For those of us old enough to remember, Seinfeld was one of the most popular television series of all time. If you go back even farther, The Beatles dominated not only music, but the entire direction of our culture. The reason for this phenomenon of success was discovered a long time ago!
The ancient Greeks believed that everything in the universe was composed of a combination of four basic elements: earth, air, fire and water. Everything that existed could be broken down into these four basic components.
The Greeks attached this concept to everything, including philosophy and the arts. Even human emotions and personality were attached to the four elements. It is considered inborn, something beyond our control, but each one of us has varying levels of each of the four personalities as defined by the elemental assignment of traits.
So if you were to have four individuals that closely represented only one of these personalities each, you have the formula for success. It is easy to identify the predominant element in each one, and the combination of the four elements together makes for a satisfying completeness. In both Seinfeld and the Beatles, this distinction is obvious.
Let's get down to specifics: In Seinfeld you have Jerry (earth,) Kramer (air,) George (fire,) and Elaine (water.) In the Beatles you have Ringo (earth,) Paul (air,) John (fire,) and George (water.) Because each reflects one of these personalities, we relate to them based on our own internal make-up. No matter what our own preferences are, one of these individuals, or a combination of individuals, will appeal to us.
We all have some of each of these four basic elements in our own personality to some degree, and the weighting of the components determine who we are, and how people relate to us.
So how does all of this translate to business? It does in many ways. For example, if you are assembling a team, you do not want individuals of the same elemental disposition. If you have two "fire" on a team, you will only have arguments all of the time, if you have two "air" you will pitch ideas endlessly without ever accomplishing much of anything.
Rather, you want teammates that complement each other, with one filling the personality voids of the other. In this manner, the team can accomplish more combined as a whole, than the sum of its parts.
So where do you fit in all of this? Are you a Kramer, or a Ringo? Or perhaps you are a combination of John and Elaine? It's fun to think about, and if you really don't know you might want to try a D.I.S.C. test!
And in case you didn't know, I'm fire with a touch of air!
(Mel, this was for you!)
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An easy way to remember your theory is to think of the rock group Earth, Wind and Fire. They almost were the best band ever; they were missing only the water to round themselves out.
Simple minded soul that I am, its easy to love Seinfeld because his show was very funny. I still relate some of the scenes with everyday life.
Elaine's BIG SALAD.
It's easy to love The Beatles because their music is wonderful.
SOMETHING
Interesting thoughts and very nice photos... good way to begin my Saturday morning.
Richard that is some heady stuff. Frankly, I have never thought of personalities this way adn have no idea what mine is, alhough I have a sneeking suspicion. I think I will delve into his a little farther
Cool post~
Bo
Morning Richard...Place me as and earth with a spot of hot coals on the side!
This "fire Richard" is having a bit of trouble stoking up this morning...lets call it a "glowing ember Richard." Interesting patterns. I think I'll just gyro out into the world now.
Scott...
Which is why they were never as big as the Beatles! lol
Lenn...
"But noooooo.... You had had to have the BIG salad!" lol, that's one of my favorites too! And I played "Something" with my local guitar buddies last night!
Bill...
Earth, air, fire, water! Hah!
Bo...
Have you ever taken the DISC test? It's pretty amazing.
Yes, very interesting concept. Never thought of it that way.
Bill...
Believe it or not, I would have guessed that! Maybe I sould try guessing everyone I know here at AR!
Richard...
Sounds like you had an interesting night! lol
Mark...
It's elemental! ;)
Richard in the personality type I have heard four core elements and up to 16 with Myers-Briggs. Then we have the proverbial DISC model that many sales training companies use. I find honing into four is a good first step. Figuring out the specific 1 of 16 type requires more time with people. But this analysis and usefulness amazes me at times. Hadn't heard the spin back to the earth, fire, air and water. This is a new approach to me. I guess if the Beatles had three members only they would be out of balance or missing a note. Are you the Fire Richard?
This was a fun read. Thanks for the post. Good stuff!
Seinfeld was my daily dose of comedy for years, the simple yet so funny complications among friends and how it relates to my daily life and friends, made me an avid follower for years. The Beatles there music is still alive and past generations they had heart in the lyrics and will survive all the next generations
Hmm, that's an interesting thought. I certainly liked both Seinfeld and the Beatles.
I have done the DISC test and both my business partner and I compliment each other beautifully. It must be in the stars! ;)
Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer
The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle
That just leaves the enigma of Moe, Larry and Curly.........some doors are best left unopened by mankind.
