During this week, we have investigated the various strengths and weaknesses of the four basic temperament types. It is important to remember the following guidelines:
1. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your co-workers strengths.
2. No one has only one temperament type. We are usually a blending of several with one being more dominant than the others.
3. One temperament is not better than another. In the body of Christ, every temperament is needed to bring glory to God.
4. One temperament is not more spiritual than another. God uses each of us to perform His will for our lives and in His kingdom.
5. Different temperaments compliment each other. Acknowledge and accept differences in people. Learn to work with the differences to avoid frustration and unhappiness in the workplace.
6. God is in the life-changing business. Pray for Him to reveal your weaknesses and allow Him to change them. Pray for your co-workers. May those who do not have a personal relationship with the living Christ come to know Him.
For more information of temperaments, here is a suggested reading list of authors who have focused many years on the study of temperaments.
Spirit Controlled Temperament - Tim LaHaye
Your Temperament - Tim LaHaye
How to Develop Your Child's Temperament - Beverly LaHaye
Personality Plus - Florence Littauer
Your Personality Tree - Florence Littauer
After Every Wedding Comes a Marriage - Florence Littauer
This week's material has included research from some of these books along with God's word as well as my own personal observations.
When I go to work today, I will meet co-workers and clients with a multitude of temperament types. It is a challenging adventure to balance the delicate relationships that we encounter at work. God has provided a code of ethics for me at work in Matthew 7:12 that helps me keep it all in perspective. "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." A sweet and simple, but powerful mission.