Table of content
How the types interact with each other
In this section, we will explore how each type relates to all the others, including their own type. It can be noted that these relationships apply not only in everyday life but also in the interactions between counsellor and client. Indeed, the dynamics described are a useful resource for the counsellor who is making use of the counselling strategies and styles described elsewhere in this book.
No-one is only one type, rather we each have a dominant type at each of the five psychological levels. That said, we will each tend to express ourselves through one principle type, from any of the five levels, at any one time – for example, someone might be the dynamic leader at work, then the sensitive parent at home. This means the relational dynamics described here will play out with respect to whichever type is dominant in a person in the moment.
The Dynamic type
The Hero and The Leader
Likely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Analytical, Practical
Unlikely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Best friend: Practical
Relationship with other dynamic types
Connection: When dynamic types meet, they will respect each other’s authority, strength and reliability. They will appreciate the chance to cross swords without feeling they need to hold back. This competition is seen as healthy and a chance to bring out the best ideas and solutions. Dynamic types can learn from each other about the nature of power and how to use it, which will make them stronger, sharper and more willing to step outside of their comfort zones in order to achieve excellence.
Challenge: Power struggles can ensue when dynamic types get together. The competition for honour, status and competence can lead to power play for dominance and “life and death” struggles, bringing out this type’s most brutal tendencies and the capacity to play dirty.
Relationship with the sensitive type
Connection: The dynamic type will appreciate the sensitive type’s psychological insight and their ability to cooperate, make relationships, and work with empathy to foster well-being. On closer inspection, the dynamic type will realise that the sensitive type’s capacity for vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness, and that their gentle and calm nature can heal broken relationships and create new relationships that bring out the best in people.
Challenge: The dynamic type will often interpret the gentleness of the sensitive type as a form a weakness. Because of the dynamic type’s belief in power, autonomy and self-discipline, the sensitive type’s empathetic style can appear to the dynamic type as soft, compliant, whining, fearful and dependent.
Relationship with the mental type
Connection: The dynamic type will admire the mental type’s capacity to reflect then take strategic action that will translate ideas into concrete results. The dynamic type can learn from the mental type’s ability to communicate in an intelligent and persuasive way that incorporates many points of view and can help to build bridges around a shared purpose. The dynamic type can learn from the mental type’s flexibility and ability to work across a wide network to consider many possibilities for action.
Challenge: The dynamic type will feel frustrated by the mental type’s tendency to spread themselves thinly, which means they can lack focus and consistency and fail to achieve concrete results. This tendency of the mental type will often be accompanied by excuses and deceptions, which will infuriate the straight-talking dynamic type, as will the mental type’s tendency to talk in circles without making a point.
Relationship with the creative type
Connection: The dynamic type, with their tendency to stick with familiar routines, will be intrigued by the creative type’s ability to generate change through unorthodox means, such as using improvisation, imagination, humour and the arts. The creative type’s ability to bring social disharmony to the surface so that issues can be resolved and human potential released will also be appreciated. The dynamic type could also learn from the creative type’s ability to help people to relax so that relationships and cooperation can blossom.
Challenge: The dynamic type will become frustrated by the creative type’s tendency to become distracted by anything that seems to offer novelty, entertainment or an opportunity for self-promotion. The dynamic type will also struggle with the creative type’s mood swings, which will be perceived as immature and a sign of unreliability.
Relations with the analytical type
Connection: The dynamic type will appreciate the analytical type’s skill, reliability and efficiency, as well as their objectivity, thoroughness and sound judgment. The dynamic type can learn from the analytical type’s ability to adopt a critical distance and to not be seduced by the temptations of ambition that can derail a project. The analytical type’s ability to work with detail in a competent and serious way will also be appreciated.
Challenge: The dynamic type, in their desire to see quick results, will become deeply frustrated by the cautious, critical and sometimes pessimistic attitude of the analytical type, whose elaborate explanations and focus on detail will only seem to impede the dynamic type’s plans.
Relations with the dedicated type
Connection: The dynamic type will appreciate the enthusiasm and loyal support offered by the dedicated type, whose determination and willingness to go the extra mile matches the dynamic type’s own sense of commitment to fulfilling their purpose. The dynamic type can learn from the dedicated type that it is important to hold onto core values, which is a reminder that the end does not justify the means, especially if this means losing one’s integrity through the use of dishonest tactics and power play to achieve one’s goals. The dedicated type’s ability to unite people around a shared valuable goal will also be appreciated.
Challenge: The dynamic type will be unable to relate to the dedicated type’s emotional nature, which will come across as naïve and as lacking in self-control. Furthermore, the dedicated type’s extreme adherence to ethics and values will seem to the dynamic type to be fanatical and a needless distraction to getting the job done.
Relations with the practical type
Connection: The dynamic type will appreciate the practical type’s efficiency and ability to organise and implement action to achieve concrete results. The practical type’s controlled and elegant behaviour will also be appreciated. The impulsive dynamic type can learn from the practical type’s sense of control and their ability to work in an efficient and cooperative manner in which results are achieved through patient and thorough preparation and execution.
