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EDDIE NG’ANDU
LEADERSHIP UNDERSTANDING SKILLS

Cell no. +26076417774 or

https://wa.me/260977873993

1/1/2018
 Human temperaments
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Evidence from nature shows significant variations in all living organisms. The biblical creation account
clearly shows how the Created made variety among the major taxonomic groups of organisms including
viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals (protoctists, ciliates, euglenoid flagellates, sporozoans,
apicomplexans, arachnids, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals)1. The first man is said to
have first provided common names to all living things2 meaning that biological nomenclature is a
concept as ancient as the origin of man but later discovered by Carolus Linnaeus, who went a step
further to develop the binomial system of nomenclature.
Not only did God create enormous variety amongst the lower forms of life, but he also created humans
essentially male and female3, with the genetic capacity for procreating the current diversity of human
races we have and might ever have on the face of the planet.
Ancient psalmist, military officer and Jewish King David several centuries after God had created
composed a song to raise and honor the Creator for His wisdom in making each humankind unique:
Psa_139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and
that my soul knoweth right well.
1 Gen 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit
after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
Gen 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit,
whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Gen 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth
abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Gen 1:22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl
multiply in the earth.
Gen 1:23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
Gen 1:24 And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and
beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
Gen 1:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that
creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
2 Gen 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and
brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that
was the name thereof.
3 Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created
he them.
Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and
subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that
moveth upon the earth.

The word translated fearfully, is the Hebrew word yare , meaning reverence and while the word
reverence was translated from the Hebrew, palah, meaning to set difference to make unique, to set
apart, or to create variation. In effect, every human being was created by the God to be different,
unique attracting special reverence and honor.
Scientists explain the unique differences amongst living organisms using the laws of genetics first
discovered by Gregor Mendel. Charles Darwin also explained variations within species of organisms
using his so called evolution by natural selection. It must be stated, however, that
Darwin’s theory of evaluation by natural selection cannot account for the origin of life, and that is not
the focus of this paper but it does, so some extent explain variation amongst species of living organisms.
Humans, like all other living organisms are uniquely different from each other and this is supported not
only by the biblical explanation but also by genetics. The term Race therefore evolved as a concept used
in the categorization of humans into groups, called races or racial groups, based on combinations of
shared physical traits, ancestry, genetics, and social or cultural traits. Although such groupings lack a

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firm basis in modern biology, they continue to have a strong influence over contemporary social
relations. There are different races of humans including blacks, whites, Asians, Caucasians etc., although
not everyone subscribes to this kind of classification system. The most important oint however to note is
that everyone is different and unique in their own right.
Psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists, in trying to understand these unique differences in
personalities amongst individuals came up with the concept of temperaments. The word temperament
refers to the combination of mental, physical, and emotional traits of a person; natural predisposition. It
represents an unusual personal attitude or nature as manifested by peculiarities of feeling, temper,
action, etc., often with a disinclination to submit to conventional rules or restraints4. According to
Merriam Webster Dictionary, temperament , is related to the noun temper (which most often refers to a
person's tendency to become angry, among other meanings). The word temperament traces back to a
Latin word, temperare , which means "to mix or blend." The a in temperare lives on in the modern
spelling of temperament . The word Temperament is an old word (it dates to the 15th century) with
multiple meanings, but in modern use it typically refers to the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a
person or animal5.
Every human being may possess one or more or multiple combinations of each of these temperaments.
And because they affect ones behaviour, mood, attitude and relationships with others, it is important
for everyone to know who they are in terms of the temperaments.
2.0 UNDERSTANDING TEMPERAMENTS
Temperament determines how we interact with our environment and the people around us.
Temperament also determines our perception and understanding of ourselves and of the people who
love us. Remember… “perception is reality!”
How we do (or do not) express this temperament can be affected by the following:
Our upbringing (how we were raised as children)
Our environment
Our education and training
By the work of the Holy Ghost in our lives
2.1Three Areas of Temperament
1. Inclusion - the need to establish and maintain a satisfactory relationship with people in the area of
surface relationships, associations and socialization (parties, social gatherings, and people who come in
and out of our lives every day).
• How many people do I approach for socializing?
• How many people do I want to approach me for socializing?
2. Control - the need to establish and maintain a satisfactory relationship with people in respect to
issues of control and power.
• How many people do I want to control?
• How many people will I allow to control me?
3. Affection - the need to establish and maintain a satisfactory relationship with others in regard to love
and affection (deep one on-one relationships such as spouses, girlfriends or boyfriends, parents,
children, and trusted friends).
• How much love and affection do I express to others?
• How much love and affection do I want expressed to me?
3.0 ADVICE ON THE FIVE TEMPERAMENTS SYSTEM
1. Temperament lists may never be complete and exhaustive
The lists found in Tables 1, 2 and 3, below, are in no way exhaustive. Moreover, as the theory has been
passed down through the centuries, the descriptions of each type have been modified and expanded.

