Temperament refers to distinguishing mental and physical character that set a person apart and can be thought of as the characteristic way of responding emotionally to an event – some people have a nervous temperament and their habitual reactions are anxious and fearful, some people have an artistic temperament and they think and react in ways that are associative than logical.

Keirsey Temperament Sorter was created by David Keirsey, who was an American psychologist specializing in conflict management and family counselling. He began researching human behaviour and personality and eventually developed Keirsey Temperament Sorter to discover the temperament of individuals.

What Is the Keirsey Temperament Sorter?

Keirsey Temperament Sorter is a 70 question test that uses elements of the Myers-Briggs function types. Unlike Myers-Briggs Temperament Indicator, Keirsey Temperament Sorter focuses on behavior of a person rather than feelings and thinking. Keirsey created the test to determine the type of temperament a person exhibits.

Keirsey's Temperament Sorter identifies four key temperaments

Keirsey’s work is often referred to as personality theory and he took his four temperament type names from Plato viz. Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, and Rational.

Artisan

Artisan temperament is defined by a strong tendency to favour action and a strong urge to make an impact. They are trouble-shooters and can adapt to changing environments because of their tactful nature and mental agility.

Guardian

Guardian temperament is more organized than intuitive and seeks security. Guardian has a strong sense of belonging and value Duty and responsibility.

Idealist

Idealist Temperament prefers the abstract to the concrete and look at the meaning and significance. They are compassionate, have natural ability in diplomacy and strive towards personal growth.

Rational

Rational Temperament prefers abstraction like Idealists, but they tend to be very objective. Self-control, knowledge and competence are important to them.

Who and Why to use Keirsey Temperament Sorter?

Keirsey Temperament Sorter is used by individuals to understand and unravel their temperament and behavior. and It's also used by corporates and institutions globally to recruit and promote employees to bigger roles.

Institutions and corporations can use the test to:

• Recruit, retain and promote the best people.
• Unravel an individual's strengths and limitations.
• Improve communication and bonds with employees.