The Self Profile on the MBS Profile Report is a graphical summary of a person's basic communication style … their temperament. Understanding a person's temperament is an important step in developing or improving your relationship with them.

To better understand a person's temperament, we need to look at what each of their temperament traits mean. Though each of a person's traits is important, the most important of a person's traits is their High Trait. The High Trait determines the MBS color code.

In our example, the Self Profile shows this person to be Direct (red), that is to say that their highest trait in the Self Grid is the D Trait. The best way to work with this person is to get to the point, tie things that we want accomplished to his/her results and allow them to make decisions if possible. (also see the description of the High D person)

The E is below the line, so we would say that the person is Private and the best way to work with them is one on one. The Low E can also intensify the Direct style of communication, causing the person to be candid AND use few words. (also see the description of the High E person)

Remember that "Above the line & Below the line" DOES NOT mean that traits that are above the line are good and the ones below are bad. Both traits above the line and below the line are strengths. It's a mistake when looking at the Self Profile to think that traits that fall below the line are ones that you need to work on. Traits that fall below the centerline are still strengths.

Pace is below the line indicating that the person has the strength of Urgency. They may find themselves rushing to get things done at times. They hate to wait. Because the trait is "hooking" back toward the line off or the Low E, we say that the person has Paced Tendencies, so they may be able to relate to some of the Paced description even though they are Urgent by nature. (also see the description of the High P person)

Isn't Urgency a weakness? No! Can it be a weakness if Urgency controls your life? Yes! Any trait that is "out of control" is a weakness. Extroversion is a strength, unless the extroverted person talks soooooo much that people are turned off … then Extroversion (out of control) is a weakness.

In our example, the Structure trait is above the centerline. Structured people are careful, precise and detailed oriented, focusing on what is right. When working with someone that is Direct and Structured, we need to be very specific as to what goals we want to accomplish. If possible, we should show them any plans or proposals in writing. (also see the description of the High S person)

As we interact with a person, it is important that we make the effort to consider their "Point of View". If we can work with each individual based on how they need to be worked with, we are then able to accomplish our own goals. Effective working relationships result in improved communication, increased productivity and improved customer & job satisfaction.

Understanding a person's Self Profile … their "Style" … their "Point of View" … their temperament … is our key to developing an effective relationship.