Understanding Yourself and Others: An Introduction to the 4 Temperaments-4.0 Paperback – February 14, 2010

Dr. Berens makes it clear that the categorization she is using represents an ongoing struggle over "twenty-five" centuries to capture four patterns of human behavior. There are a number of notable features about this short booklet. It summarizes and presents a lot of information that is interesting. An evident substantial effort has been made to remove much of the cultural bias in using certain words, such as "introvert", which may have significantly prejudicial and negative or positive connotations not suited to clarification of one's categorical identity. This produces a considerably broad and, at least in my opinion, ambiguous context for identifying one's category. However, in any case, one must consider that the process of identification is not necessarily easy or straightforwardly based. As one example, test results can definitely be misleading or ambiguous. Thus, I find that Dr. Berens has produced a more scientifically-oriented approach to identification, which exposes the difficulties. She discusses this amply. A useful, underlying framework for resolving much ambiguity on classification is supplied by the theory-oriented matrix on page 40 of the pamphlet. Human behavior is far too complex to eliminate all uncertainty and ambiguity when applying categorizations. But I have found this summary to be very useful in resolving differences. One recognizes that one observes in the behavior of individuals very significant orientations, especially to the four general categories SJ, SP, NF and NT, that make these characteristic behaviors worth identifying, both to demonstrate the versatility of human behavior and appreciate the strengths and viewpoints of other people. Dr. Berens pamphlet definitely helps in this regard, and I highly recommend the summary in this pamphlet as both interesting and useful in this respect. Of course, it is important that one be able to recognize the principal category from which one operates, which I can, on the basis of the information in the booklet. On the other hand, I have to admit that I have considerable skepticism about the reliability of these categorizations.

If you have the time and patience, then reading David Keirsey's Please Understand Me II will give you a much more in depth look into the four temperaments. Unfortunately, the audience for Keirsey's book is very narrow.In steps Understanding Yourself and Others: An Introduction to the 4 Temperaments, just one of four in Linda Beren's "multiple model approach to understanding personality differences."In this book Linda Berens:* Explains the history of the four temperament patterns.* Discusses the positive and negative aspect of personality instruments.* Encourages self-discovery through the multiple model approach.* Explains the Johari Window and how it can be used effectively to aid those in the self-discovery approach.* Helps those reading understand the nature of temperament through words, pictures, and diagrams.* Leads those reading through the process of exploring their temperament.* Provides multiple models for exploring temperament: skill set, snapshot, portrait, and self-portrait.* Helps readers clarify their temperament by noting what they share in common with other temperaments, the use of language: abstract vs. concrete, roles and the way temperaments interact: affiliative vs. pragmatic roles, and where different temperaments focus their attention (interest and focus): structure vs. motive focus.* Discusses Maslow's Heirachy of Needs and where temperaments fit into that model.* Provides another usual visual tool: The Temperament Targets.* Explains the Patterns of Temperament and their variations.* Provides a table of comparisons for better understanding and relating to the different temperaments.* Provides exercises for identify different temperaments.There's all the above and more in this 48 page book. It's a fabulous book that clearly and concisely provides an introduction to temperament theory. Not only that, it has a much broader audience making it an effective tool to share with others.

I used this book twice for team building activities. Each time I used it my employees enjoyed the experience. It is best to have someone trained to help interpret the results. In both occasions I had someone who was trained to review the results.

This is the best little book on Temperament for those who are beginning to understand Temperament or MBTI. It is accessible to the beginner, but is also a terrific resource to those more experienced in these models.

Excellent resource for understanding temperament theory.

I highly recommend this book, especially as introductory literature on the subject of the temperaments.

After the promise of clarifying personality types and augmenting understanding with information gathered over twenty-five years, the author failed to deliver anything more than new "names" for the basic personality types. Directions to page 38 for the solution to a "test" (which didn't appear at all)and reference to a "worksheet" on page 33 (which was actually a continuation of the chart begun on page 32) were the most glaring omissions in this publication. I expected an intelligent, careful presentation of current information about the personality types and received instead "cutesy" cartoon illustrations that had no relevance or clear application to the information on the page. This over-sized pamphlet was over-priced and over-glorified for the information it delivered. I had the distinct impression that the author is trading on her reputation in the field and/or perhaps it had been carelessly edited.

Came as described.