The Steadiness Personality
Introduction
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High S personalities are team players with a desire to please and maintain
peace and stability in a group, even if it means sacrificing their own personal
goals.
They are noticed over time because of their consistent, steady work habits.
High S’s can make excellent leaders even though they are reluctant to
aggressively step forward.
A High S leader usually bring consistency, support, and stability to the
position and are just as productive as leaders with other personality profiles.
Biblical Characters Representing the High S Personality
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Isaac, Dorcas
Nehemiah, Martha
Abraham, Hannah
Jacob, Anna
Specialist
Achiever
Agent
Investigator
Primary High S
S/D
S/I
S/C/D
General Tendencies of the Steadiness Personality
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A Pragmatic Team Player: A High S evaluates choices from an orientation
toward practical action or thought that stresses practical consequences. They
give sound, practical advice.
► They are driven by harmony, agreement, and support.
► They often prefer to defer their wishes to the wishes of the group.
► They respond best to group decision making after everyone else has
spoken and they have had an opportunity to process their thoughts.
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Values Stability in the Home: Their need for security, peace, and support
influences most High S people to place a tremendous importance on stability
within their family.
► Conflict among family members tend to cause worry, stress and
anxiety. This often causes them to avoid the conflict and let others
take the lead in creating solutions.
► The High S is committed to loyalty and support. They will remain
faithful to a spouse in prison, hospital, or military service in a foreign
country.
Abraham: Because he illustrates practical choices, teamwork, and always
striving to be a peacemaker, he is an excellent example of a High S.
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Consistent: High S’s prefer the status quo and honor traditions.
► In the work environment they provide a stabilizing influence.
► High S leaders will hold off entrusting people with more difficult
assignments until they have proved themselves to be consistent in
lesser tasks.
► Example: Eliezer, Rebekah and Abraham worked together to achieve
God’s will in Genesis 24.
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Desires Order and Tranquility: The High S prefers a steady, predictable
environment without change or disorganization.
► High S’s do well at handling routine tasks and will usually make sure
everything is in its proper place.
► They are steady and predictable. Therefore, change is unwelcome.
They will battle the forces of change. At work, even superior
conditions or higher wages will not persuade them to change. In some
cases, change can cause them to work less/slower.
► Abraham had difficulty with change in Genesis 12.
► When initiating change with a High S, recognize first that a slowed
performance is a normal response. Give them time to process the
change.
► Allow them to communicate with others who will be affected by the
change.
Blind Spots of the High S
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Is Fearful of Conflict, Loss of Stability, and Change: The steady,
supportive, traditional aspects of this personality style create a need for
acceptance and assurance. As a result, the High S often struggles
with the fear of conflict and/or loss of a stable environment. One way
they can avoid this fear is to ask people to give clear explanations
along with practical reasons for the change. Once a change is
announced, allow for some time to adjust to the idea. Do not anticipate
immediate acceptance. In competitive situations, the fear of conflict is
heightened.
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Primary High S Personality
(The Specialist Personality)
I.
II.
Tendencies of High S Personalities:
Primary drive
Controlled, secure, stable
environment
Personal giftedness
Maintaining traditions, constancy,
steadiness
Group giftedness
Team player, commitment to
follow through
Potential spiritual gifts
Helps, Service, Mercy
Internal fears
Disharmony, confronting others
Strength out of control
Procrastinates, waits for things
to happen
Under stress becomes
Seeks a compromise or avoids
making a decision
Blind spots
Taking ownership of their
individual significance
Needs to work on
Being more proactive, responding
rather than reacting
Best team members
I/D, D/I, I/C, I, S, C
Biblical Characters Representing High S Personality Traits:
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III.
Isaac
Dorcas
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
Gen. 24:62-67; Gen 26:1-6
Gen. 26:7-31
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The High S Personality Traits
(The Specialist Pattern)
Positive Traits
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High S’s tend to act in a methodical, routine process, always aware the
amount of time to complete a tasks.
They are very consistent and perform excellent work day-in-day-out.
They prefer working quietly behind the scenes.
They are more appreciated after leaving a job or relationship.
See: Acts 9 the story of Dorcas.
Personal Giftedness
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High S’s can maintain the pace that others start.
They show remarkable consistency of performance over long periods of
time without fanfare.
