When we find we have occasion to observe an individual who is extremely likeable on the surface, but underneath does not like people we have encountered the choleric of temperament types.

The Choleric is very task oriented and typically views others as tools necessary to accomplish and achieve their tasks and ends. They are often very popular and maintain many surface relationships in order to secure a wide and varied seed resource pool to achieve their goals.

This person is excellent at developing new concepts but may have outbursts of cruel and intolerantly abusive temper when challenged or unable to achieve their ends.

Their high energy also makes them the most susceptible temperament to "burn out.”

The choleric has a great need for self-initiated social interaction but very little tolerance to be approached by others. They desire a tremendous amount of control over others but will tolerate almost no control over their own lives by others. They have a high need for love, affection and approval but only on their own terms.

How to approach the choleric:

1) Make certain they know you are their intellectual equal. However, if they feel you are superior, they will feel threatened and become defensive.

2) You must approach the choleric by demonstrating that you are a very balanced person who has great wisdom and ability that is coupled with absolute professionalism.

3) You must present them with the facts

If the choleric perceives you as weak or overbearing they will dismiss you as a viable resource immediately. Remember, they take great pains to find ways to fulfill their need to control others and you must be ever vigilant to be certain there are not provoking you to actions to achieve this end.

The choleric views any difficulties they encounter as issues of someone else's creation. You will often find that as a result they are: 1) experiencing a great amount of resentment of and from others, 2) may be suffering from depression as a result of unresolved anger, 3) bitter because they perceive others are reaping recognition and acclaim they feel is rightfully there's, 4) may be suffering from burn out as a result of their basic distrust in and therefore ability to delegate to others, 5) an intense fear of losing control.

The best approach to take with the choleric is to help them to recognize and see the legitimacy of the rights, needs, and feelings of others.

Please feel free to contact me for any questions or clarifications.

Reg Adkins