Challenge: The dynamic type will become frustrated by the practical type’s insistence on sticking with routines and well-tested systems when what is needed is a radical new approach. In contrast to the conservative practical type, the dynamic type will find it easy to let go of ideas, processes and relationships to create space for something new to emerge – for this reason, the dynamic type will be challenged by the practical type’s adherence to tradition, history and ritual.
The Sensitive Type
The Illuminator and The Altruist
Likely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Unlikely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Analytical, Practical
Best friend: Creative
Relationship with the dynamic type
Connection: The sensitive type can learn a great deal from the dynamic type’s authority, strength, reliability and personal sense of greatness. The sensitive type’s focus on empathy and understanding means they can get lost in feelings, so they could learn from the dynamic type’s insistence that people take responsibility for their actions – which is a kind of generosity because this is giving others the space and freedom to be autonomous. The sensitive type, who often holds a false perception that people are all the same, would benefit from acquiring the dynamic type’s ability to recognise differences in intelligence, skills and moral capacity. The dynamic type’s ability to fight for crucial principles and ideas would also benefit the sensitive type.
Challenge: The sensitive type will experience the dynamic type as authoritarian, insensitive and self-indulgent. Rather than taking time to explore feelings, the dynamic type tends to adopt an attitude of tough love that can brutally ”cut through” and break down resistance, indecisiveness and moral ambivalence – a relational style that is unheard of for the sensitive type.
Relationship with other sensitive types
Connection: The sensitive type feels warm and at home with other sensitive types because they are able to relate with openness, empathy and appreciation. It is possible to share vulnerabilities and receive mutual care and support. For this reason, the sensitive type often has another sensitive type for their best friend.
Challenge: A distortion of the sensitive type is a tendency to adopt the role of helpless victim – so, when sensitive types meet, this can result in a co-dependent attachment between helper and victim in which both can get lost in emotionalism and lose their sense of individuality. Both types tend to understand and accept a lack of discipline, strength and responsibility, which means these types might end up reinforcing immaturity in each other.
Relationship with mental types
Connection: For the sensitive type, who has a tendency to explore personal feelings and look for emotional depth, the mental type offers a refreshing cool, rational and practical perspective on life. Rather than exploring feelings, the mental type uses intelligence, looking at the big picture, and is able to come up with ideas and solutions and simply get on with life, even in complicated situations. The mental type’s ability to master the concrete world and fix things and circumstances is also appreciated by the sensitive type.
Challenge: To the sensitive type, the mental type’s pragmatic approach to life can feel impersonal, cold and superficial. The mental type will seem restless, almost hyperactive, in their concern to do what is necessary to get things done – and this will disturb the sensitive type’s need for presence and calm. Indeed, the sensitive type may experience the mental type as opportunistic and untrustworthy.
Relationship with creative types
Connection: The sensitive type, who is concerned with the quality of relationships, can learn a great deal from the creative type’s enthusiasm to deal with situations of conflict in order to establish harmony. The creative type can teach the sensitive type that it can be helpful to explore conflict and use the energy to create new relational dynamics. While the sensitive type tends to focus on feelings and empathy, the creative type makes use of humour, play and spontaneity – qualities that will help the sensitive type in their efforts to facilitate authentic relationships. The sensitive type can also learn from the creative type that embracing new experiences can expand and renew the emotional life.
Challenge: The calm and stable sensitive type may be shocked by the creative type’s approach to life: their mood swings; their wish to be the centre of attention; their tendency to focus on conflict in the hope that a resolution can be found; and their tendency to seek out new emotional experiences, sometimes through reckless behaviour.
Relationship with analytical types
Connection: The sensitive type will appreciate the analytical type’s ability to remain calm and sober in emotionally challenging situations. They will also be impressed by the analytical type’s reliability and honesty, and their ability to be practical and objective in a way that supports relationships by offering a refreshing counterbalance to subjectivity. The analytical type’s ability to be precise in communication will also be appreciated by the sensitive type, especially when it helps to express emotions and improve relationships. The analytical type’s ability to look at people and the world with a critical eye, but without judgement, is a quality that would benefit the sensitive type.
Challenge: To the sensitive type, who has a focus on feelings, the analytical type’s objective and practical focus on relationships will seem distant, cold and impersonal – and this difference between the objectivity of the analytical type and the subjectivity of the sensitive type will make it difficult for these types to establish intimate relationships with each other.
Relationship with dedicated types
Connection: The sensitive type will be drawn to the dedicated type’s emotional warmth, enthusiasm and sense of loyalty. The sensitive type will be impressed by the dedicated type’s determination to fight for a cause and to refuse to compromise core values, even when faced with obstacles and difficulties. The sensitive type can learn from the dedicated type how to be focused and persistent, despite any challenges, while holding a positive and optimistic attitude that focuses on growth and potential.
Challenge: The calm sensitive type, who thrives in positive relationships, will be alarmed by the extreme emotions of the dedicated type, whose passion for a cause can lead them to adopt an “all or nothing” attitude in which the cause is all that matters, even if this means causing upset and forsaking relationships.
