As a side benefit--it helps a great deal to understanding that those we live and work with are not acting the way they do simply to annoy us. They, too, act on their individual preferences, which may be far removed from ours. This knowledge can be used to improve communication and help our children in school. It is a vast resource, one that can be tapped into again and again.

One of the most effective models for understanding personality style differences comes from the research of Dr. Anthony Gregorc. His research provides insight into how our minds perceive and understand information. It's easy to understand.

Perception: Our perception is the way we view the world--the way the world makes the most sense to us. This view will influence what we think, what is important to us and so plays a tremendous part in the decisions we make. The two basic ways people perceive things are:

Concrete: When using this type of perception, we are dealing with the here and now, the tangible, the obvious. It lets us register information directly through the five senses. There is no attempt to find any hidden meanings or relationships between ideas or concepts.

To illustrate: A man comes home expecting dinner to be just about ready. When he walks in he sees no dinner, smells no dinner, hears nothing sizzling on the stove. He will conclude that there is no dinner--he will not reason that maybe his wife is outside on the back porch grilling a steak.

Abstract: This ability allows us to visualize, conceive ideas and believe in what we can't see. When we use abstract perception we imagine and draw conclusions, consider feelings and possible outcomes. It's abstract perception that lets us believe there are satellites orbiting the earth. We certainly can't see them, or use any of our other senses to detect them. We have to assume their existence by drawing conclusions based on evidence (that spec of light in the night sky and the fact that our satellite TV works).

We all possess both of these perception qualities, and we use both daily. However, we tend to be more comfortable using one over the other. A person whose natural strength is concrete perception will generally favor a direct, literal, no-nonsense approach, whereas a person with abstract strengths is more likely to pick up on subtle cues as they communicate.

Given the information we've discussed so far, which would you say is your dominant way of perceiving your environment?

Now for the next step--ordering.

After we have received the information, we react to it in one of two ways:

Sequential: We move through what we perceive in a logical, linear fashion, step by step. There is a beginning, middle and end. When a person's strength is in sequential ordering, they will prefer to have a plan and follow through with it rather than act on impulse.

Random: Those with a random order strength will organize the information in chunks, with no particular sequence. When using this ability, we may discover that we can skip steps and reach the same conclusion. Or a person using this ordering style may start in the middle or at the end and work, rather that at the beginning. To them, it doesn't matter how you get it done, as long as it gets done.

For an example of how sequential and random ordering works, consider how my two sons pack suitcases to spend a weekend at my parents'. Asher (youngest) will go from what he'll need first--usually pajamas, toothbrush, toothpaste--to what he'll need when he gets up--comb, clothes--and he procedes sequentially through the stay, until he comes to the end and has packed everything he needs.

Abe starts throwing things in; he never starts in the same place twice. His thoughts will run along these lines: 'Need jeans, need shoes and duct tape to wrap around the top of the shoes to the bottom of the pant leg so I don't get burrs in my socks. Or maybe I should just take hiking boots instead and use less tape. Then if I have boots and I'm in the pasture, I may want to fish. Have to go check with Dad about taking some fishing gear…. Abe may never get to the toothbrush and toothpaste, unless somewhere along the lines he reasons--I'll be tired after that and want to go to bed, and Dad always makes me brush my teeth first.

When it comes to ordering, can you tell where your strength lies?

Don't worry if you can't. Sometimes it takes time to digest the information and compare it with what you do in order to make a determination. But if you would, just take a stab at it for now. You can always change your mind later!

Put the initial letter of each together, starting with your perceptive strength and then adding your ordering strength for one of four combinations:

AS = Abstract Sequential

CS = Concrete Sequential

AR = Abstract Random

CR = Concrete Random

Which combination are you?

By learning some common characteristics of these combinations, you can recognize and value what you like to do best, what comes naturally. And you can identify and improve those characteristics that you avoid because you either don't understand them, or find them hard to put into practice. It is important to understand that not all persons who fall within any particular style will not necessarily have all the qualities listed. And there will be some overlap--you'll see small pieces of yourself in all the categories. However, most will find a dominant category. Additionally, no one style is better than another--they are all value neutral, and bring with them both positive and negative aspects.

I have notes that discuss each of the four types, but I thought we'd cover those we find in the group today, and then any others depending on what we have time for. As we review the characteristics, be alert to see how they might apply to writing in particular.

Concrete Sequential:

Concrete Sequential personality types have a special talent for seeing the practical side of an issue, or getting the most productive use from and item or plan. The CS is known for streamlining and efficiency, and finds it easy--in fact, comforting--to follow step by step instructions.

CSs are generally very straightforward. Verbal communication tends to come across as clipped and bossy. They don't pick up on hidden clues or meanings. For them it is preferable that you tell them what you want, or what makes you happy, rather than having them try to guess or figure it out. These people are the ones who generally give gifts like vacuum cleaners and toasters. They are practical people and assume everyone wants practical gifts. Sentimental value is seldom an issue.

A CS generally likes routine, predictability, a schedule, literal language and tangible rewards. (CS children don't want a hug for a good report card, they want money!) They are frustrated if there is no clear place to start, no clean or quiet places to work, if they don't know precisely what is expected of them, or if they can't see an example of how to do what you would like them to do. They do not cope well with the unexpected, and may have difficulty adapting when the unexpected does arise.

Those with other dominant personality strengths will often admire the organization and attention to detail that the CS brings to their work. Tasks are generally completed efficiently. Their productivity is high; they are dependable and stable.