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Descriptive terms for each type are not always consistent among those who use the five temperaments
system. For some, a particular characteristic, such as leadership , would be used to describe the
Choleric; for others it would describe the Sanguine.
Thus, the lists are not hard and fast. They vary according to the person who is presenting them.

2. Temperament categories are very broad and general. They are not specific.
Therefore, readers should never be deceived by other authors into thinking that the temperament
descriptions are always very specific and exact.
3. The five temperament descriptions are never to be exalted above the Bible
Readers must note that each of the five temperaments has positive and negative characteristics.
Positive traits are called “strengths” and negative ones are called “weaknesses.” Thus, the idea is to help
people understand themselves and others through identifying positive and negative traits. The five
temperaments theory also gives an illusion of truth. One can apply all descriptive traits to all humans to
a greater or lesser degree. Therefore, when temperament characteristics are placed in categories,
people can easily see themselves because of the universal nature of traits, such as friendly, confident,
sensitive, dependable, and so on. Then, when people are told that they may be a combination of the five
temperaments, they can easily fit themselves into a classification. That does not mean the five
temperaments are in themselves accurate or helpful.
It only means they consist of universal traits and that people can identify with them to some degree. The
five temperaments are broad, arbitrarily defined categories of universally applicable descriptive words
that apply to large numbers of people. They must never be exalted above the word of God. The words
sanguine, melancholic, phlegmatic , supine or choleric are not found in the Bible.
Neither does the scriptures specifically describe any believer by these temperaments. However, for
practical purposes, the five temperament classifications could help us identify certain traits unique to

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ourselves so we can amplify our strengths, work on our weaknesses and better improve upon our lives
and relationships with others.

Supine
Calm
Relationship-
oriented
Both introverted
and extroverted
Frustration
Indirect behavior

3.1 Temperament Types

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5. The Supine
1-The Melancholy
Melancholy in Inclusion
A Melancholy in Inclusion is a loner, very introverted and unsure of themselves; however, on the
surface they appear to be competent and in control. They also can appear to be arrogant, withdrawn,
aloof and looking down their nose at you. In social settings, their behavior is very direct. They can be
friendly and personable, depending on the circumstances and how comfortable (accepted) they feel.
The Melancholy is plagued all of their life by low self-esteem and the fear of rejection. When the
Melancholy suffers from problems, they are usually deeper emotional problems such as depression,
stress and fear.
Melancholy in Control
This person makes very good decisions and takes on responsibilities in known or familiar areas. When
they are required to make decisions or take on responsibilities in unknown or unfamiliar areas, they
procrastinate, become angry and rebel. They will be highly independent and will tolerate very little
interference in their lives; on the other hand, they will interfere very little in other people’s lives. They
have a hard time submitting to authority because of their high degree of independence and are very
strong-willed.
Melancholy in Affection
They show very little love and affection and needs very little love and affection shown to them by
others. They approach very few people for deep personal relationships, and the deep personal
relationships they do establish are few and far between. They have extremely low self-esteem. They
don’t love themselves, and so they don’t understand how anyone else can love them. They are the most
emotionally guarded temperament
2-The Choleric
Choleric in Inclusion
A Choleric in Inclusion is an individual who is highly personable and charming, much like the Sanguine,
but does not like people.
On the surface, a Choleric is highly personable, optimistic and well-liked. They can be very charming,
open and friendly to most of the people around them. To the Choleric, people are “tools” to be used.
The Choleric is actually a task oriented person that is very selective with who he socializes with. They
are a fast-paced individual and a perfectionist who will question the means and the methods of the
people around them.
Choleric in Control
No other temperament is as well organized and disciplined as the Choleric. They also have a
knack for choosing people to help them
get the results they are looking for. They have difficulty delegating authority. They need
almost constant recognition for their accomplishments and will become angry if they do not
receive adequate recognition. They need a great deal of control over other people’s lives and
behavior but will accept very little control over their own life and behavior from others. They can
be very dominating in their relationships. They have a difficult time working with a strong-willed
person they cannot control and with whom they usually become angry.
Choleric in Affection