Relationship with practical types
Connection: The sensitive type will appreciate the practical type’s talent for identifying people’s strengths and then inspiring and organising people in such a way that they can work together to achieve results. The sensitive type can learn from the practical type’s ability to put emotions to one side and to remain focused and disciplined, creating a sense of order and safety. The practical type’s reliable rhythm and discipline, and willingness to take responsibility and leadership, will also be appreciated by the sensitive type.
Challenge: The sensitive type will struggle with the practical type’s focus on efficiency and achieving an end result, which can seem mechanical, insensitive and cold because it leaves little space for subjective values, such as kind manners, vulnerability, and sensitivity in relationships. The practical type’s focus on appearances – such as attractive clothing, expensive status symbols and extravagant food – can be considered superficial by the sensitive type.
The Mental Type
The Genius and The Innovator
Likely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Analytical, Practical
Unlikely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Best friend: Analytical
Relationship with the dynamic type
Connection: The mental type, who has a tendency to get caught up in investigating every angle, can learn from the dynamic type’s ability to take a stand on principles and focus on their goals without denying core values. The mental type, who has a tendency to give up easily, can be inspired by the dynamic type’s ability to resist pressure and remain determined, honest and focused despite opposition. The dynamic type’s ability to face conflict, set boundaries and be authoritative will also be appreciated by the mental type.
Challenge: The mental type, who is drawn to open debate and conversation, will experience the dynamic type as inflexible, restrictive and over-bearing because of their reluctance to engage in discussion and reflection. The dynamic type’s desire to gather excessive personal power is a great challenge to the mental type, who thrives on democracy and debate.
Relationship with the sensitive type
Connection: The mental type, who will often put relationships second in order to pursue a practical or financial agenda, can learn from the sensitive type’s skill at fostering positive relationships, rooted in trust, in which people feel appreciated and therefore thrive. Incorporating this capacity for deeper empathic relationships will enable the mental type to gain more benefit from their interactions with people while in the pursuit of their goals. The mental type can learn from the sensitive type’s ability to understand people’s need for deep meaning and intimate relationships.
Challenge: The mental type will become frustrated by the sensitive type’s slow pace and apparently endless need to explore subjective feelings, which seems irrelevant to the mental type because feelings offer no practical benefit. The sensitive type’s somewhat impractical approach to life will also be a cause of irritation to the mental type.
Relations with other mental types
Connection: The mental type will enjoy lively and intelligent conversation with other mental types. Together, they will be in their element as they explore the world of knowledge, exchanging ideas and making links, perhaps doing so at a furious pace. They can teach each other how to finesse their communication style. They can help each other to find practical solutions to problems and can teach each other how to prosper financially.
Challenge: The mental type has so many thoughts running around their minds that engaging with another mental type can leave them feeling overwhelmed by ideas, leading to more stress. This type is so proud of their intellect that they can become distressed when they suspect another mental type is smarter or trying to steal their ideas.
Relationship with the creative type
Connection: The mental type can be entertained and impressed by the liveliness and quirkiness of the creative type, who appears to have a similar thirst for knowledge but who seeks it in unexpected ways, with a focus on relationships, spontaneity and humour. To the mental type, this approach can feel like a welcome relief from their relentless thinking and activity, yet they will see the value in this approach if it can generate new information and perspectives. Creative types, who have a tendency to get so caught up in endless activity that they forget what life is for, can learn from the mental type how to relax and enjoy life. The mental type can learn from the creative type how to spend time with people without needing to fulfil strategic or practical goals, and to be present in the here and now without the need for planning.
Challenge: The mental type can be left feeling distracted, disorientated and unable to think clearly due to the emotional nature of the creative type. To the mental type, the creative type’s playful approach to life can seem impractical, selfish and childish, while the creative type’s work will seem like a waste of energy and resources on activities that don’t lead to anything worthwhile.
Relationship with the analytical type
Connection: The mental type can feel highly stimulated by the analytical type, who has a similar curiosity but who investigates the world from a different perspective. While the mental type is focused on the big picture and on gathering up as much information as possible, the analytical type is able to tune into the fine detail and acquire specialist knowledge that has real practical value. The mental type, who can become overly theoretical and unrealistic, will be impressed by the analytical type’s ability to conduct experiments that establish solid facts and practical know-how. The mental type will appreciate the analytical type’s concern to investigate, test and experiment with ideas in practical ways before sharing them with others. The mental type will also appreciate the analytical type’s concern to check what they are saying is true and sensible and not just a product of their enthusiasm.
Challenge: The mental type will feel frustrated with the analytical type’s cautious, sceptical and time-consuming approach to life, which they feel narrows the focus and stems the flow of ideas that the mental type thrives on. The analytical type’s critical sense can be toxic to the mental type who will feel their ideas are being dissected and dismissed before being given a chance to mature in the mind.
Relationship with the dedicated type
Connection: The mental type will be intrigued by the dedicated type’s capacity to see potential and work diligently towards concrete goals while upholding core ideas and values. The mental type will benefit from integrating the dedicated type’s discipline, focus and reluctance to compromise, even when in a situation that is boring or personally challenging.
