The elements of behavior: Tips for managing your advisor energy

It is said that behavioral style matches the four elements. These elements demonstrate the following characteristics.

• Fire – Bold, pioneering, competitive, driving, direct and determined.
• Air – Optimistic, persuasive, sociable, inspiring, convincing and trusting.
• Earth – Adaptable, systematic, logical, patient, relaxed and unhurried.
• Water – Precise, perfectionist, orderly, diplomatic, accurate and meticulous.

Here’s how each of the behavioral styles deals with change and conflict.

• Fire – Loves change; confronts and fights back with conflict.
• Air – May not notice change; runs away from conflict.
• Earth – Does not like change, needs much preparation; tolerates conflict.
• Water – Concerned with the effects of change; avoids conflict.

The behavioral style of fire is like nuclear power: It can power a region for a thousand years or detonate it in a matter of seconds. Fire styles can get frustrated when deadlines are missed. It can feel like a blow up to other behavioral styles, and it is necessary to apologize and come from a place of leadership and responsibility to clean up the situation.