By Donna Dunning

Change is all around us and to thrive in times of constant change can be a challenge. Not everyone experiences change in the same way, but all people can bring valuable contributions to the change process.

This post describes the change perspective of those who have SP personality type preferences. Although S and P are letters associated with personality type theory, these two preferences also align to an older theory, which describes four basic human Temperaments.

You may be familiar with Temperament theory from one of the following authors or models. David Keirsey calls this SP Temperament Artisan. Don Lowry uses the color Orange in the True Colors® model. Denise Hughes in Personality Dimensions ® uses the term Resourceful Orange, and Linda Berens names this temperament Improviser.

The SP Change Perspective is Performing: Taking Action

No matter what model and label you use, people who share this temperament tend to take a practical, applied approach to change. Not likely to spend a lot of time pondering about the future, SPs are often most interested in changing something right away. They may question change that is impractical and will want to know the steps they need to follow to make change happen.

Questions Performers (SPs) want answered:

• How will this change affect me right now?
• How will this change be helpful right away?
• Where do we begin?
• What can I do?
• What options do I have?

Individuals of all temperaments have something to offer during times of change. People who prefer S and P often bring in the following strengths to facilitate the change process.

Strengths the Performing perspective brings to change:

• Ensuring change is useful
• Finding creative ways to adapt the change process
• Reminding others of and focusing back to current realities
• Finding practical applications for the change
• Identifying roadblocks and resistance
• Observing and reporting on progress during the change
• Trouble-shooting implementation problems
• Acting on the change immediately
• Setting the stage by being willing to try new things
• Diffusing some of the tension with humor and playfulness

Share your experiences and insights

Do you have any other ideas, tips, or stories to share about interacting during change with people who have SP preferences?

More information about change and Temperament can be found in the Quick Guide to the Four Temperaments and Change.

Resources

Want to learn more about personality type and how to use it to understand yourself and others?

Introduction to Type and Communication describes in detail how personality preferences influence communications.

If you live in the USA, Introduction to Type and Communication is now available on Kindle.

Introduction to Type and Learning can help you find your motivation for learning and help you learn more effectively.

If you live in the USA, Introduction to Type and Learning is also available on Kindle.

Looking for a practical resource to help you plan your ideal career? Check out my book, What’s Your Type of Career?: Find Your Perfect Career By Using Your Personality Type

Want to use your personality type to excel at your career? Check out 10 Career Essentials: Excel at Your Career by Using Your Personality Type