Isaac’s life demonstrates this consistency.
See: Genesis 24 through 26.
Under Pressure
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Under pressure, High S’s tend to adapt to those in authority. They often
accommodate to changes rather than fight.
See: Genesis 26 Isaac was obedient to God when faced with a conflict
with Abimelech.
Approach To Teamwork:
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High S’s ensure follow through on a project or task
They are very supportive
Leadership or Management Style:
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High S’s like a participative leadership style so that everyone has input.
They listen carefully to everyone’s input
They ensure follow through and follow up on tasks and projects.
They strive for peace and harmony.
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Sensitivity to the Feelings of Others:
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High S’s are conscious and attentive to the feelings of others
They try to avoid hurt other people’s feelings, stirring up controversy and
they avoid conflicts.
Releasing Stress:
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High S’s have a tendency to internalize stress
They will release their stress by sleeping.
Recovery from Emotional Stress:
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High S’s will take time to do non threatening, routine activities (i.e.
cleaning, reading, watching TV, gardening)
Making Spiritual Commitments or a Commitment to Christ:
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High S’s are often persuaded by logical explanations and thinking
Strengths of the High S Personality:
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Accommodating
Patient
Friendly
Calm
Good listener
Easy going
Complementary Strengths Needed:
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Challenging (D personalities)
Spontaneous (I personalities)
Asking critical questions (C personalities)
Aggressive (D personalities)
Expressive (I personalities)
Concerned about details (C personalities)
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The S/D Personality
(The Achiever Pattern)
1.
II.
Tendencies of S/D Personalities:
Primary drive
Diligence in taking ownership of
tasks, industrious
Personal giftedness
Follow-through in completing tasks
Group giftedness
Strong administrative skills
Potential spiritual gifts
Administration, Service, Leadership
Internal fear
Noncompliance to their standards
Strength under control
Tends to be too direct, blunt and
demanding
Under stress becomes
Frustrated and intense, impatiently
takes charge
Blind spots
Not seemingly aware that
relationships are as important as
tasks
Needs to work on
Being sensitive to people issues
over tasks
Best team members
I/D, D equal I, I, I/C, I/S
Biblical Characters Who Represent S/D Personality
Traits:
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III.
Nehemiah
Joseph
Martha
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
42
Nehemiah 2:1-7; 6:15
Nehemiah 13:1-13; Luke 10:38-
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The S/D Personality Traits
(The Achiever Pattern)
Positive Traits
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Industrious and diligent accurately describe the S/D personality.
They have tendency to be very intense when accomplishing something.
They can stop and chat for a brief time, but they tend to become impatient
as they quickly refocus on the task at hand.
S/D personalities would be happier if they allowed themselves to relax and
not be so absorbed in a task.
See: Martha in Luke 10:38-42.
Personal Giftedness
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S/D personalities possess outstanding organizational skills and can
balance process and product to achieve the desired results.
They make excellent administrators; having the ability to look at a goal
and devise logistical plans to achieve it in a realistic time frame.
S/D personalities have the talent for establishing procedures and
schedules with an accountability structure so that each member knows
what they are to do.
See: Nehemiah 2-4. Nehemiah built the walls of Jerusalem in just 52
days because he was a great organizer.
Under Pressure
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S/D personalities can become frustrated and impatient with others
because of their intensity for accomplishing personal goals and objectives.
When their instructions are not carried out, they can become demanding,
which is uncharacteristic for High S personality and comes from the D
traits that they also possess.
They need to learn to negotiate and work through circumstances with
which they are in conflict.
See: Nehemiah 13.
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The S/I Personality
(The Agent Pattern)
I.
II.
Tendencies of S/I Personalities:
Primary drive
Maintaining peace and harmony,
security
Personal giftedness
Expressing gentleness and
kindness
Group giftedness
Projecting hospitality, being loyal
to friends
Potential spiritual gifts
Faith, Hospitality, Mercy
Internal fear
Having to face dissension and
conflict
Strength out of control
Overuses kindness, compromises
self to maintain harmony
Under stress becomes
Gentle, accommodating,
internalizes conflict
Blind spots
Being able to free oneself of
security blankets
Needs to work on
Being firm and following through
with actions
Best team members
D, D-I, D/I, I/D
Biblical Characters Who Represent S/I Personality
Traits:
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III.