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This person is a bright, optimistic, affectionate person who “appears” to be a Sanguine. They must be
shown love and affection according to their terms. They will not accept a deep personal relationship if
their terms are not met. They seem to have very few emotions and feelings other than anger.
3-The Sanguine
Sanguine in Inclusion
The Sanguine in Inclusion is a social person who likes to be with people. They are the easiest to identify
in a large group because they are the ones at the center of attention, talk the loudest, tell the funniest
jokes and wear the brightest colors. They bring life and energy into a room by their very presence. They
are rarely alone. Inactivity causes them stress. They are the most impulsive of all temperaments. They
excel in communication oriented things but become impatient with task-oriented jobs.
They are the least disciplined and organized of all the temperaments. They are prone to exaggerate and
are easily influenced, which is why it’s easy for them to adopt severe and destructive behavior.
Sanguine in Control
A Sanguine in control is not only unique…it is also very rare! They are known for their
“independent/dependent swing.” When they are on their independent swing, even the domineering
Choleric runs for cover. However, when they are on their dependent swing they become self-indulgent
and irresponsible.
Sanguine in Affection
Of all the people in the world, the Sanguine in Affection is the most lovable. They express love and
affection in an endless supply and will accept as much love and affection as you can show them.
Their entire existence is for relating to and establishing deep relationships with people. They need to be
told EVERY DAY that they are loved, needed and appreciated. Yesterday’s reassurance is gone and
tomorrow may never come. They’re all about today.
They are very sensitive to touch. Their need to touch and be touched is not limited to their spouse
either; family members can also expect frequent gestures of love
4-The Phlegmatic
Phlegmatic in Inclusion
The Phlegmatic in Inclusion is often described as extremely slow paced and stubborn. They are task
oriented that requires precision and accuracy. In social settings, the Phlegmatic is quite flexible and well
rounded, even though they have no need to interact. They can either be task oriented or relationship
oriented, depending on the situation. They have a dry sense of humor.
Phlegmatic in Control
They are an extremely well-rounded individual who needs only moderate control over the lives and
behavior of other people, and they will accept only a moderate amount of control over their own life
and behavior. They are the most stable temperament. They have no real problems with anger. They
have no compulsive needs or wants and suffer very little from bitterness of unforgiveness.
The most damaging thing about the Phlegmatic is their stubborn resistance to change. They are the
most stubborn of all temperaments when it comes to making changes. Once they
have made up their mind, it’s nearly impossible to change it. They are natural negotiators and
diplomats. They are peacemakers.
They very seldom suffer from emotional and behavioral problems.
Phlegmatic in Affection

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Again, they are the most stable of all temperaments. They do not smother others, nor are they cold and
distant. They can show a moderate amount of love and affection, and have very realistic demands when
it comes to how much love and affection they need. They have no fear of rejection and can handle
unaffectionate or hostile people. They are calm, easy-going people who are not plagued with the
emotional outbursts, exaggerated feelings, anger, bitterness or unforgiveness as are other
temperaments.
5-The Supine
Supine was added to the types of Temperaments by the National Christian Counselors Association back
in 1984. Supines have many interests, however they don’t express them. Supine’s typically see everyone
else as valuable and themselves as worthless. They see themselves as servants. The Supine
Temperament “wants” the same as the Sanguine, however, they do not express their needs. In other
words, they have the same needs as a Sanguine but look and act like a Melancholy.
They carry an unspoken sign boldly declaring “I DO NOT WANT,” when in fact they want and need very
much.
Supine in Inclusion
The Supine in Inclusion is relationship-oriented and needs to relate to other people. They are both
introverted and extroverted.
This means they express themselves as an introvert and respond as an extrovert. Because this person is
quiet and usually found in the background in a social situation they appear to be distinct and respond
ONLY when approached by others. They want others to guess their need to socialize which often
leaves them frustrated in their loneliness. When others do not “read their minds” and provide them
with the genuine invitation needed, they will become very angry. They do not view themselves as angry
but regard it as being “hurt.”
Supine in Control
They cannot independently make decisions nor take on responsibilities. If forced to do so, they become
extremely anxious and insecure because they feel inadequate. They are constantly searching the world
for someone to take care of them. No other temperament keeps and follows “the rules” any more than
the Supine. They want to be included in the decision-making process, however, they do NOT want to
make the final decision and bear the responsibility. Of all the temperaments, the Supine in Control
internally harbors the most anger. They are extremely weak-willed, wanting to say no but not knowing
how. So they go through life doing all sorts of things they do not want to do for people.
Supine in Affection
Because of their “indirect behavior,” people around them, who are unable to read their mind, are
unaware of their intense needs.
Therefore, the Supine in Affection is frustrated and unfulfilled because none of their deep affection
needs are ever met. They will definitely respond to love and affection AFTER the other person initiates
it.
NB: he difference is that the supine is more “needy” for acceptance (or control) from people, yet less
able to initiate and express this need to them then the phlegmatic. Supines are often frustrated because
they expect people to know they want interaction, while phlegmatic expresses a moderate need, and
wants only the same moderate amount in return.
Worried by nature –which is what keep him/her from venturing out on his/her own to make full use of
his/her potential.
The supine also has a low self-esteem, but is driven to try to gain acceptance by liking serving others.

