Bears
Primary Instinct: Balance
Bears are very even in all they do, craving balance in their lives. They like peace and quiet and are very territorial when it comes to protecting their space. Bears are naturally even-tempered and hard to get riled, although when riled, they can be explosive. They want to feel safe and non-threatened.
Bears are logical but need time to reach decisions. The more you pressure them, the slower they may react. They don’t show emotion often, and then only when they are backed into a corner. Bears are quietly strong, very competent, and go about their business without the need for fanfare or attention.
Bears are kind and not judgmental. They let others live their lives and expect the same in return. They can be very creative and may use unconventional means to solve a problem. Bears are great thinkers and good at observing everything that is going on around them. They have a keen sense of hearing and listen instead of talk. Although Bears may get overlooked because they don’t need interaction, they are very insightful if you can draw them out with open-ended questions and listen.
Identifying Bear Tracks
Talents:
- Even-tempered
- Quiet Competence
- Innovation
- Mediators
- Internalizing
- Acting not Reacting
Challenges:
- Facing Bad News
- Verbalizing
- Handling Pressure
- Change
- Trying New Things
Keys for Bears to build relationships with others:
Horses
Understand Horses are emotional and lead with their hearts, not their heads. Be patient and don’t expect them to act too quickly. Respect their innate moral compass and trust in their gut reactions. Remember they are very driven to please and need to make a personal connection. Don’t just talk about business, but show interest in them personally. They also need a pat on the back and feedback that they are doing well. Remember, a little criticism goes a long way.
Horses
Understand Horses are emotional and lead with their hearts, not their heads. Be patient and don’t expect them to act too quickly. Respect their innate moral compass and trust in their gut reactions. Remember they are very driven to please and need to make a personal connection. Don’t just talk about business, but show interest in them personally. They also need a pat on the back and feedback that they are doing well. Remember, a little criticism goes a long way.
Monkeys
Remember Monkeys are very verbal and you will get feedback from them whether you want it or not. Give them short-term goals and build follow-up steps to keep them on track. Monkeys are great at multitasking but can get off track if they are not challenged. Let them have fun and use them to create a lighter, more enjoyable environment for everyone! They are emotional and enjoy playful teasing (keep it appropriate). They need flexibility and interaction with teammates.
Jungle Cats
Cats like to be in charge, so when dealing with Cats, divide up the tasks and make sure they feel like they have input and some control over their environment. Don’t take what they say personally—you will get pushback because they have strong opinions and won’t hesitate to share them. Watch their interaction with other animals to make sure they aren’t creating some emotional problems with people they deal with. Ask for their help because they have great vision and will see how to move a project along.
Jungle Cats
Cats like to be in charge, so when dealing with Cats, divide up the tasks and make sure they feel like they have input and some control over their environment. Don’t take what they say personally—you will get pushback because they have strong opinions and won’t hesitate to share them. Watch their interaction with other animals to make sure they aren’t creating some emotional problems with people they deal with. Ask for their help because they have great vision and will see how to move a project along.
Other Bears
Don’t get frustrated when they don’t communicate or seek out your company. Bears go about their work quietly and without need for interaction. They don’t react well to pressure—don’t back them into a corner; you won’t like the results! Give Bears specific instructions and tell them what’s in it for them. They are logical and respond well to gentle, logical persuasion. Give them their space—don’t micromanage them or they withdraw. Watch their body language and ask open-ended questions, then wait for a response. Be comfortable with silence.
Learn More About Monkeys
Learn More About Horses
Learn More About Jungle Cats
Interested in Learning More?
Read the book.
Jungle Motives: Building Healthy Relationships Through Personality