Terry Edwards in sunny SC
Richard, I'd like to thank you for this. Mel will finally stop whining.
I loved Seinfeld. I love the reruns even today. I can watch them over and over again, and just like the movie Young Frankenstein, I laugh before anything happens due to the anticipation of the joke I know is coming.
I'm not sure if I am earth, wind, fire or water. I tend to lean toward the creative, with almost no organizational abilities. I consider myself a good Indian on a team, definitely not the chief, unless there needs to be a court jester, then I am aways up for that job. I tend to like to get things done rather think about them endlessly and have no patience in a group with people who need to kick it around to death.
I used to hate to watch Seinfeld with my husband. When it was first run, he would sit there, with his arms folded and just stare at the TV. He honestly didn't think it was funny. I used to tell him that the giant sucking sound he heard was the sound of him sucking all of the fun out of the show. Now, with reruns, my kids and I are laughing so hard that he laughs too. He seems to have developed a bit of a sense of humor after being married to me almost 24 years! Go figure. I guess it was develop a sense of humor or kill me!
Now, I can't remember the post I wanted you to write for me. Can you?
Wow! This is so 'Feng Shui' of you. I have never thought of the different personalities in this way. I have always seen myself as more like George Kastanza. (Can't stands ya). I never considered myself to be 'fire', however. I gotta take that test!
Thanks for finally posting. I didn't see it going in this direction at all. I didn't expect to 'learn' something from it.
Susan, fat chance! I will just find something else to whine about.
Richard, these picutres are totally awesome.
Good Morning Richard-You know you really got to stop using words that I have to look up in the dictionary(elemental)Geez! Never thought I was so uneducated til I met you. I guess we learn from each other. This is such a wonderful post. I have those books on Personality styles but I don't remember them being referred to like that. Maybe yours is a different test. Where is it located. I believe I know what I am but thought I'd check it out to be sure. You are getting so profound on your blogs my friend. I know you are digging deep into your well of knowledge and it is awesome. Keep it up. I love it. Big words and all. See you later. Until then KB,KS and always KTF
My mother would be so upset with me for forgetting to say THANK YOU! BTW- Love the pics!!!
Gary...
I love personality tests, and I am High "D" ...fire!
Gary and Melynda...
Thanks, I appreciate the comment.
James...
The Beatles were actually excellent artists and brilliant songwriters,, and you're right, their music will endure!
Nicole...
If you are at KW, you should have CERTAINLY took the Disc test! ;)
Terry...
Well there was Shemp too ... but you're right, let's not go there! lol
Susan...
Oh, for crying out loud, I love Young Frankenstein. Gene Wilder kills me in that, and the "Puttin' on the Ritz" scene kills me. As for your husband and Seinfeld...well, you should have DISC tested him! lol
BTW if it was MY recipe for meatballs or gnocchi, you can just forget about it!
Mel...
I honestly believe it to be true. I'll bet that you NEVER thought I could tie it in to business! lol Thanks for the feature!
Every test I have taken tells me I have an entrepreneur spirit, great sales ability and upper management style. I thought they all had the same results for almost everyone. All this time I thought they were just blowing smoke up my skirt. Maybe not, eh?
Richard: Very cool post. Opens up a whole new way to see things. I don't know what element I would fall into. Will have to figure that one out.
Nancy...
Thank you very much!
Pat...
I was going to say "Elementary" but the meaning didn't fit just write. And I had a heck of a time figuring out which 4 photos to use for "earth, air, fire and water" but I think that the post came out OK! Thanks, as always!
Mel...
You are most welcome!
No, although most people that are successful in real estate would fall into the fire category. But the fire person is NOT a good record-keeper (taxes come to mind!) So if you were to team up with a Jerry, you could improve your business!
Chris Ann...
Hmmm You are air then fire! (The fire comes out in you HOA duties! lol)
That is very helpful. I have also been called a 'big picture' person. Honestly, I didn't like that. It makes it seem as though I don't care about the details when I obviously do. Confession time- I went through four assistants in my first two years in real estate. They seemed to have a hard time keeping up and then didn't follow directions well. When you have that track record the problem has to be with you, right? Perhaps I am not a good interviewer or don't delegate well. It has left me gun shy. I also had two 'fire' partners. That didn't go well at all!
Gees, this is getting to be a pretty deep self examination. I think a phone call next week would be better. I am off to dress up like dog psychic!
Mel...
My guess is that you have a little trouble letting go of control! lol! Have fun with your canine psychology!
