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This article is inspired by an article on the Versatile scale from our partners Summit.
The Hogan Versatile Scale is one of the eleven scales used in the survey of Hogan development (HDS), which measures the dark side of personality. In this article, we will discover together the characteristics of a person with a high score on the versatile scale and how to manage this aspect of your personality.
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The Versatile scale measures a person's tendency to be easily agitated and to respond emotionally, especially when faced with stress or pressure. People who score high on this scale may be subject to explosive outbursts of anger or frustration and may have difficulty controlling their emotions. Phoebe Buffay's character in the iconic pop culture series “Friends” is perfect for this. This trend can have a negative impact on their relationships and professional performance.
In contrast, people who score low on the Hogan Versatile Scale are generally calm, composed, and able to handle stressful situations without being overwhelmed, like Sheldon Cooper from another “The Big Bang Theory” series. They are less likely to get angry or frustrated and are usually seen as well-balanced people who are easy to work with. But they may also not show sufficient excitement or passion or convey a lack of urgency.
It is important to note that no scale alone can account for a person's personality and that individuals should not be judged or evaluated based solely on their scores on personality assessments.
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Versatility is a personality trait that can bring passion and energy into our lives, but it can also cause individuals to lose control of their emotions. When they are too excited or agitated, they may shout, act impulsively, or make decisions that they later regret. However, thanks to support and a few simple techniques, they manage to manage their versatility and exploit its power.
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The first step in managing versatility is to recognize the signs of increasing emotional reactivity, which may include physical symptoms such as increased heart rate or shallow breathing. Recognizing that you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated is essential. Identifying triggers and taking preventative measures against escalation is critical. For example, it may be helpful to check if your back is pressed against the chair, which is a sign of restlessness.
Taking the time to breathe deeply is key to dealing with overwhelming emotions. It can be beneficial to physically remove yourself from a stressful environment when possible, or to take a mental step back to assess the situation. The aim is to calm down and regain control of your thoughts and feelings. A useful strategy is to “surf” on your emotions, assessing their intensity and focusing no longer on changing the situation, but on accepting current feelings, allowing you to adapt accordingly.
Having a support network of trustworthy people who can advise and encourage you is essential, especially when you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed. Their advice can help you keep some perspective on your strengths and abilities, and teach you how to moderate your initial enthusiasm to avoid discouragement. A moving scene with Phoebe in Friends is when she expresses her concerns and feelings about an impending separation with babies. Her friends listen to her, offer kind advice, and encourage her, showing her that she will not be alone in this process and that she has done something extraordinarily generous. Their presence and unwavering support are helping Phoebe through this difficult time, highlighting the strength of their friendship and the strong support network she can rely on.
Managing versatility and enthusiasm is key to not losing sight of goals or becoming overly emotional. Controlling these emotions allows you to stay focused on your goals despite setbacks. A scene with Sheldon Cooper from the series “The Big Bang Theory” illustrates his ability to manage emotions in a unique way while witnessing significant emotional growth, this is the time when he is unsettled by an unexpected Christmas present from Penny, plunging him into a crisis. He tries to control his emotions and stay logical by preparing a calculated response with several gift baskets. When he discovered that the gift was a napkin signed by Leonard Nimoy, his emotional reaction prompted him to give Penny a hug, a very rare gesture for him.
It is essential to learn from your failures. Instead of resigning yourself to a result, you should ask yourself why it happened and consider other approaches for the future. As described in the scene in the previous paragraph, demonstrating the complexity of Sheldon as a character: although he is often out of touch with social and emotional conventions, he is able to evolve his emotions and his human connection, while staying focused on his goals.
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The Hogan Versatility Scale assesses the degree of emotional reactivity of a person. However, there are tools to manage and guide this trait constructively, such as recognizing triggers, seeking internal focus, gaining support, and regulating initial enthusiasm. These methods make it possible to manage emotions more effectively in order to improve productivity and performance.
If you need a deeper understanding or advice on coaching methods, feel free to contact us for assistance at your convenience.
