Temperament and Change
by Donna Dunning

Adapted from Donna Dunning, Quick Guide to the Four Temperaments and Change (Telos Publications, 2004) *Used with permission

Introduction to Change

Change is a broad term we use when anything becomes different or is replaced. Considering change has such a sweeping definition, it is not surprising that change is all around us. Any workday may bring a number of changes, which can range from fairly minor details such as the type of coffee available to major modifications in policy and procedure. You may also find the equipment and software you are using is being upgraded, the people working in your department are moving to different positions and new people have been hired. Working relationships can develop or break down. The size and nature of your personal workspace may be affected.

While this multitude of changes constantly affects your day-to-day routines and experiences, adjustments also need to be made in your work roles, duties, and expectations themselves. Leadership and organizational structure can change as well. This might affect whom you report to and how you go about doing your work. Health and personal circumstances also change throughout life and can affect the type of work you want to or can do. Even larger, more global changes may affect our work as people across the planet deal with economic and political realities.

Since change is obviously a common event with far-reaching consequences, it is important to consider how you react to and cope with it. To successfully navigate change, everyone must move through four steps: acknowledging change, accepting change, adjusting to new realities, and then anticipating change.

When acknowledging change you clearly define what will be different and how the differences will affect you. Acceptance of change is an essential next step where you become ready to move forward. Once change is acknowledged and accepted, you can begin to tailor your adjustment to the situation. A final step you should take is to anticipate change. By anticipating change, you can begin the process of acknowledging, accepting, and adjusting before the next change actually begins to affect you. This proactive orientation can place you ahead of the change and result in much greater preparation for and ability to adapt to change.

Temperament and Change

Your temperament will influence how you react and adjust to change. The actions and interactions of each temperament tend to reflect underlying needs. By focusing on and finding ways to best meet these needs, individuals of all temperaments can learn to thrive in times of change.

No temperament group adapts to change better or worse overall than any other group. Each group has its own unique strengths and challenges. This section will help you understand these differences so you can meet the needs of each group during times of change.

What the Four Temperaments Seek in Times of Change

Adapted from Donna Dunning, Quick Guide to the Four Temperaments and Change: Strategies for Navigating Workplace Change (Telos Publications, 2004) *Used with permission