Rationals are the problem-solving temperament: the more complex the problem, the better. People with this personality are forced to analyze complex systems, be they organic, mechanical, or social. A Rational must understand how systems work in order to make them work better.
Mainly concerned with abstract concepts and fundamental principles, you will try to find solutions with real world applications. Focused and strong-willed, you will be pragmatic, efficient, and tireless in pursuit of your goal; this absorbed concentration can sometimes be seen as cold and distant. Think of that pop culture icon from Logic, Mr. Spock. Autonomous, focused and resourceful: he probably wasn’t voted the clown of the Vulcan class.
Rationals value intelligence and will listen to anyone with something useful to contribute, while showing little regard for arbitrary procedures and authority. Rigorously logical, they pride themselves on solving problems with efficiency and ingenuity; wasting time and resources is unacceptable for a rational temperament. These independent thinkers are skeptical by nature, they are even skeptical of their own ideas, yet they believe that any obstacle can be overcome with sheer willpower. Are you a Rational?
“Error of opinion can be tolerated when reason is free to combat it.” Thomas Jefferson (Rational Architect)
You don’t need to think of Architect Rationals as being interested only in drawing plans for buildings; but rather as master designers of many theoretical systems, including school curricula, corporate strategies, and new technologies. For architects, the world exists primarily to be analyzed, understood, explained and redesigned. They are not concerned with external reality, focusing on fundamental principles and natural laws to create efficient and coherent designs. An Architect is precise in thought and speech; it is difficult for him to listen to nonsense, even in informal conversations, without pointing out the speaker’s mistake. Interested only in logic, statements must be consistent and coherent to carry any weight with it. Architects often seem hard to get to know; With their great desire to understand the structure of the universe, they can appear arrogant and may show impatience with those who are less skilled or less motivated. Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein were Rational Architects.
Quarterbacks are required to lead; they can be observed taking command of groups from an early age. Strong-willed, with a natural drive to provide structure and direction, they take advantage of people and direct them to achieve distant goals. When in charge of an organization, whether it’s military, business, educational, or government, quarterbacks can envision where the organization is headed and communicate that vision to their team. Organizational and coordination skills are highly developed, making them good at systematizing, prioritizing, and gathering evidence. They enjoy positions of responsibility and are exemplary administrators in virtually any field. They prefer decisions based on impersonal data, they want to work from well-thought-out plans, they like to use engineering operations, and they expect others to do the same. Quarterbacks eliminate and reject ineffectiveness and inefficiency, and show impatience with repeating the mistake. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Senator Hillary Clinton are Fieldmarshal Rationals.
Inventors start building gadgets and mechanisms when they are little kids, and they never really stop. Representing only two percent of our population, these innovative entrepreneurs have a major impact on our daily lives, always with the goal of ‘building a better mousetrap’. The keenly pragmatic inventor brings a fresh, new approach to work and play, often rejecting the status quo in favor of more effective problem solving. Intensely curious, he continually investigates the possibilities, especially when he tries to solve complex problems. Inventors are easy-going, rarely judgmental, and often have a lively circle of friends. By engaging the talkers, they can employ debating skills to verbally disarm their opponent. Inventors display an extraordinary talent for living up to the demands of the most impossible situations. ‘It can’t be done’ is a challenge that elicits an ‘I can do it’ reaction. Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin were rational inventors.
All Rationals are good at planning operations, but Masterminds are head and shoulders above the rest at contingency planning. Complex operations, particularly those involving new technologies, require many steps or stages, one after another in necessary progression. Masterminds are naturally capable of understanding how each leads to the next, preparing alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise. Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to remain in the background until others prove their inability to lead. Once in charge, however, pragmatic Masterminds will plan and maintain a well-run organization, always aiming for maximum efficiency. Career-wise, Masterminds often rise to positions of responsibility as they work long and hard in the dedicated pursuit of their goals. Though strong-willed and decisive, Masterminds insist on researching all available data before embracing an idea. Generals/Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ulysses S. Grant were Mastermind Rationals.
In general, Rationals are very rare, comprising only 5 to 10 percent of our population. But due to a drive to discover the secrets of nature and develop new technologies, they have done much to shape our world. To learn more about the various personality traits of the four temperaments, visit http://www.keirsey.com and take the FREE personality test. Next time: presidential temperaments.