Different strokes

Each individual human being is unique. We are all different. So there is an enormous amount of variability for natural selection to work with and to ensure the survival of the fittest individuals and groups.

But we evolved to exist in groups of 50 to 100 people. Our brains are not wired up to deal with larger numbers. This sets a baseline for types of people – them and us. And the rules for interaction are different for the two groups.

Modern people do not live in cities. They live in sections of cities that can be thought of as neighbourhoods (slang = the hood). These work best when the population is about 100 and the territorial boundaries are well marked (eg by cartoons on walls). Think of inner city youth in their dilapidated hoods. Then think of affluent, middle class housewives in their suburban dream homes.

We are social animals. There is division of labour and hierarchy. Some jobs (eg being a Pharaoh or Shepherd) carry more status and power than others (eg being a slave or a sheep).

We are team players. Teamwork involves different individuals performing different tasks. Different theories suggest 2, 3, 9 and 12 team types. (for details see http://www.toonloon.bizland.com/nutshell/people.htm)

There are those who think that 'team leader' is just another name for 'the boss'. Such people are in serious need of cognitive re-programming! (For details see http://www.toonloon.bizland.com/nutshell/leaders.htm )

We can be divided into personality types. There are many alternative models eg 3,4,5,8,16 types (ref http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_type#See_also .

The Kiersey Temperament Sorter is based on the Myers-Briggs system which in turn borrows ideas from C G Jung). The Kiersey web site provides a free questionnaire to gauge your temperament and a lot of background information on how different temperaments interact. (Ref http://www.keirsey.com/) (I am an INFP. What are you?)

Note that I gathered and edited a large amount of training materials on leadership, management and administration while helping to establish an Educational Advisory Service in Lesotho. (Ref http://www.toonloon.bizland.com/nutshell/  )

I reworked the Lesotho material for use by The Banffshire Partnership Ltd Access* Project (*Advancing Community Capacity for Enterprise Sustainability and Support.) The title of the training course was “Community Economic Development (CED) A Staff Training program for the required Attitude, Skills and Knowledge (ASK)”. (Ref - http://www.srds.co.uk/cedtraining/ )

“different strokes for different folks - proverbial saying, late 20th century, meaning that different ways of doing something are appropriate for different people (the saying is of US origin, and strokes here means, ‘comforting gestures of approval’). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-differntstrksfrdffrntflks.html”