Abraham
Hannah
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
Genesis 18:1-33; 1 Samual 1
Genesis 16:1-6
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The High S/I Traits
(The Agent Personality)
Positive Traits
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S/I personalities have a special gift for caring.
They can be transparent in personal relationships.
They reach out to meet the needs of people in distress.
They often use their friendly, supportive style to persuade others to be
forgiving in difficult situations.
See: Genesis 18:22-33. Abraham negotiates with God about the fate of
Sodom and Gomorrah.
Personal Giftedness
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S/I personalities create environments in which people feel comfortable
sharing their concerns and problems.
Unconditional acceptance seems to come naturally to them, even toward
people who have wronged them in some way.
They are an excellent model of a true friend.
The employer with an Agent personality is typically an open door
manager. They give instructions in a caring, supportive manner.
Fears
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S/I personalities fear aggression. They will do anything to avoid it head
on.
If they cannot avoid confrontation, they will do everything possible to
terminate a negative conversation, including verbally agreeing with their
aggressors. Most would agree they would greatly benefit from the ability
to withstand aggression and say no when it is appropriate.
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The S/C/D Personality
(The Investigator Pattern)
I.
II.
Tendencies of S/C/D Personalities:
Primary drive
Tenacity, determination, never
gives up
Personal giftedness
Investigates, explores, and
determines options on complex
problems
Group giftedness
Demonstrates unwavering
loyalty to close friends
Potential spiritual gifts
Service, Helps, Wisdom
Internal fear
Having to match wits with
strong personalities in selling
ideas
Strength out of control
Unbending, stubborn determination
Under stress becomes
Quiet, worrisome, introspective
Blind spots
Unaware of people issues when
preoccupied in solving a complex
task/problem
Needs to work on
Confronting difficult people issues,
expressing feelings
Best team members
I/D, D/I, I/C, I/S, I/S/C
Biblical Characters Representing S/C/D Personality
Traits:
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III.
Jacob
Anna
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
Genesis 30:25-43;
Genesis 31:1-55
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The High S/C/D Traits
(The Investigator Pattern)
Positive Traits
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High S/C/D personalities are tenacious and determined. Once they
establish a goal, they never deviate until the task is complete.
See: Genesis 29. Jacob showed determination when he worked seven
years for Laban in order to marry Rachel.
Personal Giftedness
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Their value to the team is their excellent follow-through skills.
The prefer to work alone
See: Luke 2. The story of Anna is a good example of a tenacious person.
Under Pressure
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Because of their tendency to quietly work alone, if they are in a
disagreement with someone, they tend to internalize their feelings.
They will also remember for some time wrongs that have been done to
them.
Instead of expressing their anger and forgetting about it, they store up a
list of grievances, which in turn leads them to be suspicious of others.
Their suspicion of others leads to questioning the motives of others.
Learning to communicate their conflict with the person they distrust could
help clarify if their concerns are correct.
See: Genesis 29-31. Jacob worked long hours for Laban and never
complained, but internally he became increasingly angry at this father-inlaw. When Laban accused Jacob of stealing his idols, Jacob released his
built-up anger against Laban.
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Needs of the Steadiness Personality
The High S personality’s greatest struggle is in an environment where there is
continuous confrontation. The wise supervisor, parent or spouse understands
that confrontation and conflict is not a useful strategy to motivate a High S.
Common Responses of the High S When Stressed:
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High S’s need a stable, predictable environment if they are to feel
comfortable.
Another primary need a High S is time to adjust to change. Without this
“time buffer” their defenses arise such as silence, stubbornness and
slowing down their actions.
They particularly need a home life free of conflict. If there is conflict in the
home or if there is constant chaos, High S’s can experience various
physical problems.
Example: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah experienced extreme anguish over not
being able to have children and developed stomach problems.
When A High S Encounters Stress
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They engage in routine tasks without much results
Their partners often attempt to take control of the environment.
Their partners may become more confrontational.
The High S may retreat into a passive-aggressive mode by becoming
uninvolved, being silent, and taking on the “turtle syndrome”.
Routine Action To Handle Stress
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High S’s develop a sense of security within routine.
They may resist change which is frustrating to a High D or High I.
