Returning to us to continue your learning? Pick up from where you left off by clicking the following personality types:

How to Learn Personalities and personality traits

We need a change in the way we interact with our fellow human beings. This costs nothing and immediately leads to a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere.

Getting to Know the Nine PBI Types by Discovering Your Own Personality Type

You start with your own personality type. To do this, you read through the self-disclosures of the nine PBI types. As you read, you will recognize the type that most closely matches your own behavior. That is your PBI type. For each of the nine self-disclosures, you will need about two minutes, so in total, it takes approximately 18 minutes to identify your type.

The “PBI Type of the Week” Approach

Once you have identified your own type, focus on learning one PBI personality type per week. For seven days, read through the same self-disclosure of the selected PBI type for the week. This takes about two minutes per day, or 14 minutes per week.

Think about the people around you (children, partner, parents, sports friends, club members, colleagues, clients, suppliers, business partners) who display behaviors similar to the PBI type of the week.

Repeat this until you have complete all nine personality types.

Your Time Investment

After 9 weeks, you will be familiar with all PBI types and will also recognize examples from your own environment. Total time spent: Approximately 2.5 hours. It always works! If you encounter difficulties, send us a message and we will find a way to make it work together. 

Self-Disclosure of Perfectionists

“Instructive and moralizing speaking style“

  • I am a reasonable, objectively thinking person!
  • I was a model child.
  • My behavior is always impeccable.
  • I learned early on to avoid mistakes.
  • Order, morality, and perfection are my fundamental demands.
  • I am always right.
  • I can distinguish between right and wrong.
  • I want to improve my fellow human beings.
  • You are doing it wrong.
  • Listen to me—I know how to do it right.
  • I cannot stand criticism of myself.
  • In my striving for perfection, I can develop missionary zeal.
  • I align myself with rules and principles.
  • I am a judge, prosecutor, teacher, pastor, civil servant, accountant, nature lover.
  • I feel an inner compulsion to turn disorder into order.
  • My inner critic is well-trained and always active.
  • Everything that is faulty or deficient immediately catches my eye.
  • I sometimes come across as a nag.
  • I may have my own flaws, but I am never wrong.
  • I have high ideals.
  • I feel comfortable in nature.
  • I had to take on responsibility in my family very early.
  • I am an idealist.
  • In others, I always discover the flawed, the pathetic, and the disgraceful, and I denounce it accordingly, condescendingly and degradingly.
    You are at fault, pathetic, foolish, sickly.
  • I do not like to nag, but I simply cannot overlook it when something is wrong.
  • I have something of a teacher and a fighter in me.
  • I convince people with my reasonable arguments.
  • Others would call me direct, formal, and idealistic.
  • I tend to be critical of others.
  • I am very time-conscious and need specifications to get things done.
  • I am serious and disciplined.
  • It makes me internally furious when others do not follow my instructions exactly.
  • I think it is better to open people’s eyes when they make a mistake.
  • I know that sometimes I judge too quickly and am too impatient.
  • Morality is an objective concept.
  • I am a perfectionist.

Self-Disclosure of Helpers

“Flattering and advising speaking style“

  • I am a compassionate, loving person!
  • I work as a doctor, nurse, secretary, butler, psychologist, social worker, psychotherapist, or educator.
  • I am a good host.
  • Love and recognition of my person are important to me.
  • I express my feelings.
  • I nurture my relationships.
  • I want to be needed and appreciated.
  • Don’t worry, I am completely here for you.
  • We will manage this together.
  • You poor thing, you are truly to be pitied and need help.
  • I don’t need anyone.
  • Somehow, that’s just my role—to care, to be responsible, to take charge.
  • I wear my heart on my sleeve.
  • I am friendly, enthusiastic, and full of good intentions.
  • I find it easy to make friends.
  • I am helpful and caring.
  • I enjoy doing favors and bringing joy to others.
  • I am interested in the struggles and needs of my fellow human beings.
  • I like it when people depend on me.
  • I am empathetic and listen to what others say about themselves.
  • I like to get involved in other people’s affairs.
  • I need people around me who show me their affection.
  • I willingly sacrifice time for social or emotional concerns.
  • I am quite sentimental.
  • I cannot bear to see someone suffering. That’s why I step in and help.
  • I can be quite possessive with my loved ones.
  • At my core, I am a warm-hearted, happy person.
  • I enjoy being in the company of others.
  • I often give my fellow human beings advice and personal recommendations.
  • I am rather spontaneous and good at improvising.
  • I am a source of comfort for people who are unlucky.
  • I openly display my emotions.
  • I am outgoing toward other people.
  • I also like to flatter my fellow human beings.
  • I love giving praise and do so often.

