TYPE
FIVE : THE OBSERVER
Fives
believe that rational knowledge and information are essential for
surviving in the world and for maintaining control in one's
environment. As such, they often prefer to detach themselves from the
environment in order to observe and understand it. In the workplace,
they believe that:
- an organization should be structured to
facilitate rational management, lest there be chaos and confusion
- people need to be aware of the overall vision of
the organization to understand the relevance and value of each of its
structures, systems and processes
- emotional decisions should never replace
rational, logical thinking
These beliefs reflect an underlying set of values
that focus on intelligence, acquisition of knowledge, exploration of
theories, and time to test for possible outcomes. Fives feel valued
when they acquire mastery and expertise in an area of knowledge that
is of interest to them. Unusual hobbies, collections, or special
interest activities are common. At high functioning levels, Fives
demonstrate extraordinary perceptiveness and insight, and a searching
intelligence from which nothing escapes notice. They are innovative
and analytically gifted, seeing possibilities where many others see
none.
Sometimes, however, their desire to gather data and
theorize can lead to analysis paralysis, and they may appear to others
as indecisive and slow to act. They struggle with excessive
objectivity and knowing when to move from investigation to action. As
private people who often have not developed ease in social situations,
they can often be uncomfortable with small talk and discussions of
emotional issues. Except for a few close friends, Fives will resent
people whom they see as intruding in their private space, whether it
be their physical office or personal topics that they prefer to keep
to themselves. Fives thrive on independence, and may resist deadlines,
close supervision or excessive direction. While they attempt to
control the environment through intellectual understanding, they do
not want to be controlled by others.
Fives grow when they learn to balance their
analytical, rational thinking with an equal attention to their
feelings and emotions. They also enhance their lives by expanding
their private circle to include more people and increasing the amount
of socialization in their lives. When they acknowledge that life is
not an intellectual contest, their lives can be enriched by nurturing,
supportive relationships.
At their best, Fives are capable of synthesizing
and integrating disparate ideas for the development of original and
profound visionary concepts.
