Temperament Sorte

Guardian Provider Temperament Type - David Keirsey In his studies of temperament, psychologist David Keirsey identified "configures of inclinations" within individual personalities. These configures, or temperaments, are predispositions which form the basis for later habits or interests. As an example, Keirsey cites how, because of certain predispositions, different animals may be nurturing companions, dam builders or night hunters (Keirsey 1998). In humans, Keirsey believed that an understanding of temperament types can serve as an invaluable guide in finding a job or choosing a career.

By choosing a career in line with one's predispositions, a person is more likely to find a career in line with his or her temperament (Keirsey 1998). This increases the likelihood that a person would find a career with personal fulfillment. The results of my Keirsey temperament sorter yield an ESFJ. The test reveals that my main temperament type is that of the Guardian. Guardians, the test reveals, have an externally-focused personal value system.

Because of this, guardians are people-oriented and are strong supporters of established institutions such as schools, churches, civic groups and, in my case, the military. For guardians, it is important to nurture social institutions. Providers, meanwhile, are strong social contributors. They are cooperative team players who are drawn to social services. In addition to individual needs, providers also devote their energy to developing and supporting traditions within the community. In combination, the Guardian and Provider temperament type is a dependable person who takes responsibilities seriously.

They place a strong value on service, tradition, security and stability. They are also very diligent in getting tasks done. In my case, the predispositions of my ESFJ type have had a strong influence in my choice for a military career. According to the Keirsey sorter, guardan providers are well-suited to professions with a defined standard operating procedure and by-the-book regulations. Guardians function well in an ordered environment. A career in the military thus satisfies the ESFJ's predisposition to an ordered, institutional and service-oriented career.

Part of my attraction to a career in the military lay in how this institution provided regulations, uniformity and order. I believe it is important for all people to respect laws and rules of authority, and find great satisfaction in helping to enforce these laws. Based on this test, I also learned that I have an externally-focused value system. Much of the personal satisfaction from a career in the military derives from providing public service through an important social institution.

Additionally, this value system is defined by moral codes enshrined within the community. Perhaps this is also why I am attracted to the military, where a well-defined rules and codes of behavior have been developed within a democratic setting. Of course, all personality types have their strengths and weaknesses. I believe that my strengths lie in an allegiance to laws, a desire for order and an orientation to public service. However, the test also reveals weaknesses in other areas, such as creativity or abstract analysis.

The test shows that this desire for structure and the importance placed on laws can also translate to a controlling personality. Thus, Guardian Providers should take to avoid being authoritarian, especially to their loved ones. In fact, the test warns, some ESFJs have a tendency to manipulate others, convinced that they are acting according to a socially accepted moral code. Corollary to this, the Keirsey test also said the ESFJ's tendency to maintain the status quo can also result in a blind allegiance to authority.

However, given the importance of a strict hierarchy and chain of command within the military, I do not feel that a strict code of discipline is necessarily a bad trait. Finally, the temperament sorter also maintains that Guardian Providers are quite aware of gender roles within society, a trait that ties into the their strong sense of tradition. Accordingly, male ESFJs would be more likely to choose "masculine" professions.

Though this may not have been a major part in my choice of a military career, I also find that this aspect of the Guardian Provider does manifest.