".....when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Luke 1:41-42
Now that you have identified the choleric and sanguine temperament types in your office, let's discuss peachy phlegmatics. Everyone needs a good friend who exhibits characteristics of this temperament type.
Elizabeth exhibited several of the strengths of a peachy phlegmatic in these passsages. She must have had a low key personality. Have you ever known a woman who has waited for years to have a child keep it a secret for five months? She also demonstrated a consistent life of faith when she said that the "Lord had looked with favor upon me".
Elizabeth must have been sympathetic and kind to her husband, Zacharias, when he became mute. Remember he doubted the angel, Gabriel, about Elizabeth's bearing of a son at their age. (See Luke 1:13-20)
Although Elizabeth probably kept her emotions hidden, when filled with the Holy Spirit, she became enthusiastic and cried out in a loud voice when Mary came to see her.
Phlegmatic temperaments really are "peachy". But remember each temperament has strengths and weaknesses. These cool, calm and collected personalities also are fearful and worried, indecisive, may avoid responsibilities and are too compromising. In addition, they have a quiet will of iron.
Here are a few traits of a peachy phlegmatic that you may see in the workplace.
Strengths Weaknesses Competent and steady Not goal-oriented Administrative ability Not self-motivated Peacemaker Procrastinates Avoids conflicts Careless Works well under pressure Spectator Problem-solver Resists change Suggestions for working alongside phlegmatic temperaments: 1. Be sincere and personable. 2. Ask "how" questions to get their opinions. 3. Be patient with them. 4. Clearly define roles/goal and what they are to do in the plan. 5. Assure them often 6. Present changes in a non-threatening manner-give them time to adjust.Are you a "peachy" phlegmatic temperament type? Join the crowd, so am I. The Holy Spirit has dealt with me off and on for many years as the Lord continues to mold me (build my strengths) and trim off the edges (eliminate or control my weaknesses). My motto is, "Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet." So don't be discouraged, He has a perfect plan for your life and will reveal it in His perfect timing.