Challenge: The mental type will struggle with the dedicated type’s emotional temperament and mood swings, which will seem like a waste of energy and resources. The dedicated type tends to take things personally and lack a sense of detachment, which means conflict will be difficult to resolve without the dedicated type flaring up in anger. Because the mental type has a focus on facts and is willing to change their mind when new facts emerge, the dedicated type’s unswerving and idealistic faith will seem illogical, even delusional.
Relationship with the practical type
Connection: The mental and practical types make for an effective team. Both are interested in ideas, but while the mental type can get lost in countless possibilities and options, the practical is able to select the most useful ideas, and then organise resources in a coordinated and orderly manner so that targets can be set and concrete results achieved. The mental type will appreciate the practical type’s elegant, controlled and flawless physical appearance because it gives the impression of order and predictability.
Challenge: To the mental type, the practical type is so focused on the end result that the process can feel rushed, leaving no room for ideas to mature. This tendency of the practical type to control and systematise goes against the mental type’s wish for mental freedom and exploration. The need of the practical type to be direct will limit the mental type who likes goals to emerge organically while taking time to explore options, environments and strategies from many angles, even if this means changing their minds.
The Creative Type
The Artist and The Reconciler
Likely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Unlikely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Analytical, Practical
Best friend: Sensitive
Relationship with the dynamic type
Connection: The creative type will be impressed by the dynamic type’s ability to remain calm and focused despite any conflict or drama that might arise. The creative type can learn from the dynamic type’s ability to stay true to themselves and their core values and principles no matter what obstacles or external influences threaten to block their path. The dynamic type’s ability to be independent and detached in their relationships, and to do without recognition, will be appreciated by the creative type.
Challenge: To the lively, colourful and relational creative type, the dynamic type will feel serious, solitary and even authoritarian, so it will be difficult for these two types to create a close personal bond. The dynamic type’s tendency to be solitary and make decisions alone will be deeply frustrating to the creative type. The dynamic type’s somewhat colourless “back to basics” lifestyle and ability to eschew aesthetics, spontaneity and relaxation will be a challenge to the creative type.
Relationship with the sensitive type
Connection: The creative type will be impressed by the sensitive type’s warmth, empathy and concern to foster healthy relationships. To the often emotional and volatile creative type, the sensitive type’s serenity and sense of acceptance is greatly appreciated. The creative type can learn from the sensitive type’s relaxed and stable qualities, which are in contrast to the creative type’s restless need to seek out new experiences and resolve conflict. The creative type can learn from the sensitive type how to hold emotions in relationships instead of always expressing them. The creative type can also learn from the sensitive type that is it important to seek wisdom and understanding in relationships rather than looking for a “quick fix” to personal problems in the form of hedonistic pleasures, entertainments and other forms of avoidance.
Challenge: For the adventurous creative type, the peace and serenity of the sensitive type will seem boring, even deadening. Similarly, the sensitive type’s need for intimacy can feel like co-dependence and will stifle the creative type’s need for freedom and autonomy. Due to their hyper-sensitivity, the sensitive type will often feel hurt by conflict, which will challenge the creative type’s preference to clear the air with an argument.
Relationship with the mental type
Connection: The creative type will be impressed by the mental type quick intellect, comprehensive knowledge, and ability to remain cool and objective. The creative type, who has a tendency to get caught in emotional complexities, can learn from the mental type’s ability to act with a strategy and focus and to organise people in a professional way to achieve concrete results. The mental type’s ability to build comprehensive knowledge and take a broad overview as a result of their focused studies will be admired by the creative type, whose preference is to improvise rather than study.
Challenge: The mental type’s seemingly insatiable desire to gather and process information will feel stressful, superficial and nerdy to the creative type. The mental type’s tendency to talk about superficial or practical matters, instead of relating from the heart, will frustrate the creative type. Similarly, the restless activity of the mental type will challenge the creative type’s need for an emotional depth and intimate connection. The creative type, who enjoys being in the moment and who can find inspiration in chaos, will feel constrained by the mental type’s rational mindset.
Relationship with other creative types
Connection: When creative types meet, their playful and joyful personalities will inspire lively and honest communication, helping them to stretch their imaginations. Creative types are rarely bored in each other’s company because they become sparring partners able to explore new ideas and possibilities. They can help each other to identify unhelpful patterns so they can work on them together. They can also help each other to explore taboos and the darker aspects of the human psyche because these are places where they can find beauty and harmony. This type will be highly creative together because they love to explore uncharted territory and renew their creative agenda.
Challenge: When creative types meet, their combined sense of fun and adventure can lead them into an infertile waste of time and resources. Their unstructured and impulsive behaviour means they will struggle to maintain their focus, which will serve to magnify their sense of chaos and disorientation. Meanwhile, this type’s strong need for attention and praise can lead to conflict – as if they were celebrities vying for top billing in a movie.
Relationship with the analytical type
Connection: The creative type, with their flights of fancy, can be astounded by the analytical type’s ability to remain grounded, logical and practical. While the creative type can disappear into their imagination, the analytical type has the self-discipline to remain objective and focused on the task in hand – qualities that the creative type would do well to incorporate. The creative type can learn from the analytical type how to be objective and how to critique their own behaviour. The creative type can also learn from the analytical type how to take themselves and life more seriously – in other words, rather than wasting time and resources on diversionary pastimes, the creative type can learn to take responsibility, choosing to face challenges and undertake unpleasant tasks because this will help to build a stable and strong existence.
