The Self-Actualizing Style
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The Self-Actualizing Style”That man is happiest who lives from day to day and asks no more, garnering the simple goodness of a life.” — EuripidesShow Me My Circumplex[pic 1]The Self-Actualizing scale measures a way of thinking that results in the highest form of personal fulfillment. Becoming self-actualized is the final step in ones growth and maturation process. This style is characterized by an unusually high acceptance of self, others and situations “as they are.” Self-actualized people are creative and imaginative, and take a unique approach to life.Individualistic by nature, self-actualized people have a strong interest in working to become everything they are capable of being. They have a healthy sense of self-worth, a strong curiosity about people and things, and an acute awareness of both their own and others feelings. Their insightfulness and directness add fresh perspective to situations.Self-actualized people are able to live in, and enjoy, the present moment. Freed from the belief that self-worth is related to being approved of or recognized by others, these individuals actively take a higher degree of responsibility for themselves and are motivated by their own values and beliefs. They lead satisfying lives, and their behavior is an effective insulator against stress.In general, this style is characterized by:Concern for self developmentStrong instincts and intuitionRelative freedom from feelings of guilt or worryAn energetic, exciting approach to lifeA strong desire to know about and experience things directlyThe Self-Actualized ManagerSelf-actualized managers are effective because they are able to see possibilities and opportunities in most situations. They take an open-minded, flexible approach to their work, and their strong intuition enables them to identify and develop realistic long-term goals.These managers are good judges of people and tend to select creative and unconventional staff members. Because they respect the abilities and talents of others, self-actualized managers actively encourage working together toward a projects success. They balance concern for getting the job done with consideration for people and their needs. These managers take pleasure in what they do, and their “zest for life” is often contagious within organizations.Your Results on the Self-Actualizing StyleYour results on this style, as indicated by the [pic 2], are in the high range. Thus it is likely that youll find the following to be descriptive of you:Self-Actualizing Scores in the High Range [pic 3][pic 4]You tend to have a great deal of confidence in yourself and in your ability to make things better. Your healthy outlook can positively influence your personal development, relationships, and effectiveness at work.You are able to determine what a situation requires and act to improve it. Because you tend to be a person of principle, you strive to live up to your own values. While you may feel temporarily guilty over things you could have prevented, negative situations dont tend to worry you to a great extent. You use your available resources well, and make the most of any situation.While you can become fully involved in projects that interest you, you tend to leave situations you dont find as satisfying: your motivation to do something comes completely from within. You have many interests, and are open to new people and experiences. Others typically admire your confidence, spontaneity, and the joy you experience in simply living.
People with scores in the medium and low ranges may exhibit different thinking and behavioral tendencies that those described above. While your score did not fall in those ranges, you may find the following descriptions useful:Self-Actualizing Scores in the Medium Range[pic 5]Look at your score carefully to determine its closeness to the High or Low range. If you scored closer to the High range, you are generally confident that you can bring about change and improvement in yourself and others. You typically approach things realistically, tend to have varied interests, and are capable of excelling in what you find rewarding.If you scored closer to the Low range, you may take a somewhat less realistic view of yourself and others, and have a more moderate interest in your own growth and development. You may doubt yourself and your ability to make a difference. Self-Actualizing Scores in the Low Range[pic 6]You probably do not take an active interest in your own growth, and may not be working up to your potential. You may lack energy, spontaneity, and the ability to simply enjoy life. Your dissatisfaction with yourself may cause you to doubt your ability to think creatively and make positive contributions. Your preoccupation with the past and/or doubts about the future may result in an unrealistic view of life, and a tendency to avoid involving yourself in what is currently happening.How Self-Actualizing Relates to Other StylesNote: In this section, statements that are followed by a green [pic 7], indicate statements that are relevant to your profile. Other statements, followed by a red [pic 8], indicate statements that may not apply directly to you. These statements may still be of interest in that they describe how the different styles work together.A higher Avoidance (6 oclock position) score may work against your Self-Actualizing score. [pic 9] Avoidance-oriented people lack self-esteem and tend to move away from opportunities for personal growth. In contrast, self-actualized people tend to be confident and look for chances to grow and improve.One or more of your scores for Approval, Conventional and/or Dependent (3, 4, and 5 oclock positions) may be higher if your Self-Actualizing score is lower. Those who use these three defensive styles seek feelings of self-worth through others, rather than through themselves. [pic 10]Higher Humanistic-Encouraging (1 oclock position) and Achievement (11 oclock position) scores effectively complement a higher Self-Actualizing score: in fact, the most successful key executives typically score highest in these three styles. Using these styles represents a unique balance of attention to people, tasks, and ones own growth and development, as well as a sense of overall satisfaction. [pic 11] Becoming More Effective: Steps To ChangeThose who are self-actualized feel in complete control of their lives, are vitally interested in what is happening around them, and have achieved a unique sense of self-acceptance, self-respect, and pride in what they do.The more these statements describe you, the less Self-Actualizing you are now:Have difficulty thinking creativelyLack curiosity about people and thingsHave trouble trusting people who are different from youEnvious of those who seem contentFrequently do not enjoy tasks at home or at workHave limited interestsAre not concerned with personal growth and developmentLack spontaneityPreoccupied with the past and futureUse these suggestions to become more Self-Actualizing:Accept others with fewer conditions. Resist the urge to judge others, and recognize that all people have value. Broaden your exposure to people of different backgrounds and interests.Restructure unpleasant tasks to make them more enjoyable. Think of creative, innovative ways to do things. Remember that a sense of personal satisfaction is the best possible reward for doing something well.Make it a point to do the things you enjoy regularly, whatever they may be. Make a list of all the things you like to do and use it as a guide to fill your time and thoughts.See problems as opportunities for growth and development. Approach problems positively and try solving them creatively.Live each day in the present. Learn to leave the past behind and refuse to think too far ahead into the future.Recall the special “peak” experiences you have had in life. Examining how you felt during these experiences and approaching everyday life with the same clarity and substance of feeling can help you enjoy your life more fully.Know yourself. Learn to value what you want from life about all else. Allowyour feelings, thoughts and goals to guide your life more often.Becoming more Self-Actualizing can result in these benefits:Greater professional successEnhanced creativity and ability to be innovativeStronger acceptance of yourself and othersThe ability to set and act on personal goalsGreater flexibility and adaptivenessImproved perspective and judgmentOpenness to new experiencesIncreased satisfaction and happinessThe ability to relax and enjoy yourself___________________________[pic 12]Those who are truly Self-Actualizing have a unique view of lie, are postive, and often find beauty in things that seem mundane to others.[pic 13]