Charlton Primary School

Linear

People with this profile like to create and follow good systems. They generally don’t like to waste energy trying to ‘change the world’, but instead accept reality as it is and seek to make the best out of it. For this reason they can be called “Realists”. They usually make good organisers, creating clear systems in which everything has its place, making good use of filing cabinets, colour coding etc. They can have a strong sense of the ‘right way’ to do things, and dislike change for change’s sake. As they know that time is limited and you can’t do two things well at the same time they like clear lists and timetables through which they move down, ticking tasks off as they go along. They are typically neat, organised, efficient, practical, effective.

When strongly dominant, Linear profiles dislike what they see as time-wasting from Analyticals, who ask too many questions, Holistics who ‘aren’t in touch with the real world’, and Personals who fuss too much about feelings etc. They like the practical nature of the ‘Pragmatics’ but can disapprove of their more casual attitude to doing things ‘the right way’.

Linear Profile

Holistic

People with this profile want to change the world. They have a sense of endless possibilities and gain satisfaction from creating something new. At their best, they bring freshness, creativity, humour and spark to a situation.

When strongly dominant, the contrast between the ‘vision’ of the Holistic and the practicalities of the other profiles can lead to tensions. They can be seen as unrealistic, impractical, awkward, non conformist, disruptive - and so can feel misunderstood. In a very conformist culture, they can feel stifled. With the right support and encouragement, they can thrive.

Holistic Profile

Analytical

People with an Analytical profile like to ask the question, ‘Why?’ They are not content with superficial explanations but like to interrogate people, information or data until they get to the truth.

They are reflective people: indeed 'Reflective' or 'Questioning' could be alternatives names for this profile. Depending on the context, they can be seen as deep thinkers or trouble makers.

Analyticals sometimes need to learn to adapt to the pressures of hectic, pragmatic work cultures: in return, those cultures can greatly benefit from the deeper analysis that Analyticals can provide.

Analytical Type

Pragmatic

People with a Pragmatic profile can be seen as in the middle of the ‘linear-holistic’ spectrum, taking features from both ends. They are not too ‘absolutist’ about things - they know the world flexes and changes and they take pride in their ability to adapt to it and get results.

This ability to be flexible gives Pragmatics an advantage in working with all the other profiles, and they usually make good team players. They will adapt well to almost any situation. However their

impatience for results can lead them to being seen as shallow by those with other profiles.

Pragmatic Profile

Personal

People with this profile believe that “People come first”. They are likely to be attracted to roles involving working in teams, caring for others or working with children such as teaching. They are often good listeners and are sensitive to others’ moods. In return, they have a need for others to pay attention to them.

Personals make good team players and make an effort to get on with everyone if they can. Their desire for harmony means they seek consensus before moving to action. Other profiles, such as Linears and Pragmatists may feel they spend too long getting everyone on board at the expense of getting on with the task in hand. Their preference for harmony can make them reluctant to confront difficult issues or hold others to account but if they have grown enough to understand the need to do this they can do it very well, with well developed emotional intelligence.

Personal Profile