Challenge: To the flamboyant creative type, the analytical type can seem nerdy, cautious and boring. The analytical type’s parsimonious and sceptical attitude will feel stifling and full of criticism to the creative type, who likes to be playful and irresponsible, even wild. The analytical type’s tendency to be cautious arises out of a fear that something might go wrong, and this will be deeply frustrating to the creative type who prefers to consider all the options and take risks in the hope that something new and different might emerge.
Relationship with the dedicated type
Connection: The creative type will be impressed by the dedicated type’s ability to remain focused, enthusiastic and positive in the pursuit of a vision that reaches beyond mere self-interest. The creative type will also be inspired by the dedicated type’s passion, sensitivity and loyalty to their core values and their desire to unlock potential in the search for a more meaningful way of life. The creative type will appreciate the dedicated type’s ability to fight for what they hold dear, even if this means facing challenges or accusations that they are wasting their time.
Challenge: While aware with their intense feelings, the creative type will find the dedicated type to be overly serious and rigid in their thinking, such that the dedicated type can seem like a fanatic, unable to take time to smell the roses, out of which new and more interesting ideas can emerge. When these types meet, the intense and volatile temperament of the dedicated type will tend to create conflict and disturb the harmony that is dear to the creative type.
Relationship with the practical type
Connection: The creative type, with their love of beauty, will admire the adept way in which the practical type is able to focus, prioritise and organise ideas and resources in order to achieve concrete results. The creative type can learn from the practical type’s self-discipline and skill in discerning whatever will be most useful for the realisation of their vision. In terms of manner and appearance, the creative type will admire the beauty, elegance and self-control of the practical type. The practical type can teach the creative type to express a more disciplined and organised energy that would help teo control the spontaneous impulses that cause the creative type to become sidetracked and loose connection with their purpose.
Challenge: The creative type thrives on the unpredictable and can even enjoy conflict and extreme emotions because all of this generates opportunities for new ideas and surprising outcomes. By contrast, the practical type’s methodical approach will seem rigid, even controlling, which will leave the creative type feeling stifled and inhibited. The practical type’s need to control even the smallest details will tend to block the creative type’s creativity, which will be experienced as deeply frustrating. Similarly, the creative type will feel constrained by the practical type’s predictability, focus on routine and need to achieve concrete results.
The Analytical Type
The Explorer and The Researcher
Likely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Analytical, Practical
Unlikely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Best friend: Mental
Relationship with the dynamic type
Connection: The analytical type will appreciate the direct, practical and logical style of the dynamic type. For the analytical type, who can get lost in detail and research, it is refreshing to see the disciplined and matter-of-fact way in which the dynamic type gets things done. The dynamic type’s cool and impersonal style of leadership will be appreciated by the analytical type, as will the dynamic type’s high energy and work capacity, which matches the work discipline of the analytical type. The dynamic type can teach the analytical type to think big and live courageously and adventurously. The analytical type could learn to be less self-critical by drawing on the dynamic type’s authority, gravitas and self-confidence.
Challenge: The analytical type will feel hesitant around the dynamic type, whose tendency to ignore the detail and forge ahead with their own agenda is contrary to the analytical tendency to think things through. While the dynamic type is happy to dive into any situation that is going too slowly and assert their authority, the analytical type will tend to be overly-cautious and self-critical – an approach that could bring out a brutal response from the dynamic type.
Relationship with the sensitive type
Connection: The analytical type will admire the sensitive type’s ability to handle people and situations with tact and respect. The sensitive type’s warm and friendly qualities are what is needed to soften the analytical type’s critical eye, which can be turned on both themselves and others. These two types are both interested in detail, albeit the analytical type has a focus on gathering objective information while the sensitive type is focused on the subjective world. The analytical type can learn from the sensitive type how to be more engaging and personal in relationships and how to be sensitive to their own needs. The analytical type can also learn from the sensitive type how to draw benefit from irrational impulses and how to take a more holistic look at life rather than getting stuck in the details.
Challenge: The objective analytical type will struggle with the sensitive type’s tendency to mix feeling and fact, subjectivity and objectivity. The analytical type will become frustrated by the sensitive type’s vulnerability to criticism and their corresponding difficulty in looking at others with a critical eye. The analytical type, who appreciates and values difference, will struggle with the sensitive type’s resistance to recognising strong differences and contrasts.
Relationship with the mental type
Connection: The analytical type will admire, and perhaps envy, the mental type’s comprehensive knowledge and ability to make connections and communicate with ease. The analytical type can also learn from the mental type’s ability to multitask and to look at the big picture rather than losing themselves in the detail. The analytical type will appreciate the mental type’s ability to communicate knowledge in a popular way so that it reaches a wide audience. The analytical type will want to learn from the mental type’s skills in finance and trade because this will help the analytical type to generate a profit from their work.
