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So, right away let me clear something up. I chose the Flashlight personality first, not because they are the most important or the best personality to be, but because they are the most obvious to identify. As you read, try to identify the Flashlights in your life, understanding that you cannot change them. However; you can change your approach to them in order to improve your relationship
If you identify yourself as a Flashlight, consider how you can best live in the avenue of your strengths and what steps you need to take to overcome and break through your weaknesses. Don’t be fooled, your weaknesses will get in the way of you reaching your greatest potential. The worst thing you can do is conclude, “Well, that’s just the way I am.” We are ALL a work in progress. The difference is in how and what we choose to work on.
Here are 7 main points for you to know and expect about the Flashlight personality:
1) You will notice. Flashlights are loud, colorful, flashy, expressive and extroverted. They want you to notice them, which explains why they dress the way they do, talk with a loud voice and aren’t afraid of a good hug. You know them when they walk into a room because they are full of life and a good story…or a bad story…but nonetheless, a story.
2) There will be drama. Flashlights are great storytellers and great at making up stories, too. Any normal, mundane event can turn into a theatrical display if a sanguine is involved in telling the recap. They thrive around people and can usually draw a crowd with their antics. These talkers usually give you far more information than you ever wanted or needed to know, and tend to embellish when they have a captive audience. The thing is, Flashlights are charming and they are funny and you will like them. Most people come to recognize life would be boring without them around.
3) There will be fun. A Flashlight has the basic desire in life and motivation for doing mosteverything calumniates to having to fun. They work so they can play and they play while they’re at work. Spontaneity is their schedule. If something more fun comes along, they will do their best to scrap the plan and go, go, go. Flashlights are energized by people. They may be physically exhausted, but if you throw them in an environment where there’s a crowd, they magically come to life and perform. Flashlights are definitely the life of a party and much desired as a party guest.
4) There will be disaster. Unfortunately, the fun doesn’t always last. Flashlights are often distracted and forgetful; it is not easy for them to mentally record things that are not fun. And listening is hard. So, things get lost, appointments are forgotten and instructions are not followed. In addition, the sanguine genuinely wants to help, loves to volunteer, and can’t say “no.” The problem is they forget to show up or they lost track of time or they just can’t seem to follow through, losing focus along the way. Long term commitments are a struggle. And so, the Flashlight generally feels like they are in trouble…again.
5) There will be reconciliation. The good news is that Flashlights truly want solid relationships. They love people and are good-hearted toward others. They are really good at apologizing. In fact, Flashlights say they are sorry more than any other personality type. They want everyone to be happy. Happy is fun. Sad and angry are no fun. However, Flashlights must be cautious that they don’t rely on their charm to always bail them out, never learning true responsibility. Just because you say you are sorry does not mean you are sorry.
6) There will be a following. Flashlights are, after all, popular. They love to lead the parade. They are the world’s natural cheerleaders leading their friends, co-workers and teams with enthusiasm and excitement. People are persuaded by their optimism, energy and unique ability to make difficult tasks fun. However, Flashlight must learn how to listen and manage time wisely if they want to actually get things accomplished. As they say, a little less talk and a lot more action.
7) There will be emotions. Flashlights are emotional creatures, just like all personalities. The difference is they aren’t afraid to show it. To obtain and maintain emotional health, Flashlights need attention, affection (in the form of touch), approval of every deed and acceptance “as is.” Flashlights basically need to believe and know that people like them and love them just the way they are. They also feel very insecure if people do not praise them for a job well done. So, give your Flashlight a hug, make sure they know they look good, they did well, and you wouldn’t trade them for the world and your relationship will thrive. It really is simple with the Flashlight.
My challenge to you this month is that you take these seven things, one for each day of each week this month, and think about how you can use the information to build up your Flashlight relationships. They key will be actually doing something with the information. Perhaps you need to have a conversation laced with understanding, send an encouraging note or e-mail, relocate your Flashlight to a role that better suits them, or simply remind them of deadlines and important details to ensure success.
Or, if you are Flashlight, consider how you can make better decisions to change your bad habits, attitudes and communication style for a better you this month. Remember, healthy relationships make for a happier, healthier more productive life. And besides that, people are worth it.
As a partial Flashlight wife, mother and entrepreneur I am profoundly aware that I must strive to practice what I preach. To be honest, some days it would be so much easier to get out a wall, hide behind it and pretend. Some days I just wish to heaven I wasn’t so much of a Flashlight.
