Insights 23: Time and personality

Edition 23:  29 September 2022

Thoughtful quotations:

“The only reason for time is so that everything does not happen at once” Albert Einstein

Context for reflection:

There is no “one-size fits all” and no silver bullet, when it comes to managing time. One key consideration lies in our personalities (personal preferences). Personality types provide a wide array of information on how differently we see time and its challenges. The truth, however, is that all personalities are not without time traps. 

Here are 5 personality types (but not all of them) often used to describe approaches to time management:

• The Perfectionist

• The Over-committer

• The Firefighter

• The Multi-tasker

• The under-estimator

• The procrastinator

I am sure we have all felt that our actions represent one of these types at some point. I know I have been caught.

Which one best describes you? Which one describes your colleagues, direct reports, or manager?

Tools like the Myers Briggs Type Inventory provide greater depth on personal preferences and how personality influences our approach to time. These tools allow us to consider other personalities and what they might bring to a team in terms of managing time. 

Knowing our personality and its impact on our time is a fundamental step to understand our strengths and enable us to strive for improvement. Valuing time is to value ourselves and others. It’s worth mastering. 

A few question to contemplate:

• Do you know your personality and its impact on your time? What are your time traps?

• How does your personality shine when it comes to time?

• Do you challenge yourself and others for better time management?

Drafted in all humility as I continue my journey of discovery. It is indeed challenging, with so much to remember and learn.

Master your leadership, attend the Insights Leadership programme 2022. Attend the Time Squeeze and become a master of your time.

Andrew Pons

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