In this message, Andrea Smith, Pastor, West Church, explains how our knowing the strengths and weaknesses of our temperaments and the strengths and weaknesses of those we are in relationships with will help us understand one another and have stronger, more life-giving relationships.
Take a few minutes and read through the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament below. Suppose you have not yet determined your temperament, click here to take the assessment. Then share it with your friends, family, and co-workers so that you can live in better harmony together.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according
to their needs, that it may benefit
those who listen.”
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Temperaments
Blue Strengths
Empathetic
Deep and Thoughtful
Serious and Purposeful
Conscientious
Honest
Creative
Musical, Artistic
Works well alone
Great listener
Orderly
Emotionally secure
Philosophical and Poetic
Idealistic
High Integrity
Perfectionist
Sensitive to others
Cautious
Respectful
Focused
Needs to finish what is started
Scheduled
Detailed and accurate
Neat, tidy
Sees the obstacles and finds creative solutions
Sincere
Loyal and devoted
Problem solver
Punctual
Enjoys solitude
Deep friendships, quality over quantity
Reflective
Can handle crisis with grace
Prefers facts and logic
Self-sacrificing
Content to stay in the background
Moved to tears with compassion
Methodical
Analytical
Excels in research
Makes charts, graphs, lists
Blue Weaknesses
Remembers the negative
Moody
Enjoys being hurt
Has false humility
Off in another world
Low self-image
Has selective hearing
Reserved
Too introspective
Feelings of guilt
Tends toward hypochondria
Not people oriented
Depressed over personal imperfections
Hesitant to start projects
Spends too much time planning
Prefers analysis to work
Self-deprecating
Hard to please
Standards often too high
Insecure socially
Withdrawn and remote
Critical of others
Holds back affection
Dislikes those in opposition
Suspicious
Antagonistic
Skeptical
Revengeful
Fearful
Unforgiving
Judgmental
Guarded
Self-righteous
Worried
Suspicious
Depressed
Sensitive
Hates to be interrupted
Insecure
Fears failure
Red Strengths
Dynamic leader
Delegates well
Ability to correct wrongs
Decisive
Can control emotions in emergencies
Independent and self-sufficient
Energetic
Adventurous
Appears confident
Energized by challenges
Persuasive
Bold
Resourceful, pragmatic
Self-directed
Disciplined
Competitive
Not easily discouraged
Leads and encourages production
Practical
Productive
Moves quickly to action
Can take charge when needed
Is usually right
Efficient and effective with materials and time
Gets it done
Authoritative and powerful
Driven
Influential
Logical
Thrives on opposition
Committed and loyal
Articulates thoughts and ideas well
Great sense of perspective
Responsible
Comfortable with power
Capable of bouncing back from difficulties
Always has a plan and purpose
Highly task-oriented
Compulsive need for change
Sets and achieves goals
Red Weaknesses
Bossy
Impatient
Quick-tempered
Can’t relax
Doesn’t shy from controversy
Enjoys arguments
Won’t give up when losing
Comes on too strong
Inflexible
Is not complimentary
Dislikes tears and emotions
Is unsympathetic
Little tolerance for mistakes
Doesn’t analyze details
Bored by trivial things
May make rash decisions
May be rude or tactless
Manipulates people
Demanding of others
End justifies the means
Work may become an idol
Demands loyalty
May use people
Dominates
Knows everything
Can do everything better
Too independent
Possessive of friends or spouse
Has trouble saying “I’m sorry”
May be right, but unpopular
Decides for others
Headstrong
Prideful
Domineering
Intolerant
Nervy
Selfish
Arrogant
Aggressive
Doesn’t listen
Green Strengths
Kind, considerate
Balanced
Accommodating
Easygoing and relaxed
Consistent
Quiet but witty
Listens well
Diplomatic
Steady, even-tempered
Friendly
Cooperative
Agreeable
Good under pressure
Mediator, negotiator
Reliable
Content
Likeable
Responsible
Leader (shepherd)
Faithful
Compassionate
Patient
Can recognize all sides of issues
Receptive to ideas
Does well when goals are clear
Supportive
Tolerant
Appreciates strengths in others
Great team player
Forgiving
Generous
Warm and inviting
Cautious
Can work well alone
Fair and tactful
Finds the easy way
Sensible
Reflective
Not easily provoked or insulted
Great common sense
Green Weaknesses
Unenthusiastic
Fearful
Worried
Indecisive
Avoids responsibility
Selfish
Too shy
Too compromising
Self-righteous
Lacks self-motivation
Hard to get moving
Resents being pushed
Can appear lazy
Discourages others
Would rather watch
No sense of urgency
Dampens enthusiasm
Stays uninvolved
Indifferent to plans
Judges others
Sarcastic
Resists change
Doubtful
Reticent
Teasing
Messy
Timid
Compromising
Sluggish
Uninvolved
Ambivalent
Nonchalant
Plain
Aimless
Stubborn
Unexpressive
Boring
Mumbles
Hesitant
Blank
Yellow Strengths
Lives in the moment
Shows emotions openly
Inspiring
Great storyteller
Optimistic
Joyful
Curious
Cheerful
Sincere
Popular
Encouraging
Persuasive
Creative
Volunteers for jobs
Active
People-oriented
Spontaneous
Apologizes quickly
Doesn’t hold grudges
Likes variety
Emotional, expressive, animated
Adventurous
Affectionate
Accepts others easily
Can turn crisis into comedy
Thinks quickly
Easy to talk to
Can express self directly in conflict
Works better with people
Disciplined if tasks are fun and challenging
Excellent at short-term projects
Excels when there are visible results
Non-judgmental
Good on stage
Inspires others to join
Has energy and enthusiasm
Looks great on the surface
Charms others to work
Thrives on compliments
Charismatic
Yellow Weaknesses
Compulsive talker
Exaggerates and elaborates
Dwells on trivial things
Can’t remember names
Scares others off
Too happy for some
Has restless energy
Egotistical
Blusters and complains
Naive
Has loud voice and laugh
Controlled by circumstances
Gets angry easily
Seems phony to some
Never grows up
Forgets obligations
Doesn’t follow through
Confidence fades fast
Undisciplined
Priorities out of order
Decides by feelings
Easily distracted
Hates to be alone
Wants to be popular
Looks for credit
Dominates conversations
Interrupts
Answers for other
Makes excuses
Repeats stories
Doesn’t listen
Hides insecurities
Self-centered
Impulsive
Vain
Disorganized
Uncommitted
Dramatic
Scatterbrained
Showoff