In short, temperament is our inherited tendency of behaving, thinking and feeling.Ĭontrastingly, we acquire our character, and therefore we can change it. Physiological traits play an important role in temperament as well as emotional patterns and other unconscious and automatic behavioral propensities. Temperament is formed by constitutional elements determined by our genetic inheritance. The two dimensions are temperament and character.
Personality can be seen as a “molecule” made up of two homocentric dimensions and the results of the interaction of these dimensions, one with the other. Our personality can be defined as a deep-rooted pattern of behavior that is stable and contains elements that are cognitive (i.e., thoughts), volitional (i.e., will), affective (i.e., emotions) and behavioral tendencies (i.e., inclinations). How can we help ourselves, as well as our clients, to balance personality traits and capitalize on the strengths derived form our “true self?” Understanding personality traits: some insights from personality psychology
Family business advisors can help their clients to focus on personality change and development. When personality traits are balanced, they can represent important strengths for fostering healthy family systems. Balanced narcissists are confident in accepting responsibilities, have a strong entrepreneurial drive, and their personal image of success is often very inspiring for other people. However, if the business leader works to achieve a balanced narcissistic personality, by cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness, the positive side of narcissism can emerge. If the emergence of such a personality is not recognized in time and balanced, it is very likely that the behavior will become stronger and crystalize, acquiring stronger significance in the leader’s personality structure. This example represents some of the possible manifestations of an unbalanced, narcissistic personality. This business leader’s attitude is likely to produce feelings of frustration and emotional dissatisfaction, making it challenging to establish and maintain healthy personal relationships. Have you ever encountered a family business leader that needed to be the protagonist, had little tolerance of being criticized, was highly seductive and had a board of directors that admired him and hardly questioned him? This family business leader is likely to do anything to remain in the spotlight and may have little empathy towards other people.