You pegged me! Hey, if someone else could do better I would let them. (well... probably not). Thanks, it will be an interesting weekend.
Hi Richard. Lots of people say I sound like Seinfeld, so I guess I am earth. Not sure what that means...
Anyway, thanks for writing.
Ken
Richard- I have taken a type of D.I.S.C. test before and I was totally amazed at how right on the results were. The test named the classical elements of fire, air, water, and earth; as sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric, respectively. I am so much choleric is was scary! But what amazed me the most was my middle son was almost 100% sanguine - air. It was eye opening for me as I realized why he did things the way he did and still does. But also we need to remember that identifing doesn't give us the right to justify certain actions either!
Mel...
Well, you are just a tad transparent!
Ken...
It means you're level headed, even keeled, don't like to make waves, play by the rules... get it? ;)
Richard - so profound!! I love the photos.
I have taken so many of these assessment tests. I am a free spirit and do not like being boxed in. If I have to quote statistics and do charts and graphs I am bored, bored, bored.
Interesting how it takes all kinds and the best teams have a mix on them.
It is amazing how much people want to seek people who are just like them! I believe, as you point out, personalities that complement each other make for more creativity.
April...
Thanks, I know that you are a free spirit which makes you a Paul and a Kramer! And a mix is essential for a team!
Joan...
If everyone is the same, there's no need for the team!
Ok Richard, I am going to have to take that D.I.S.C. test. Just a couple of problems, 1. I am not sure what it is and 2. I am not sure where to find it. I guess I am wind then.
Hey, I resemble that remark!
No need for Don to take the test.
I may have to take this test. I think I am the only person in the world who hates Seinfield (George and Kramer are like finger nails on the chalk board to me) and I didn't like the Beatles.
Don...
The Greeks also believe that the secondary traits were heat, cold, wet and dry so perhaps you could be hot air? lol
Mel...
Well, occasionally, you come across as just a teeny tiny wee bit control freak! ;)
Sherry...
Ah, the Greeks had a 5th element for you (REALLY) ...which didn't fit into any other category...ether!
Shut your mouth! (Oops, there I go again). I have a funny story about that if you want to hear it.
Mel...
Of course, I love a good story!
It is not a good one. Actually, a little dull unless you know me. However, it proves your 'opinion'.
I dated someone for a very short time. He called me one day around 10am on the weekend. I said, "I'll have to call you back. I just bought a new mattress and I am having a problem maneuvering the old one out. The room is too small and the mattress is too heavy." He called back a few hours later. I was still trying to work it out. He said, "I don't know how to put this But do you need help?" It was amazing how quickly I got that thing out of there once he asked.
Damn it! You are right!
Mel...
I would have told him to come move it, then dump him after the job was done! BTW I would probably make you mad at work, I always carry the big boxes of paper up the stairs for the ladies.
It's not about control for me, I was just raised that way!
No, no. I think that is cool. Holding the door open and things of that nature I can appreciate. It was 'assuming' I couldn't do it myself.
Why aren't you on Blip.fm?
Rich, an unteresting post and something most all of us can relate to. What's more universal than Seinfeld & the Beatles?
Richard, your post has been given DA Boot!!!
Featured in Blogs Happens...
Mel...
Wrote a whole post about it! And i am on Blip.FM!
Garren...
Nothing that I can think of right now! lol
Michael...
Thanks, you AR addicted dude, you!
I'm not certain what I am, but, I'm full of hot air if that helps any.
Two little songs on blip doesn't really count. Get to work!
I am an S.....Steady as the day is long. In feng shi I am mother earth. Very cool post Richard!
JL...
I think that the hot air comes from the fire in you!
Mel...
I know, I am a procrastinator!
Mandi...
That is EXACTLY what I would have guessed.
If only my wife felt the same way, she thinks it's just hot air.
Lori F...
Actually, I remember commenting back on this. I wonder what happened? I can't remember if I got one of those Proxy error things, but I said that I had never heard those exact terms used before.
If I take the disk test honestly, it's really accurate and almost scary. There are some hard choices on the test, because in many cases there are two right choices, either for most likely and leasy likely, and it's hard to choose.
Anyway, I'm sorry that my original reply was dumper because I am sure that it was more asture than this!
Richard my friend- I will be honest...I thought you had skipped over me and I was feeling a bit sad is all. I knew you didn't do it on purpose. It's all good now!
I believe these tests are pretty accurate but not fool proof. Because we are humans and we act humanly. Nothing can be set in stone with flesh!