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Week 2: Personality - SHAPE Series

  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read

Nehemiah

Week 2: Personality


We would like to thank Johnny Sharpe and the team from Narara Valley Baptist Church for helping put together this resource.


If you would like to explore how you are SHAPED further at the end of this course. Please get in touch with Pastor Grant grant@mayfieldbaptist.com



Week 2: Personality: What Makes You You?


Personality - What Makes You You?

Discuss together:

  • How did you feel about doing the ‘Animal’ personality test (Most people are a blend of multiple styles rather than just one?)

  • Was there anything in particular that stood out to you that seemed particularly insightful or true about you?

  • Was there anything that seemed a bit ‘off-the-mark’?


Animal Personality Test Definitions


🦁 Lion — The Leader Definition:

A confident, goal-driven personality who enjoys taking charge, solving problems, and achieving results.

  • Traits: Bold, decisive, competitive, independent, and action-oriented.

  • Strengths: Leadership, courage, quick decision-making, and driving progress.

  • Challenges: May seem impatient, controlling, or focused on results over relationships.

  • Growth: Practice listening, patience, and considering others’ perspectives.


🦦 Otter — The Inspirer Definition:

A social, enthusiastic personality who enjoys connecting with people and bringing energy to situations.

  • Traits: Friendly, creative, optimistic, expressive, and spontaneous.

  • Strengths: Encouragement, communication, creativity, and building relationships. Challenges: May struggle with focus, organisation, or following through.

  • Growth: Develop structure, attention to detail, and consistency.


🐕 Golden Retriever — The Supporter 6 Definition:

A caring, loyal personality who values relationships, teamwork, and harmony.

  • Traits: Patient, dependable, compassionate, cooperative, and supportive.

  • Strengths: Listening, empathy, loyalty, and creating trust.

  • Challenges: May avoid conflict, resist change, or put others’ needs first.

  • Growth: Practice assertiveness and embrace change.


🦫 Beaver — The Analyser Definition:

A thoughtful, detail-focused personality who values accuracy, planning, and quality.

  • Traits: Organised, logical, responsible, careful, and precise.

  • Strengths: Problem-solving, preparation, reliability, and attention to detail.

  • Challenges: May overthink, become perfectionistic, or move too cautiously.

  • Growth: Balance careful planning with flexibility and action.


Conflict Between Personalities

Conflict often happens between styles that have different priorities, communication styles, and ways of making decisions. No animal is “bad” or incompatible, but some combinations may experience more tension. Here are some examples of personality types that conflict with each other:


🦁 Lion (Leader) vs. 🐕 Golden Retriever (Supporter)

  • Why conflict happens: Lions are direct, fast-paced, and focused on results, while Golden Retrievers value harmony, patience, and relationships.

  • Common Tension: The Lion may seem too demanding, while the Golden Retriever may seem too slow or avoidant.

  • Growth: Lions can slow down and show appreciation; Golden Retrievers can speak up and be more direct.


🦁 Lion (Leader) vs. 🦫 Beaver (Analyser)

  • Why conflict happens: Lions want quick action, while Beavers want careful planning and details.

  • Common tension: The Lion may feel the Beaver is overthinking, while the Beaver may feel the Lion is rushing.

  • Growth: Lions can value preparation; Beavers can learn when action is needed.


🦦 Otter (Inspirer) vs. 🦫 Beaver (Analyser)

  • Why conflict happens: Otters focus on creativity, excitement, and people, while Beavers focus on facts, structure, and accuracy.

  • Common tension: The Otter may see the Beaver as too serious; the Beaver may see the Otter as disorganised.

  • Growth: Otters can add more structure; Beavers can embrace flexibility.


🦦 Otter (Inspirer) vs. 🐕 Golden Retriever (Supporter)

  • Why conflict happens: Both value people, but Otters seek excitement and change while Golden Retrievers prefer stability and consistency.

  • Common tension: The Otter may move too quickly, while the Golden Retriever may need more time to adjust.

  • Growth: Otters can provide reassurance; Golden Retrievers can be more open to new experiences.


Reflection

  • What type of people do you find it most hard to work with?

  • How does valuing our different SHAPE help with this?


Read Luke 10:38-42, and discuss:

  • What sort of personality differences were there between Mary and Martha?

  • How did these differences shape their response to Jesus? (Try to focus more on their personalities, not on if they were 'right' or 'wrong' in their actions)


Read Acts 15:36-41, and discuss:

  • What sort of personality differences were there between Paul and Barnabas?

  • Why do you think these differences resulted in their 'sharp disagreement'?

  • Do you think they handled their differences the right way? Why/why not?

  • What do these examples show us about the importance of understanding ourselves, especially our personalities (and that of others) when we seek to serve Jesus together with one another?



Week 2 Homework - Self Reflection:

Reflection on Personality


Self-reflection questions:

  • What has most stood out to you so far over the last two weeks? As you've looked at yourself, how have you seen the Hand of God shaping your Abilities, personality, and Experiences?

  • Do you have a sense of future shaping that you hope or wonder if God might want to do in you?


 
 
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