Each of us has a natural or preferred way of communicating with others and with our own self talk. The predictable characteristics of the LIFE Languages™ listed here can be used to give a general idea of what your preferred style might be. Since everyone has a combination of all seven, we can show characteristics of more than one. We’ll get into that in a later post.
Each LIFE Language™ has positive and predictable traits and strengths. For today, let’s identify the seven and look at the 3 major characteristic descriptions of each.
The seven communication areas identified include these major categories:
2 Kinetic (act first),
Mover is Direct, Assertive, and Standard Bearer. They love to innovate and make decisions quickly.
Doer is Dedicated, Observant and Conscientious. If they see a need they jump in to meet it, and are often very practical.
2 Emotive (feel first)
Influencer is Creative, Optimistic and Relational. They are intuitive, enthusiastic and enjoy being with others.
Responder is Compassionate, Sensitive and Warm. They’re creative, want to please others, and show mercy.
3 Cognitive (think first )
Shaper is Organized, Visionary and Focused. They can quickly assess a situation, create a plan and a strategy for accomplishing it.
Producer is Generous, Thoughtful, and Responsible. They are hospitable, resourceful and good with finances.
Contemplator is Intelligent, Reflective and Peaceful. They love research, are very loyal, and philosophical, with a dry sense of humor.
Each has a mental filter, or subconscious question the brain asks as information comes its way.
And it shapes how you respond. The seven filters are:
Mover – “What’s your motive?”
Doer – “Are you doing your share?”
Influencer – “Are we communicating?”
Responder – “Do you really care?”
Shaper – “Do you have a plan?”
Producer – “Are you managing your life?”
Contemplator – “Am I really interested in this?”
Understanding your preferred language will add perspective to how you think, react, respond, and relate.
You’ll identify strengths, what triggers distress (yes, we can even identify patterns here, too), and how to make who you are work for you.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is necessary to lay the groundwork for further understanding. I promise it can be fun and bring some “Ah ha!” moments along the way.