My Child Doesn't Fit!

Ok...before you think that something is wrong...the last part of this equation is that MOST people are mixtures of these personality styles! Most people do have one style that is more prevalent or dominant in their personality than the others, but most are mixtures of these styles. Think of it this way, there is a continuum - like a crossroads.


The horizontal line of the continuum is for socially outgoing people(far left) vs. introverted people (far right). The vertical line of the continuum represents those who are task oriented(far top) vs. those who are people oriented (far bottom). Now, your child (and each of us) fall somewhere in this continuum. If they are Task-Oriented but very outgoing, confident individuals, they will fall in the somewhere in that quadrant we label "D" (top left)but they may be anywhere on that side - it will differ for every person. Task oriented but more introverted - liking smaller groups or individual conversations - they are more in the "C" quadrant (top right). Lower left quadrant (people oriented and outgoing) would be the "I" and the lower right quadrant (people oriented but more introverted) would be the "S" personalities. Again, every person falls somewhere different on this "map" of personalities.

For instance, I am a very task oriented person and love attention to details ("C")(which is why my posts are so long). However, as I have managed businesses and been a preacher's wife and in front of people a lot, I have gotten more comfortable with exerting myself and speaking up in groups, and have developed more of my "D" personality style as well.

My husband is a "D" personality style straight up - however, he is equally as strong in his passion, inspiration and his ability to see "the big picture" and dream big - like an "I"...through his years in the ministry he has shifted from being very task oriented to having a heart and a focus on people...

Do you get the idea? Try to pinpoint a general vacinity for yourself before trying it out on your children! See if you can look at more of why you do what you do - than just what our actions say about us. Your personality style will shift over time given your life circumstances and requirements but remember, our personality style or comfort zone is NEVER an excuse to act unbecomingly or to neglect the needs of others!

More to follow....
Michele Everson
Proud Wife of "D/I" Pastor Chad Everson
and proud mom of "I" and "S" wonderful boys!