Phlegmatic temperament

The Phlegmatic is one of the two introvert temperaments.

The Phlegmatic can be a very switched off, distant person who tends to retreat in the face of challenges. They operate from the stance of self-protection - they naturally feel vulnerable and anxious and will therefore draw a ring around themselves. They are peace-lovers but not always peace-makers. They don’t like anything confrontational, painful or unpleasant and will stubbornly dig their heels in rather than go into a situation that they do not want to face. This ‘line of least resistance’ approach can lead to procrastination and a lack of motivation.

However, when the Phlegmatic chooses to get involved they are superb. They can be objective, decisive and determined. They have wonderful qualities of warmth, tenderness and empathy. They are solid and reliable. It is all about that decision to get involved. They can be two different people - if they are closed off they are boring, dull and colourless but if they choose to get involved they can be the life and soul of the party.

The Phlegmatic compartmentalises life. They can close down parts of who they are but switch on where they want to get involved. This can be so frustrating for a wife or friend who looks on at the Phlegmatic being so engaged with some people or situations – and not with them!

Podcast 3: Understanding the introvert temperaments

Shealan is conducting a series of interviews with John to explore the importance of understanding yourself and your temperaments. In the third episode John outlines the traits of the two introvert temperaments - the Melancholic and Phlegmatic - and gives a brief explanation of the 'Double introvert' temperament combination.

Click here to download the podcast 'Understanding the introvert temperaments'.

Phlegmatic strengths

* Calm - wonderful ability to detach his emotions from all around him
* Leader - when involved and using his strength to good effect
* Humorous - dry, but not always sweet
* Efficient - can be very organised
* Practical - appreciation of life and constructive
* Easy-going - laid back, almost to the horizontal!
* Dependable - solid as a rock - when involved
* Diplomatic - his dislike of confrontation can come in useful
* Conservative - careful consideration

Phlegmatic weaknesses

* Self-protective - avoid pain at all costs
* Unmotivated - all depends on what he chooses to get involved in
* Indecisive - why take responsibility if you don't need to
* Spectator - requires no effort to observe
* Procrastinator - perhaps it will all go away
* Fearful - feels vulnerable and fragile - leads readily to collapse
* Selfish - got to hold on to what you have
* Lazy - line of least resistance
* Anxious - misuse of the desire for order

Summary

The Phlegmatic has qualities that can be outstanding.

His tenderness can help him identify with other people and their needs. He has a real ability to empathise.
He can be practical, dependable and a real sticker.
His sense of humour can save the day.
He makes a good diplomat.
When he chooses to become involved with something he can be methodical and organised.

The key concept for a Phlegmatic is that they feel fragile, and therefore vulnerable, so they protect themselves and take the line of least resistance, exercising tight control over their involvement with people, possessions and circumstances. They need to make the conscious decision to get involved with people and situations rather than standing on the edge as an observer.

To explore the Phlegmatic temperament in more depth, from the perspective of what a Phlegmatic child needs as they are growing up click here.

It is the Phlegmatic temperament which is most prone to anxiety – click for further information.

Phlegmatic Key concepts

Feels fragile – so protects
Takes line of least resistance
Get involved – don’t stand on the edge
Stubborn – use it for good!

To discover how the Phlegmatic temperament interacts with the other temperaments and explore the temperament blends in more detail click below:

Phlegmatic Temperament