Leadership Style Quiz: Which of the Four Temperaments Are You?
WORDS BY ANTONINA JOSON
Back in ancient Greece, philosopher Hippocrates suggested that bodily fluids influence personalities and behaviour. Hippocrates identified four dimensions or temperaments, each with a higher concentration of one fluid over others( bile, blood, and phlegm). The four temperaments were classified under a study called“ humourism,” which ancient Greeks and Romans used to study the make-up of the human body.
Luckily, modern medicine no longer subscribes to the theories of humourism. But the concept of the four temperaments has been long discussed in psychology through centuries. It was revived around the 1850s and has been adapted to fit contemporary times by the likes of Jung, Myers, Briggs, and even Erikson.
Theory aside, the four temperaments can apply to how you operate in business or team setting. While it’ s not the definite study on human behaviours, it may help you to learn more about yourself or other people.
Take our simple four temperaments quiz to find out which one you are!
1. You’ re at a buzzing social event for work. What are you most likely doing? a. Working the crowd! I love socialising with colleagues and making new connections. They say I’ m a real charmer whose network is always growing.
b. I’ m hosting the event, for sure. I’ m known for being charismatic and people are always willing to lend me an ear when I speak. Aside from entertaining, hosting also means I get to lead people throughout the night.
c. I’ m contributing to the event by checking the schedule and doing other supporting tasks. Someone needs to make sure things are running smoothly from behind the scenes.
d. I’ m supporting the event and my team by staying calm. I might be in the background, but I’ m there if they need me or want to talk to someone they’ re familiar with.
2. It’ s your turn to lead an important work project. How will you guide your team?
a. We’ ll start by doing a team meeting. I want to check which task everyone wants to take on before finalising it. We’ ll also call on any outside help if we need any. I’ ll make myself available for anyone who needs a chat.
b. I’ ll come up with a strategy first and then
24 ISSUE 56 DECEMBER 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU