We had a morning of self-awareness at Stumperlowe Probus Club when our own member Trevor Kelly gave the above titled talk. In much the same way that a leopard does not change its spots, a personality trait usually stays with you for life. It is largely inherited via your DNA from the family gene pool, and will be evident through childhood, the working years and into retirement (and thus probably Probus membership!). Trevor, a retired businessman and former national committee member of the Institute of Directors, began by giving us a run-down of the tell-tale signs of various characters, whether in a potential employee, a work colleague, or simply a friend.
Human traits, Trevor told us, are the relatively stable characteristics that we THINK, FEEL, and BEHAVE. There is sociable versus reserved, organised versus spontaneous, calm versus reactive and controlling versus a laissez faire attitude.
Confidence is seen as a good trait, but it can quickly turn into arrogance, which most people would regard as a bad trait.
Good traits are empathy. open mindedness, integrity, honesty and trustworthiness, and resilience. But, we were warned, any good trait can turn bad, even in a leopard.
Trevor explained the difference between tests and assessments. In most tests there is a right and wrong answer. The aim of assessment is to predict and understand behaviour. One of the most commonly used forms of assessment is the so-called DISC system, introduced in the 1950s and now reportedly used by 50 million people worldwide in the recruitment business.
DISC is an acronym for:
Dominance – Direct, decisive, results-oriented
Influence – Outgoing, enthusiastic, people oriented
Steadiness – patient, reliable, team oriented
Conscientiousness – precise, analytical
We were told: “You do not have to change personality, just understand it – and maybe warn others.”
By the end of the hour-long presentation, several people among the 40-plus attendees were spotted looking into imaginary mirrors. Trevor ended on a light note by saying: “If you recognised yourself – CONGRATULATIONS! “If you recognised your spouse – GOOD LUCK!”