Animal Personality Types

Each Person has Unique Personality Traits

Each person's perspective is built into who they are. Some people call it "personality" and some refer to it as "temperament." Different is not bad, it is just different! A lack of understanding of ourselves and others can lead to real problems such as tension, disappointment, hurt feelings, unmet expectations and poor communication. Understanding our personality and temperament and how it differs from other people can help us relate to them better and them to us. This animal personality test is based on "The DISC Model of Human Behavior." Each letter in the model corresponds to one of four basic personality types. The test replaces the letters with an animal to make the type easier to remember.

The DISC Model of Human Behavior

The model of human behavior is based on 2 foundational observations about how people normally behave:

  • Observation #1: Some people are more OUTGOING, while others are more RESERVED.

    You can think of this trait as each person's "internal motor" or "pace." Some people always seem ready to "go" and "dive in" quickly. They engage their motor quickly. Others tend to engage their motor more slowly or more cautiously.

  • Observation # 2: Some people are more TASK-ORIENTED, while others are more PEOPLE-ORIENTED.

    You can think of this as each person's "external focus" or "priority" that guides them. Some people are focused on getting things done (tasks); others are more tuned-in to the people around them and their feelings.

With both observations, we want to emphasize that these behavioral tendencies are neither right or wrong or good or bad. They are just different. We are simply identifying normal behavior styles. People have different styles, and that is okay. These two personality traits, of Outgoing vs. Reserved and Task-oriented vs. People-oriented, can be placed on the x and y axis of a grid. Then the four quadrants give us the four basic personality types.

Summary of the Animal Personality Types

Animal Personality Grid

Lion Personality Type

An outgoing, task-oriented individual will be focused on getting things done, accomplishing tasks, getting to the bottom line as quickly as possible and MAKING IT HAPPEN! (The key insight in developing a relationship with this type person is RESPECT and RESULTS.)

Otter Personality Type

An outgoing, people-oriented individual loves to interact, socialize and have fun. This person is focused on what others may think of him or her. (The key insight in developing a relationship with this type person is ADMIRATION and RECOGNITION.)

Golden Retriever Personality Type

A reserved, people-oriented individual will enjoy relationships, helping or supporting other people and working together as a team. (The key insight in developing a relationship with this person is FRIENDLINESS and SINCERE APPRECIATION.)

Beaver Personality Type

A reserved, task-oriented individual will seek value, consistency and quality information. This person focuses on being correct and accurate. (The key insight in developing a relationship with this individual is TRUST and INTEGRITY.)