Personality Types Inventory
(from Making Love Last Forever by Gary Smalley)
How to Take and Score the Inventory
For each temperament type, circle the positive traits (in the left column) that sound the most like you—as you are at home. It will probably help to cover the right-hand column as you take the inventory, to help you focus on the positives. Do not score yourself as you behave at work. (If you want to evaluate your “at work” tendencies, take the test again later, with that environment—or any other—in mind.) For now, ignore the right-hand column.
For each trait, add the number of circled traits (in the left column) and then double that number. This is your score.
To graph your temperament mix, mark your score for each temperament type on the graph with a large dot. If you want, draw a line to connect the dots.
LION Temperament Characteristics
| Likes authority | Too direct or demanding |
| Takes charge | Pushy; can step in front of others |
| Determined | Overbearing |
| Confident | Cocky |
| Firm | Unyielding |
| Enterprising | Takes big risks |
| Competitive | Cold-blooded |
| Enjoys challenges | Avoids relations |
| Problem-solver | Too busy |
| Productive | Overlooks feelings; do it now! |
| Bold | Insensitive |
| Purposeful; goal-driven | Imbalanced; workaholic |
| Decision-maker | Unthoughtful of others’ wishes |
| Adventurous | Impulsive |
| Strong-willed | Stubborn |
| Independent; self-reliant | Avoids people and seeking help |
| Controlling | Bossy; overbearing |
| Persistent | Inflexible |
| Action-oriented | Unyielding |
“Let’s do it now!”
Lion Score (double the number circled)————
OTTER Temperament Characteristics
“Trust me! It’ll work out!”
Otter score (double the number circled)————
GOLDEN RETRIEVER Temperament Characteristics
“Let’s keep things the way they are.”
Golden retriever score (double the number circled)————
BEAVER Temperament Characteristics
| Reads all instructions | Afraid to break rules |
| Accurate | Too critical |
| Consistent | Lacks spontaneity |
| Controlled | Too serious |
| Reserved | Stuffy |
| Predictable | Lacks variety |
| Practical | Not adventurous |
| Orderly | Rigid |
| Factual | Picky |
| Conscientious | Inflexible |
| Perfectionistic | Controlling |
| Discerning | Negative on new opportunities |
| Detailed | Rarely finishes a project |
| Analytical | Loses overview |
| Inquisitive | Smothering |
| Precise | Strict |
| Persistent | Pushy |
| Scheduled | Boring |
| Sensitive | Stubborn |
“How was it done in the past?”
Beaver score (double the number circled)————
Chart your results on the next page.
How did you do? Remember this isn’t a pass-fail test. This evaluation simply shows your tendencies and traits. As you look at your charted score, you may see a blend of all four categories. That’s fine. Or you may see two scores significantly higher than the others. Or you may have one category that’s head and shoulders above the other three. No none pattern is “correct.”
Now take note of the right-hand column extreme for each of your circled characteristics. This might be how your positive traits are perceived by your family or friends.
Lions are leaders, decisive, bottom line, problem-solvers, not conversational.
Otters are fun-loving, entertainers, net workers, motivators, creative, talkers.
Retrievers are loving, nurturing, loyal, good listeners, encouragers.
Beavers are hard-working, detailed, accurate, focused on quality.
Consciously work to become more aware of your natural tendencies. Go for a healthy balance, tempering any extreme problem area, focus on your strengths and learn to cultivate the strengths of less dominant personality traits.
Some suggestions for each personality type:
Lions: Be softer and more gentle and include others when making decisions.
Otters: Think before you speak, and consider consequences before you act.
Retrievers: Practice saying no and making firm decisions.
Beavers: Learn to relax and don’t expect others to do things just like you.
Adapted by permission from Making Love Last Forever, by Gary Smalley (Thomas Nelson).