things.
Fig. 2
Chris Lien, Idealist Counselor
According to Keirsey Temperament Sorter results this Counselor exhibits the following:
– Blessed with vivid imagination, often seen as the most poetical of all the types, using a lot of poetic imagery in everyday language.
– Has an exceptionally strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others, and finds great personal fulfillment interacting with people.
– Although they are happy working at jobs (such as writing) that require solitude and close attention, the Idealist Counselor does quite well with individuals or groups of people.
– Understand and use human systems creatively, and are good at consulting and cooperating with others.
– Have mysterious, intricately woven personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.
Seemingly disjointed and haphazard at first glance, upon closer inspection one will find that this specimen is prepared for any situation that may arise. From entertainment, in the form of games, for all tastes to a book of wordsmithing knowledge to provide answers to those who seek it. Counselors are scarce, little more than three percent of the population. Allow us to slowly depart before the elusive Chris Lien returns from feeding.
Fig. 3
Susan Nettles, Guardian Supervisor
According to Keirsey Temperament Sorter results this Supervisor exhibits the following:
– Unbelievably hard-working
– Enjoy and are good at making schedules, agendas, inventories and so on
– Polite company, they tend not to confuse people by sending double messages or putting on airs – what they seem to be, they are
– Frank and forthright, showing themselves for what they are
Comprising at least ten percent of the population, the Guardian Supervisor’s proficiency is evidenced here in the structured organization of agendas, inventories and the like. Comfortable and confident in being herself, you’ll find no drivel, hogwash or poppycock here.
The resulting responses and analysis of the Keirsey Temperament exercise allowed us to recognize our own tendencies, to understand one another and ultimately build and strengthen ties between us individually and as a whole. This exploration of our colleagues’ personal space allows us to understand one’s environment as a whole. Ultimately, and ideally, making for a more sustainable and healthy working ecosystem.