Challenging Combinations: Opposite Personality Type Interactions
Erikson describes how someone’s positive view of their own behavior may differ from another person’s interpretation. Comparing these perspectives can help identify misunderstandings without assuming that a color label explains the conflict.
THE IDEA
Challenging Combinations
Erikson describes two combinations of opposite profiles that he considers particularly challenging. This doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to work together, but it definitely means that there are obstacles that need to be considered. One possible solution is that both of them become more self-aware in the ways that they work and interact with each other.
The illustration referred to below is not included in this entry.
The right column shows the things the person himself sees in his profile. The left column shows how his exact opposite could perceive him in less favorable circumstances. You’ve probably heard that a person is a real bore, only to meet him and discover a very interesting person with lots of exciting things to say. Who’s right and who’s wrong? It depends on whom you ask.
The problem lies in the interaction between each color and its exact opposite. The positive image expresses how each profile experiences himself. The negative image is an expression of how he can be experienced by others. We all see different things.
When to use it
Team management: using this concept to bridge communication gaps between employees with opposite personality types.
Personal relationships: understanding why a partner or friend perceives you differently than you see yourself.
Conflict resolution: checking whether differing interpretations of behavior contribute to a dispute.
Self-development: becoming more aware of how your behavior is interpreted by others who think differently.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The Bore vs. The Interesting Person
One person describes a colleague as boring; another finds the same colleague fascinating. They may value different topics or behaviors. The difference in opinion does not, by itself, establish that they have opposite personality types.
Teamwork Conflict
An outgoing, spontaneous colleague sees a methodical colleague as rigid; the methodical colleague sees spontaneity as disorganization. They can compare the behaviors causing friction and agree on how much planning their shared task needs.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a person you find difficult to work with. How might they see themselves positively? How might you be seeing them negatively?
Consider a recent misunderstanding you had. Could it have been caused by opposite personality perceptions?
How can you become more self-aware of your own strengths and blind spots as seen by others?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)