Example: Abraham waited patiently for God to fulfill His promise of giving
him a son. However, Sarah, a High D, took another route to acquiring a
son.
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Partner’s Often Try to Take Control of the
Situation/Environment
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When High S’s become paralyzed by stress they have difficulty making
decisions. High D’s and High I’s will attempt to make the decisions for the
High S.
A High S would prefer to keep the peace rather than debate the issue(s).
They believe that it is easier and safer to agree with someone else’s plan
than to defend their own.
 Example: Sarah decided to make a decision to obtain her long
sought after child by having her maid have a child by Abraham.
Compliance With Passive Results
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A High S will often react to change with compliance to keep the peace.
Thus, they do not aggressively support new change.
Example: Abraham agreed to Sarah’s plan to banish her servant, but he
did not get involved in settling the problem nor show support for Sarah.
Confrontation by Partner
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A common mistake the aggressive partner (often a High D) makes in a
crisis involving a High S is in thinking that if a little confrontation will move
a High S to a little action, then more confrontation will move the High S
further. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. More confrontation will cause
inaction.
Passive-Aggressive Retreat: The “Turtle Syndrome”
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The normal reaction of a High S to confrontation is to not get involved, or
to retreat into a shell (turtle syndrome).
Abraham choose to not get involved with Sarah’s problem with Hagar.
Immediate Steps To Take In A Crises
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Recognize their fear of change as being real
The High S’s fear of change and disorganization is as real as the High I’s
fear of loss of social recognition and the High D’s fear of loss of control.
Three steps can be taken to defuse the High S’s fear reaction.
► Recognize Their Fear as Real
► Allow For A Delayed Reaction
► Give Freedom to Ask For More Information and Process It
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The Three R’s In Loving The High S:
Remember High S’s function best in an environment that is affirming and
encouraging rather than antagonistic. The High S’s needs are: status quo,
security within their environment, time to process change, affirmation and
appreciation, and structured routines.
 Responding To A High S
► Be non-threatening and patient
► Allow time to process and adjust to change
► Make allowances for family
 Relating To A High S
► Use friendly tones when instructing
► Give personal, nonverbal acceptance and assurances
► Allow time to process information
 Reinforcing The High S
► Repeat any instructions
► Provide hands-on reinforcement
► Be patient in allowing time to take ownership
Additional Information:
 Allow Time To Adjust to Change
► High S personalities will go to great lengths to be accepted and to
maintain stability within their environment.
► They accomplish this goal by neglecting their personal preferences
and deferring to the wishes of others.
► Example: Genesis 12. God tells Abraham to leave his home and go to
Canaan. Abraham had great difficulty fulfilling this directive.
 Need To Keep The Status Quo
► Even though their circumstances may seem undesirable to most
others, the High S prefers to maintain the status quo rather than
change.
► Their fear of the unknown generally breeds feelings of insecurity, and
they will usually avoid new ventures if at all possible.
► Maintaining the status quo can be unacceptable, especially when God
says “Go.”
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 Make Allowances For Family
► The security of the family is critical to the High S, however, the fear of
dissension and conflict can have an even greater impact.
► To the High S conflict is an unsettling emotion that threatens their
environment and is viewed as something to be avoided at all cost.
► Example: Conflict between Abraham and Lot.
 They Are Loyal and Supportive Of Those They Respect
► High S’s are loyal friends that will stay by you through difficult times.
► They are supportive of their family and friends by helping them meet
their needs.
► They keep their promises.
 They Seek Security Within Their Families
► They seek security within their families through stability.
 They Need Time To Adjust To Change
► A High S needs sufficient time to adjust to any change and the
opportunity to visually process information concerning the change.
► Example: Genesis 13:14-18. God gave Abraham time to adjust to his
move to Canaan.
 High S’s Need Personal Assurances of Support
► They often feel insecure before and after an emotional confrontation.
► You can help a High S during times of stress and pressure by giving
them your personal assurance and support.
► They are especially grateful of friendly support during their difficult
times.
 High S’s Generally Seek Close Personal Friendships
► They often perceive even acquaintances as potential friends.
► It is easy to become friends with a High S.
► Example: James, the brother of Jesus, recognized the special
relationship that Abraham had with God. Isaiah also commented on
God’s friendship with Abraham (Isaiah 41:8).
