Twelve Clues For Determining Behavioral Characteristics
- A person's speech patterns... A most important clue. People's speech indicates ... a direct person who is one who is direct and to the point; a thorough person goes to great lengths to explain a point; a detailed person is one who gives you detail as they describe something; a precise person reaches an exact point of something, etc.
- A person's self-image... To some extent, each of us entertains a somewhat distorted notion of the kind of person we really are. This "self-image" is a reliable clue to our character. One person may view himself or herself as a Paragon of Common Sense, unmoved by emotions; another, a Great Innovator, ever ready to attempt the new; another, the Power Behind the Throne, one who enjoys intrigue and manipulation. In every case, the person will respond to an appeal to their "self-image".
- What a person likes to talk about... Accomplishments? Problems? Family? To a degree, we are all self-centered, but the person who can see no further than his/her own ego may also lack the "human touch" and the ability to see the other person's point of view. On the other hand, if he/she is well-informed about what is going on in the world, politically, economically and socially, if they are sensitive to the "big picture", he/she will probably bring this "world view" to the job.
- Who a person admires... The person who idolizes Napoleon is quite different from one who admires Albert Schweitzer. Get a person to tell you who he/she admires most and you will know much more about a person than you may have originally thought possible.
- A person's "ruling passion"... Politics? Economics? Gardening? Golf? Horse Racing? The Civil War? Making Money? Whatever it is, it is an important signpost of a person's character.
- How this person treats others... If he/she is in a position of authority, does this person act like a little Caesar or respect the rights of others? Does this person cooperate with superiors without stooping to apple polishing? Does this person give credit where credit is due? Real character can frequently be assessed by noting how a person treats the people with whom he/she comes into daily contact.
- A person's proudest accomplishments... Get a person to tell you their most important achievements and you have a master key to their character. If, for example, he/she beamed at the thought of being "self-made", you may safely assume that he/she has a high regard for self- reliance, determination and plain hard work. At the same time, this person may be intolerant of others and have no patience with those who have led what he/she considers a "soft" life. If they take pride in the accomplishments of their department or firm, they are probably a strong believer in team effort.
- What a person reads... Of course, the demands on time are often a factor here, but those who want to read somehow manage to find the time. Is the person interested in expanding his or her own horizons? Learning more about their own specialty? Furthering their career? This person is ambitious. Does this person read only the local newspaper and an occasional general interest magazine? Then he/she probably isn't interested in self-development, in getting ahead.
- A person's goals in life... Find out what a person has his/her eyes on. Find out the objective they are striving for and where they spend most of their energies and you can usually deduce a dominant trait in a person's character. Is this person aiming for a certain income, for fame, for power? Whatever the goal, you can probably influence this person by putting your proposition in terms of the goal they have set.
- A person's work area... A person's work area is a solid clue to their make-up. Is it neat? Then this person is probably orderly in other ways. Are there plaques, degrees, mementos on the wall? These indicate major interests.
- A person's reaches decisions... The way in which a person makes up his mind to pursue a certain course of action is another clue to their psychological make-up. A thoughtful, prudent person will gather as much data as possible, consult with others, and study all the "angles" before acting. An impulsive person will act hastily, often overlooking alternatives. We have several clear characteristics in this area. The indecisive person who fears criticism of mistakes, the cautious person who approaches answers very carefully, the deliberate and careful person between cautious and decisive, and lastly, of course, the impulsive person.
- A person's reaction to setbacks... The way a person takes a rebuff speaks volumes about them. If he/she is well balanced, he/she won't sulk, but will try to learn from a failure. If a person dwells on it, making endless excuses and taking offense at the mention of the setback, this person may be emotionally immature. Such a person is not ready for large responsibilities, so pay particular attention to this character clue. Especially watch for sensitivity to feedback or rebuff -- a tough trait to overcome.
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