1. What’s the difference between inner and outer expectations? Give an example for each.
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Inner expectations are goals or rules you set for yourself.
Example: You decide to study for one hour every night because you want better grades. -
Outer expectations are things other people expect you to do.
Example: Your teacher gives you homework that must be finished by tomorrow.
2. What’s the motto of each Tendency?
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Upholder: “Discipline is my freedom.”
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Questioner: “I’ll comply if you convince me why.”
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Obliger: “You can count on me, and I’ll try not to let you down.”
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Rebel: “You can’t make me, and neither can I.”
3. What is the percentage split of the Four Tendencies among the general population?
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Obliger: about 40% (largest group)
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Questioner: about 24%
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Upholder: about 19%
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Rebel: about 17%
4. Which Tendency has the hardest time trying to accomplish their own goals? Why?
Obligers usually have the hardest time with their own goals because they respond strongly to outer expectations but struggle to meet inner expectations unless someone else holds them accountable.
5. Which Tendency is the most difficult to work with? Why?
Many people find Rebels the most difficult to work with because they resist both inner and outer expectations and prefer complete freedom to choose what they want to do.
6. Summarize the key characteristics of each Tendency in your own words.
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Upholder: Very disciplined and organized. They follow rules and meet both personal and external expectations easily.
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Questioner: Curious and logical. They like to understand reasons before doing something.
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Obliger: Reliable for others and good team players, but they may ignore their own goals.
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Rebel: Independent and value freedom. They do things when they feel it’s their choice.
7. Which of the Four Tendencies are you? How do you know? (example answer)
I think I am a Questioner. I usually like to understand the reason behind a task before doing it. If something makes sense to me, I will work hard on it, but if I don’t see the purpose, I feel less motivated to do it.