Challenge: The analytical type is able to look deeply into their chosen subject and investigate whatever they find, even uncomfortable facts. As a consequence, the analytical type can experience the mental type’s preference for breadth, rather than depth, as superficial and avoidant, even cowardly. The mental type’s tendency to explain away or put a spin on uncomfortable facts will be highly frustrating to the analytical type, who likes to know the truth and the detail no matter how inconvenient or painful.
Relationship with the creative type
Connection: The analytical type, who tends to stick with tried and tested methods, will be impressed by the imaginative and intuitive way in which the creative type is able to come up with new ideas and fresh insights. The analytical type, who is most at home in the library or laboratory, can learn people skills from the warm and sociable creative type. The creative type’s ability to understand and work with conflict to bring about a compromise will be appreciated by the analytical type who can get stuck in their own world and struggle to relate to others. And from the playful and humorous qualities of the creative type, the analytical type can learn to loosen up and relax.
Challenge: The analytical type, who enjoys working with facts and finds it easy to concentrate for long periods of time, will consider the playful nature of the creative type to be frivolous, and the creative type’s reliance on imagination and intuition to be unscientific. The analytical type will become frustrated by the creative type’s inability to concentrate when bored. Analytical types will also be frustrated by the creative type’s tendency to exaggerate and embellish reality, thereby distorting facts.
Relationship with other analytical types
Connection: When analytical types get together they will appreciate each other’s diligence, common sense and attention to detail. Whether at work or in a relationship, they will speak to each other in a manner that is fair and objective and, as a result, they will be able to tell each other the truth without the risk of causing offence – in this way they can help each other to clear away blind spots, leading to new discoveries. Together, they can pool their resources to reach deeper insights that lead to greater know-how.
Challenge: Analytical types have a tendency to become defensive and finds it difficult to receive personal criticism, so they can easily fall out with each other, either withdrawing or becoming passive-aggressive. This type’s tendency to be critical for the sake of criticism, and to be cynical and negative about things they know little about, will create trouble. This type can be grumpy and anti-social which means it will be difficult for analytical types to establish a healthy professional relationships with each other.
Relationship with the dedicated type
Connection: The analytical type will admire the dedicated type’s uncomplicated and honest nature and their capacity for hard work in the pursuit of goals. The analytical type can learn from the dedicated type’s positivity, focus on values and refusal to give up. The analytical type appreciates, the dedicated type’s desire to communicate their vision and knowledge in a passionate way in order to inspire a wide audience. The analytical type can learn from the dedicated type how to incorporate subjective values into their analysis in order to establish clarity around their values and beliefs. The pessimistic analytical type can also learn from the dedicated type how to have faith and how to dream dreams that may seem improbable but which may lead to new discoveries.
Challenge: The analytical type can be sceptical of the dedicated type’s faith in their vision, which they see as based on subjective feelings rather than well-researched data. The dedicated type’s emotional approach to life, which can veer towards fanaticism, will be experienced as alarming by the cautious analytical type. The activism and idealism of the dedicated type will strike the cautious analytical type as exaggerated and illogical.
Relationship with the practical type
Connection: The analytical type will be impressed by the practical type’s ability to make use of specialist knowledge. The analytical type will appreciate the serious and down to earth attitude of the practical type and their capacity to take ideas and knowledge and translate them into useful and helpful activities, products and projects. The analytical type can learn from the practical type that outward appearance and performance are appealing and therefore important because they can be used to help to promote ideas. The analytical type would also benefit by learning from the practical type how to cooperate with experts from different areas so that knowledge can be shared, synthesised and expanded.
Challenge: The analytical type can feel invaded and offended when the practical type seeks to get involved with the details of a situation or process, which the analytical type will feel is part of their domain. The practical type has a focus on the end result, which means they can overlook individual contributions – and this can often leave the analytical type feeling ignored. The analytical type will feel frustrated if the practical type emphasises outward appearance and performance so much that facts and purpose disappear.
The Dedicated Type
The Visionary and The Activist
Likely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Unlikely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Practical
Best friend: Sensitive
Relationship with the dynamic type
Connection: The dedicated type is inspired by the dynamic type’s power, authority and drive for excellence. The emotional dedicated type can learn from the dynamic type’s self-control and capacity to take challenges and attacks in their stride without becoming emotional. Incorporating the pragmatic qualities of the dynamic type will help to moderate the dedicated type’s idealism, which will make them more approachable and less prone to disappointment. The dedicated type can also learn from the dynamic type how to be a leader rather than a follower and how to think strategically before rushing into action.
Challenge: The dedicated type will disapprove of the dynamic type’s ability to put ethical considerations aside in their pursuit of power. The dedicated type, who values loyalty and relationships, is averse to the dynamic type’s ability to detach from people and act in ways that are cold, disloyal and even brutal.
Relationship with the sensitive type
Connection: The dedicated type appreciates the sensitive type’s warmth, patience, and ability to accept all types of people. The sensitive type’s psychological insight and ability to bring people together will impress the dedicated type whose goal is to inspire as many people as possible with their message – to this end, the sensitive type can teach the dedicated type how to be less reactive and better able to see different points of view. The dedicated type can acquire wisdom from the sensitive type and learn how to explore a range of possibilities before plunging into projects in a fanatical way.
