Because she uses extensively the concepts of Temperament, Functions and Type, she takes the first three chapters to cover these topics thoroughly. She uses Linda Berens concepts of teaching Temperament and how it relates to Psychological Type. As well as describing the four Temperaments, there is a quiz to help identify your own Temperament and other exercises to ensure you get your “best fit” Temperament. In the Functions chapter the four Functions in both their attitudes are defined and there are more exercises to become clear about your own use of all eight Functions. She has developed a unique diagram relating Temperament and Functions that is very useful in identifying the dynamics of a team of people, their common functions as well as their potential conflicts.
Combining Temperament and Functions into the 16 Types is the third step. The individual descriptions begin with the core needs based on the Temperament. Then there is a chart that outlines the strengths and potential challenges for each type. The author discusses how Temperament and Type relate to each another. The materials in these three chapters alone make this book worth while.
Having covered in detail the concepts of personality, the rest of the book covers their application to the five areas outlined by the S.C.O.R.E. acronym. She has developed a Team Profile sheet to help identify the team personality potential. There are a number of case studies using the author’s methods. She brings in the additional materials needed as background to apply to the various areas, such as communication theory. She also uses the S.W.O.T. analysis of teams—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
Applying Temperament and Type theory to creating more effective teams covers most of their uses with the possible exceptions of intimate relationships and parenting. The notes on the author tell us that she is presently working on a book on relationships. The chapters on communication and leadership could be used as stand alone materials.
The latest MBTI® Manual (1998) has now recognized the validity of Temperaments. For a while using the concept of Temperaments was at best considered a shortcut to understanding the 16 Types. Linda Berens has shown the depth and wealth of Temperament theory and now many authors such as Susan are picking up this trend. This book does a superlative job of combining the two theories. You owe it to yourself to read this book to see how well the author has integrated these two theories into a very powerful resource.
As someone who is somewhat sidelined by retirement and as an Idealist, I still can fantasize about how our society and the whole world could be a much better place if we all were aware of our Temperament and Type and were actively using it in all our personal, work and political relationships.