Do Organizations Have Temperaments?

Summary

The script discusses how organizations and businesses have dominant and shadow temperaments similar to individuals. These organizations often hire and promote people who match their dominant temperament, unconsciously excluding those with shadow temperaments. This exclusion leads to missing out on diverse strengths that could benefit the organization. Using a clay pot metaphor, the speaker highlights the need for balance among different temperaments for a strong organization. The script emphasizes the frustration of employees with shadow temperaments and questions if organizations are missing valuable strengths hidden in their shadows.

Takeaways

• 🏢 Organizations have a dominant temperament, similar to individuals.
• 🌑 They also have a shadow temperament, which is often undervalued.
• 👥 Organizations tend to hire and promote individuals who match their dominant temperament.
• ❌ People with a shadow temperament are often screened out and not appreciated for their unique strengths.
• ⚖️ The strengths of the dominant temperament are present, but the strengths of the shadow temperament are missing.
• 🏺 An organization is like a clay pot that needs balance between earth, water, air, and fire.
• 💧 Too much water leads to no firm structure.
• 🌍 Too much earth makes the pot crumble under pressure.
• 🌬️ Too much air prevents the structure from maturing.
• 🔥 Too much fire makes the structure brittle and prone to cracks.
• 🤷‍♀️ Employees with shadow temperaments often feel isolated and undervalued.
• 😟 This isolation leads to stress and demoralization.
• 🌟 Steve Jobs valued the unique and unconventional thinkers.
• 🔄 These individuals, though often seen as misfits, have the potential to bring significant change.
• 🔍 Many companies have untapped potential in employees with shadow temperaments.
• ❓ Is your organization missing out on the strengths of its shadow temperament?

Q & A

What is the concept of 'dominant temperament' in the context of an organization?

The 'dominant temperament' refers to the prevailing attitudes, behaviors, and traits that are most valued and often unconsciously reinforced within an organization. It shapes the culture and influences hiring and promotion practices.

What is meant by an organization's 'shadow temperament'?

The 'shadow temperament' represents the traits and characteristics that are typically overlooked or undervalued in an organization. These are the qualities that do not align with the dominant temperament and are often seen as inferior or incompatible.

Why do organizations tend to hire and promote people similar to their dominant group temperament?

Organizations often unconsciously favor individuals who align with their dominant temperament because they perceive these individuals as fitting in better with the company culture and contributing to its existing strengths.

How can the lack of diversity in temperament within an organization lead to potential weaknesses?

Without a balance of different temperaments, an organization may lack the varied strengths and perspectives needed for innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability, leading to potential weaknesses and blind spots.

What is the metaphor used in the script to illustrate the importance of balance in an organization?

The script uses the metaphor of a clay pot, requiring earth, water, air, and fire to be in balance for a strong and hearty pot, to illustrate the need for a balance of different temperaments in an organization.

What are the consequences of having too much of one element in the metaphor of the clay pot?

Having too much of one element, such as water leading to no firm structure, or earth causing the pot to crumble under pressure, represents the imbalance that can occur in an organization if it overemphasizes one temperament at the expense of others.

How does the script relate the concept of 'shadow temperament' to the feelings of isolation and demotivation?

The script suggests that individuals with a 'shadow temperament' may feel isolated and demotivated because their strengths are not recognized or valued, leading to a sense of disconnection from the group.

What did Steve Jobs mean by 'Here's to the crazy ones' in the context of this script?

Steve Jobs' quote celebrates the unconventional thinkers and innovators who challenge the status quo. In the context of the script, these 'crazy ones' may possess the 'shadow temperament' that organizations often overlook.

Why is it important for organizations to recognize and value the strengths of individuals with a 'shadow temperament'?

Recognizing and valuing these individuals can lead to greater innovation, improved problem-solving, and a more robust organizational structure, as they bring unique strengths and perspectives that can address weaknesses within the organization.

How can an organization identify if it has employees with a 'shadow temperament' that could strengthen it?

An organization can identify such employees by encouraging diversity of thought, creating an inclusive culture, and being open to unconventional ideas and approaches that may challenge the status quo.

What is the final question posed by the script to the reader about their organization?

The script asks if the reader's organization is a 'healthy and strong pot,' implying whether it has achieved a balance of temperaments that contribute to its overall strength and resilience.