Challenge: The dedicated type can perceive the sensitive type as being too passive and conflict-avoidant, which goes against the dedicated type’s desire to shake people out of habitual ways of thinking and living. The dedicated type, who tends to feel sure about the rightness of their cause, can feel perplexed by the sensitive type’s tendency to see all sides of an issue. The dedicated type will feel frustrated by the sensitive type’s cautious nature when there is a need to be brave and try new things.
Relationship with the mental type
Connection: The temperamental dedicated type is impressed by the mental type’s ability to connect easily with people and to remain calm even during a disagreement. The mental type is able to see life from many different angles, which is a quality that would benefit the dedicated type, whose focus is often locked on a single ideology. The dedicated type could also learn from the mental type’s ability to strategise, work hard and get things done, as well as their gift for financial planning.
Challenge: The passionate dedicated type will become frustrated by the mental type’s cautionary and neutral attitude and by their preference for considering all viewpoints rather than taking sides. The dedicated type might also question the ethics of the mental type, who might lack a sense of values and put profit ahead of ethics. The mental type’s verbosity and sales tricks, which sometimes stretch the truth, will frustrate the dedicated type.
Relationship with the creative type
Connection: The dedicated type will appreciate the creative type’s people skills and enthusiastic nature, albeit that the focus of the creative type is on new and aesthetic experiences, rather than a particular ideology. The dedicated type, whose single-minded pursuit of a vision can shut them off from new ideas, can learn from the creative type’s ability to relax and enjoy company for its own sake. Indeed, learning from the creative type how to be playful, flexible and spontaneous would help the dedicated type to establish warmer relationships and to gain fresh insights, all of which could help with their cause.
Challenge: The mood swings of the creative type are likely to trigger the fiery temper of the dedicated type. The creative type, with their wandering imagination and changing opinions, will strike the idealistic and focused dedicated type as fickle and lacking in purpose. The dedicated type will see the creative type’s sociability and playful nature as people-pleasing, and perhaps lacking in a sense of loyalty – but the dedicated type might also feel envious of the ease with which the creative type can establish relationships. The dedicated type might be jealous of the creative type’s flirty style and ability to make intimate connections.
Relationship with the analytical type
Connection: The dedicated type will admire the analytical type’s concern to work hard and focus, to discover the truth, and to share what they have learned in a clear and straight forward manner. The analytical type can teach the dedicated type how to critique their vision by considering the facts and by keeping a cool head when passion threatens to distort their perception. The dedicated type can learn from the analytical type how to be objective and hold their passion in check – to keep their feet on the ground even though their head is in the sky.
Challenge: The dedicated type will feel frustrated by the analytical type’s critical and scientific attitude – this is the classic conflict between faith and reason. The cool and detached perspective of the analytical type will strike the dedicated type as negative and lacking in conviction, which will serve to deflate the enthusiasm of the dedicated type and even leave them feeling disillusioned.
Relationship with other dedicated types
Connection: When dedicated types get together, their enthusiasm is contagious: they will find in each other a loyal friend with whom to pursue their goals with renewed energy, perhaps setting their sights even higher. Dedicated types will support each other through difficult times, helping each other to see the potential in setbacks so they can renew their efforts. Dedicated types can help to curb each other’s tendency to extremism and to see the dangers of adopting an overly intense and passionate approach.
Challenge: When dedicated types get together, they can get carried away by their enthusiasm which can lead to impulsive actions and naïve behaviour that they may regret. With their volatile temperament, dedicated types can argue fiercely, especially when core values are threatened. And if dedicated types fall out or betray one another, then the greatest of friends can become the greatest of enemies.
Relationship with the practical type
Connection: The dedicated type will admire the practical type’s ability to get things done and achieve their goals. The dedicated type, who can hold on doggedly to unattainable ideals, will benefit from the practical type’s pragmatism and ability to focus, organise and proceed in a clear and intelligent fashion. The practical type’s reliability, competency and flexibility are all qualities that would help the dedicated type realise their vision, as will the practical type’s ability to inspire people to contribute their skills and cooperate. Dedicated types, who have a tendency to do everything themselves or else to stick with their own kind, can learn from the practical type how to cooperate with a team of different types of people.
Challenge: The passionate dedicated type can experience the pragmatic approach of the practical type as cold and impersonal. Indeed, the practical type’s sense of realism can deflate the dedicated type’s enthusiasm and leave their dreams in tatters. The dedicated type, whose single-minded pursuit of a vision can result in asceticism, will consider the practical type’s appreciation of physical beauty to be an irrelevance or an indulgence.
The Practical Type
The Creator and The Designer
Likely partners: Dynamic, Mental, Analytical, Practical
Unlikely partners: Sensitive, Creative, Dedicated
Best friend: Dynamic
Relationship with the dynamic type
Connection: The practical type will admire the strength and courage of the dynamic type to swim against the tide and press forward with new ideas in the face of challenges and conflict. The practical type can learn from the dynamic type’s ability to make unpopular decisions and take responsibility. Adopting this approach would release the practical type from their adherence to systems and routines and give them the courage to explore new ideas and implement change, even if this means dropping their social façade, upsetting people, and temporarily creating chaos.