 High S’s Greatest Struggles Are Handling Change and Saying
No
► Probably the greatest hindrance to the High S is handling change with
confidence and a positive attitude.
► Example: God often gave High S’s permission to grow by inches
rather than miles.
► Typically, High S’s have difficulty being firm and assertive, preferring
that others take action and make the decisions.
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► Their tendency to support and please others, they have difficulty
saying no.
A Woman’s Perspective On The High S Personality:
► It is important for me to feel understood, even if you don’t agree with
me.
► I need encouragement: “That’s a good job,” “You are headed in the
right direction” It is not flattering---just encouragement.
► I need my space, rather than someone looking over my shoulder.
► To be close to a warm, accepting, trusting, understanding, patient-withmy-faults God appeals to me.
► Having the freedom to be who I am and nothing else is ideal.
Difficulties Relating to High S’s
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High D: “Without a doubt, patiently giving them time to process information
before making a decision.”
High I: “Accepting the status quo and allowing them time before accepting
change.”
High S: “Having to carry a conversation so that meaningful interchange
takes place. I’d rather just listen, but they are usually not talking.”
High C: “Knowing what to say in order to draw them out.”
How To Build Better Relationships With High D’s
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High D: ”Backing off from our need to have immediate answers and working
within their pace.”
High I: “By being more patient in drawing them out.”
High S: “By patiently listening as they try to give their insights.”
High C: “We need to be more patient in knowing we won’t get a lot of
feedback from them. We have a tendency to desire a great deal of
information, and High S’s are not in the habit of sharing that much.”
Most Needed Talents of the High S
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High D: “Their follow-through and consistency; being a peacemaker; their
dry humor.”
High I: “Their gift in seeing the big picture and commitment to seeing work
completed no matter how long it takes.”
High S: “Their consistent commitment to a friendship.”
High C: “Their ability to handle adversity without a great deal of emotion.
They just keep plugging along.”
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Reactions From High S’s
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High S:
“Allow me time to process information before asking me to make
a decision, and give me reassurances when I do.”
“Never use confrontation in correcting me. I cannot handle that.
I prefer a non-confrontational approach. I need to know we are
friends.”
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High S/D:
“Let me work out issues in my mind. I cannot always put into
words what I desire you to do. Be patient with me as I try to
explain my plan.”
“I know I can be blunt at times, particularly under stress. Use
humor to relax me, but do not attack me. If you do, I will
generally give you feedback you don’t want to hear.”
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High S/I:
“I need reassurance that I am accepted as a person. If I make a
mistake, explain my error in a gentle way. Give me time to think
about how I am going to correct the problem”
“Give me broad time frames, outline your expectations, step
back and let me meet them. Show genuine interest in my
feelings and views. Accept the fact that perfection is not
important to me”
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High S/C/D “I’m not always sure what my feelings are in a given situation,
so be patient with me as you draw me out.”
“Use humor to relax me before asking tough questions.
Afterward give me verbal or nonverbal reassurances---just being
there with me means a lot.”
How to Respond to a High S Under Stress
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High S:
“Provide me with time and space in which I can enjoy peace and
quiet. I need time to think and assimilate.”
“When I’m under stress, I don’t always know how to put in words
what is happening to me. It’s OK to use reassuring, supportive
humor to relax me so that I have a better opportunity to express
to you what I am feeling.”
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High S/D:
“I can be fairly blunt when I’m under stress. Give me time and
opportunity to work out my internal difficulties and then let’s
talk.”
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High S/I:
“Come alongside me and offer understanding and empathy, but
don’t take over and try to fix my problem. In extreme stress
allow me ‘down time’ to escape for a while.”
“Sometimes I just need a hug without any words spoken.”
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High S/C/D: “Allow me process time, which may appear to you to be
mindless activities. I need to break my mind away from the
stressful activities to reflect and recharge.”
“I have difficulty expressing my feelings. Allow me to give you
random thoughts without judging or analyzing them.”
Conclusion
Each profile has its own set of defenses to handle stress. As Christians, our
response is to recognize and accept the behavior for what it is. Next, create an
environment for the person so that they have the best opportunity to work
through their internal struggles and grow.
The High S needs assurance and support, concrete information, and time to
ponder key elements to help them work through their personal stress.
Rev. 10/2006 by Dr. Richard Carr
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