The following is an excerpt from ‘Advanced Professional Counselling’ by Dr. John Clarks, detailing the behaviours of each personality need type, as identified by the Personality Need Type Profile questionnaire. 

Knowledge of your personality need type can be of use to you and your counsellor in many ways, such as, providing a basis for discussion, problem identification and problem solving with you.

Type “A” Personality Needs:

Persons who generally demonstrate observable Type ‘A’ behaviour may be described as having stronger needs for self-recognition and, therefore, their behaviour and their needs would be described as follows:

A Type – This person… In general behaviour:

• Enjoys being the centre of attention.
• May spend a lot of time on self-presentation.
• May not work well in groups but when involved enjoys reporting.
• Tends to be domineering and controlling.

At work:

• Tends to work better on short-term projects.
• May not work well in groups but does enjoy reporting.
• May need regular encouragement to keep interested.
• Excellent performer where personal skills are required and an ‘up-front’ person is needed.

In social life:

• Likes to be the centre of attention.
• Would probably have interests where he/she can be ‘seen’ to do well.
• May sometimes come across as being ungracious.
• Will often be the life of the party and a great entertainer.
• Will probably be the one who arrives last and is best dressed.

In love:

• Needs to be flattered, as is proud and passionate.
• Could not handle criticism or being relegated to second place.
• Demanding of attention and probably domineering.
• Do not expect attention when this person is otherwise occupied

Remember that this list of behaviours is only a guide and you may also cross the virtual boundaries into other Personality Need Types at times, exhibiting a mixture of behaviours and needs. Doesn’t this spice up our lives?