Challenge: The practical type, who likes to hold things together, can feel threatened by the dynamic type’s tendency to break things down – even to destroy – before building something new. The practical type might also be alarmed by the tendency of the dynamic type to take power and play mind games in order to hold onto power. The practical type, who thrives on cooperation, will struggle to relate to the dynamic type’s capacity to operate in isolation.
Relationship with the sensitive type
Connection: The practical type will admire the sensitive type’s ability to establish warm relationships that recognise people’s qualities and inspire them to cooperate. The practical type, whose focus is on planning, efficiency and end results, can learn from the sensitive type how to relax and how to relate in an empathic manner that seeks to enjoy people for who they are, rather than seeing people as tools to be used. The practical type will appreciate the sensitive type’s ability to resolve conflict and heal relationships through their warmth, insight, psychological depth and understanding nature.
Challenge: The practical type, whose focus is on completing the job in hand, will consider the sensitive type’s overly concern for people’s well-being as an unnecessary distraction, even as something that could encourage dependency and a sense of victimhood. This tendency of the sensitive type to focus on feelings and intimacy will strike the practical type as a waste of time because there is work to be done – so these two types will have issues with each other.
Relationship with the mental type
Recognise: The practical type will admire the mental type’s ability to think strategically and communicate how their ideas can be turned into reality, yet with a flexibility that can deal with any challenges that might arise. The practical type can learn from the mental type that it is ok to let go of tried and tested ideas and think outside of the box. The practical type will appreciate the mental type’s knack for inspiring people to share a vision and work together to achieve a goal. The practical type will appreciate the mental type’s skill ingenuity, innovation, drive, and ability to explain reality through attractive stories.
Challenge: The practical type will feel his plans are being frustrated by the mental type’s hyperactivity and by their tendency to focus on intrigues rather than on what brings people together. The practical type, who simply wants to get on with the task in hand, will feel frustrated by the mental type’s tendency to be manipulative and self-serving. The practical type will find the mental type to be unreliable because of their shifting opinions and opportunistic behaviour.
Relationship with the creative type
Connection: The practical type will relate to the creative type’s aesthetic sense and be intrigued by their ability to improvise, and even break the rules, in their attempt to improve the cultural atmosphere. The practical type, who enjoys order and organisation, will appreciate the creative type’s desire to establish positive and harmonious environments that value diversity and bring people together. The creative type can teach the practical type how to use play, humour and debate to release emotions and get the most out of people, which will in turn help with the realisation of goals.
Challenge: The disciplined practical type will feel frustrated by the unstructured and chaotic attitude of the creative type, whose mood swings and unwitting tendency to create conflict could interrupt the practical type’s carefully made plans. The practical type will also feel frustrated by any attempt to engage the creative type in disciplined work, which will often result in the creative type becoming bored, passive or rebellious.
Relationship with the analytical type
Recognise: The practical type will appreciate the analytical type’s discipline, technical skill, and ability to cut through superficial layers to get to the heart of an issue. The practical type will appreciate the analytical type’s reliable knowledge and effective management of the tasks they undertake. From the analytical type, the practical type can learn the importance of paying attention to detail so that corrections can be made and plans adjusted in order to achieve the best possible results.
Challenge: The practical type, for whom speed and action are essential, will become frustrated by the analytical type’s tendency to get lost in detail and to refuse to update tried and tested methods. The slow and painstaking approach of the analytical type will appear unnecessary and stubborn to the practical type. The practical type, who has a love for elegance and extravagance, will find the analytical type to be dour and nerdy in their love of precision and detail.
Relationship with the dedicated type
Connection: The practical type shares with the dedicated type an ability to focus and work hard in order to achieve a specific goal. The practical type can learn from the dedicated type that core values and ethics are important so that the end result can be beneficial and not merely an achievement for its own sake. The practical type would benefit from adopting the warmth and enthusiasm of the dedicated type, which would help the practical type to inspire people to give their best in support of a shared goal. The dedicated type could teach the practical type how to face challenges with unswerving commitment – this would help the practical type to ask openly for support for their vision, rather than locking themselves away and trying to do everything.
Challenge: The practical type can experience the dedicated type as naïve, impractical and even fanatical due to their belief in utopia. The practical type will be perplexed by the dedicated type’s fiery temper and black or white thinking that often creates conflict and drama. Practical types favour rational and diplomatic behaviour, which will bring them into conflict with the activism and extreme sentiment of the dedicated type.
Relationship with other practical types
Connection: When practical types meet they can inspire each other to set their sights high and strive for new standards of excellence. Whether as friends, partners or colleagues, practical types will establish a spirit of fellowship and close cooperation that will work in an elegant, minimalistic and controlled fashion. The practical type’s ability to organise, consider multiple perspectives and take responsibility means that their projects will run smoothly and efficiently and generate positive results.
Challenge: This practical type’s wish to be in charge and make all the decisions, even to micro-manage, means that conflict and power struggles are almost inevitable when practical types get together. This can lead to a tendency to play the diplomatic, even to become manipulative, in an attempt to pull the strings from behind the scenes to try and make things happen.
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