Negative perceptions that others generally have of the CS personality are that they are perfectionists. Things seem more important than people are. They appear to have tunnel vision, are impatient, and do not adapt well. You can't ask a CS to "roll with the flow."

The CS's greatest creativity lies in fine-tuning and improving on the original ideas of others.

What strengths would as CS bring to writing? outlining, organizing

What weaknesses? coming up with ideas

What types of writing would they perhaps do best? editing. Textbooks or how-to books. Genre fiction that adheres to a strict formula

Concrete Random:

The CR thrives on inspiration and independence. This personality type needs compelling personal reasons for the things they are asked to do. They like the freedom to choose options, and prefer guidelines rather than rules. They love opportunities to explore creative alternatives. The CR personality will be stressed by excessive limitations or restrictions, forced schedules or routines, formal reports and no options. They like being appreciated for their unique qualities.

A CR hates re-doing anything once it's done.

Another sometimes hard-to-understand trait of the CR is the compelling need they have to do anything for themselves. This is the person that, when you tell them something tastes awful, will step up and stick in it their mouth to see for themselves--NOT BECAUSE THEY DON'T BELIEVE YOU, but because they learn best from real-life experiences. They are the least likely to take your word on anything.

CRs also feel that rules are simply guidelines. They are there for people who don't know what to do in the first place (which translates into 'not them'). It is particularly hard for them to follow rules that they see as arbitrary or illogical. So they are always asking "why".

CRs strive NOT to be ordinary. They constantly seek to change the system or try something new. It is not unusual for a CR to change careers often or to have two going at one time. If something becomes routine, they become bored, and they're off to look for something else to do.

People admire the multidimensional personality and creativity, but may complain that the CR is not a team player, asks too many "why" questions, and is very impulsive.

What strengths would as CS bring to writing? Writing from experience. Looking at old topics from fresh angles. Trying a variety of writing styles and genres.

What weaknesses? Give up on a project they become bored with rather than seeing it through to the end.

What types of writing would they perhaps do best? Creative non-fiction. Fantasy, sci-fi…

Abstract Sequential:

The AS thrives with organization, logical outcomes, plenty of time to work, credible sources of information, opportunities for analysis and appreciation of their input.

The AS prefers to gather data before deciding. They love research. Only facts will prove or disprove their theories. They love to analyze both ideas and the means to achieve a goal.

An AS won't do much of anything without a good deal of deliberation and thought. This analysis continues often even after the decision has been made. Most believe there can never be too much information. They are on a continual search for knowledge.

If an AS appears to be slow it is usually a case of being thorough.

Additionally, an AS will often assume that everyone has the same need they do for information, and you often get very long answers to short questions. An AS will have a hard time not dominating a conversation when it's a topic of interest.

An AS will believe emotions should be justified by facts. It is hard for them to understand or share emotions if they can't back them up logically.

They are also stressed by being rushed, unreasonable deadlines, and abiding by sentimental decisions.

It is difficult for an AS to be diplomatic when convincing others of their point of view--which, remember, is based on so much accumulated fact that they see it as inarguable anyway.

People with other strengths often admire the ability of the AS to analyze, their intellectual capacity, their precision and ready knowledge.

Some negative perceptions that people will have: The AS is aloof, not in touch with reality, have to have explanations for everything, are highly opinionated, and perceive things in numbers, not effort.

What strengths would as AS bring to writing? Thorough research.

What weaknesses? Find the editor's suggestions "sentimental" may be difficult to work with. Tight deadlines. Knowing when to stop researching and start writing.

What types of writing would they perhaps do best? Articles. Textbooks.

Abstract Random:

The AR is a people person. They have a sixth sense when it comes to reading people and understanding what others need often before they ask. Non-verbal cues that are overlooked by more sequential people speak loudly to the AR. Because they rely on them so much, their instincts become more accurate through use as time goes on.

The AR is a good listener. They understand feelings and emotions and can develop a good rapport with almost anybody. They readily recognize and accept the emotional needs of others.

This personality type thrives on frequent, honest praise, and reassurance that they are loved and valued. They enjoy opportunities to work together, and use creativity and imagination as they undertake their work.

They are stressed by having to justify their emotions, competing individually, not feeling liked or appreciated, and pressure by loved ones to be more sequential. They do not like having life reduced to cold, hard facts and endless details. Providing exact detail is often difficult for them. So is criticism. They also have difficulty concentrating on one thing at a time and are easily distracted.

People are more important than things.

Important to feel included. Usually seek the input of friends and family before deciding.

Very sensitive to how others feel--easy to make them feel guilty. Can be taken advantage of

Life is too short to spend fighting. Ars are often the peacemakers, sometimes at their own expense.

People admire ARs for their sponteneity, concern for others, sociability, adaptability, and the ability to live in the present.

Negative perceptions include: unpredictable, don't take a hard stand, overly sensitive to criticism, not aware of time limitations, and smooth over problems rather than solve them.

What strengths would an AR bring to writing? Characterization

What weaknesses? Overly sentimental. Not hold out for the best deal.

What types of writing would they perhaps do best?

Identifying and understanding individual personality styles is an ongoing journey of observations and impressions. Take note of your pattern of behavior, and the pattern of those around you. When you experience success, ask yourself what circumstances brought it about, and consider how you might duplicate those circumstances in the future. Listen carefully to communication to determine what works best with those you are trying to reach. Experiment with different approaches to determine what works and what doesn't. Not everyone works or learns the same way. Lastly be sure to focus on your natural strengths. It is easier to pinpoint areas of weakness, but strengths form a better foundation on which to build. With the confidence that comes from working with your strengths you will better be able to change the things that you feel need work.