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 Temperament Types
Table One: Choleric Temperament

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The Choleric Temperament is sometimes referred to as “the doer” personality. Someone with a choleric
temperament is usually goal-oriented and good at making decisions. People with a chol-eric personality
type are very analytical, logical, and determined. Extremely practical and straightforward, choleric
people aren’t necessarily particularly social. They dislike small talk and enjoy deep and meaningful
conversations.
Strengths: strong and direct
Possible Weaknesses: argumentative and competitive
Table Two: Sanguine Temperament
The Sanguine Temperament is sometimes referred to as “the talker” personality. Someone with a
sanguine temperament tends to be lively, sociable, optimistic, cheerful, and carefree. They love
adventure and have a high risk tolerance. Typically, Sanguine people are very poor at tolerating
boredom and will seek variety and entertainment. They tend to struggle to complete tasks and are
chronically late!
Strengths: open and positive
Possible Weaknesses: talks too much and doesn’t follow through on tasks or obligations
Table Three: Melancholic Temperament
The Melancholic Temperament is sometimes referred to as “the thinker” personality. Someone with a
melancholic temperament tends to be introverted and thoughtful. They tend to be deep-thinkers who
are creative and analytical but who also focus on the negative rather than the posi-tive. Melancholic
people are usually tidy, conscientious and highly organised.
Strengths: high standards and prone to creativity
Possible Weaknesses: unrealistic expectations and too concerned with perfection
Table fourth: Phlegmatic Temperament
The Phlegmatic Temperament is sometimes referred to as “the watcher” personality. Someone with a
phlegmatic temperament tends to be relaxed and quiet. They are generally friendly, sym-pathetic, easy-
going, and tolerant. Phlegmatic people also have a tendency to worry and prefer certainty and stability
over change.
Strengths: loyal and accommodating
Possible Weaknesses: indecisive and overly sensitive
th
5 : Supine Temperament
The new temperament was created as a neutral, balance temperament. The temperament Lack of
expression and personality was similar to the phlegmatic, so the traits the phlegmatic and fifth
temperament shared were remove from the phlegmatic , the remaining traits were renamed to supine
while fifth temperament become know as phlegmatic. The phlegmatic also peaceful at heart, and is one
reason the phlegmatic had held the place in the older four temperament model the supine hold in the
five temperament model. The difference is that the supine is more “needy” for acceptance (or control)
from people, yet less able to initiate and express this need to them then the phlegmatic. Supines are
often frustrated because they expect people to know they want interaction, while phlegmatic expresses
a moderate need, and wants only the same moderate amount in return.
Worried by nature –which is what keep him/her from venturing out on his/her own to make full use of
his/her potential.
The supine also has a low self-esteem, but is driven to try to gain acceptance by liking serving others.

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Conclusion
Temperament determines so many things in our lives, even down to our sleeping habits. Since
Temperament is what God gave to each individual, it is NOT up to us to change it, but to find ways to
live with it.
The last point I would like to address in this session is the term “procrusteanism.” Procrusteanism is the
obsession of making other people fit our mold.
One analogy is that people are like musical instruments. You can get beautiful music out of a drum,
piano, guitar or a violin. But, you cannot play the violin the same way you play drums!
In other words, you have to approach people on their terms, not your terms.
David referred to this idea in (Psalms 139:13-16) when he wrote about how God designed us while our
bodies were being differentiated within our mothers’ wombs.
Each “inward part” was designed exactly as God intended, including both our strengths and weaknesses.
Therefore, to operate within a procrustean mindset is to violate God’s design!

Every human being has been uniquely created with certain inherent genetic predispositions to make
them look like, function and behave in certain ways. Psychologists and philosophers first attempted to
describe this phenomenon using the five the temperaments concept, which tries to account for why
humans often tend to behave in ways depending various situational and contextual factors. Although
not explicitly taught in scripture, knowledge of the five temperaments- sanguine, melancholic,
phlegmatic, supine and choleric- could still offer some advantage as they may aid people recognize and

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identify certain predominant negative traits they may be exhibiting, so they can improve upon
themselves and their social relationships. It must be emphasized that the four temperaments theory
cannot and should not be used as a standard authoritative system by Christians in identifying their true
identity. Christians must make the Bible the standard of authority over their lives, and the finished
works of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament epistles, the basis of their true spiritual identity.
Nonetheless, the four temperaments, it must be admitted, offer some general guide to helping people
better know and understand the psychological basis of their behaviour.

It is our responsibility to LOVE each other just the way we are.

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