 

 

Self-Disclosure of Self-Promoters

“Persuasive and enthusiastic speaking style“

  • I am an admirable and enviable person! 
  • Be like me – I know how to be successful. 
  • I am a managing director, board member, representative, salesperson, marketing manager, advertising executive, actor, singer, model.  
  • I was a wanted child, and my mother adored me. 
  • Recognition of my achievements and admiration are particularly important to me. 
  • I simply need that. Admiration is like a drug for me. 
  • I strive to be accepted by others and to impress them. 
  • Appearance is more important than content. 
  • Sometimes, I feel like I am playing a role that I identify with. 
  • I always present my best side. 
  • I always behave competitively. 
  • Image, prestige, and status are especially important to me. 
  • I am a self-promoter, an actor, a careerist. 
  • I am a radiant personality, full of optimism. 
  • I am a successful person and a winner. 
  • My most important words: Work, vitality, achievement, competition, efficiency, image, success, outfit, competence, optimism, design, packaging, enthusiasm, project. 
  • I skillfully and effectively stage my own marketing strategy. 
  • Smaller or larger lies can be quite helpful in this. 
  • I do not know failure. 
  • I have rationalized away my emotions because they could damage my image. 
  • I have a good sense of which role is currently well-received. 
  • I am pragmatic, capable, and goal-oriented. 
  • I can also be narcissistic, vain, arrogant, and exhibitionistic. 
  • Look at everything I own. 
  • Look at all the people I know. 
  • Look at all the places where I am involved. 
  • Look at all the heroic deeds I have accomplished. 
  • I am constantly under time and performance pressure. 
  • I am professional. 
  • I am a charmer. 
  • I am adaptable and can handle almost any situation well. 
  • I owe my success to my talent for making a good impression. 
  • I know that I sometimes come across as quite cold and distant. 
  • If I had to choose between my career and my friends, I would choose my career. 
  • I tend to take a confrontational approach. 
  • I am more focused on goals than on people. 
  • I like talking about myself and enjoy being the center of attention.

Self-Disclosure of Individualists

“Elaborate and expansive speaking style“

  • I am creative, inspired, and imaginative.
  • I am quite impractical and somewhat of a dreamer.
  • Wiener Schnitzel – how ordinary.
  • My clothing is well colour-coordinated.
  • My clothing is striking – colourful, loud, and eccentric.
  • I stand out. You cannot overlook me.
  • I want to experience something special / be someone special.
  • I want to meet interesting people.
  • I am depressed.
  • Ecstatic one moment, deeply miserable the next.
  • On gloomy autumn days, I feel a melancholic-depressive mood.
  • I am a romantic.
  • I like to talk at length about moods.
  • Creativity, aesthetics, and self-realization are my dominant themes.
  • I never wanted to become like my parents.
  • The ordinary holds no appeal for me.
  • Harmony and beauty shape my life.
  • I hate everything that is stale, outdated, conventional, ugly, average, tasteless, or normal.
  • I shine with class and style.
  • I am at home in the world of symbols, fantasies, and dreams.
  • I refuse to be like everyone else.
  • My favourite words: Attractive, interesting, original, something special, class, style, extravagant, taste, aesthetic.
  • I am a sensitive, intuitive, and unique person!
  • I have moods and experience strong mood swings.
  • Caviar substitute – that is simply impossible.
  • I never get into conflicts with anyone.
  • I dislike aggression.
  • I am an artist, painter, singer, musician, poet, playwright, dancer, actor, inventor, developer, aristocrat, bohemian.
  • I am creative, inspired, and imaginative.
  • One of my greatest strengths is my emotional depth.
  • I avoid situations that are unfamiliar to me.
  • I always need some time before I can adjust.
  • I am romantic and surrender myself to strong emotions.
  • A major strength of mine is the ability to describe inner processes.
  • I absolutely need an aesthetically pleasing environment.
  • I spend a lot of time exploring myself.
  • I follow my intuition more than my rational mind.
 

Self-Disclosure of Thinkers

“Explanatory and systematizing speaking style“

  • I am an observer, scientist, scholar, analyst, technician, problem solver, IT specialist, consultant, artist, or writer.
  • I am eccentric.
  • I am an abstract theorist.
  • I keep my distance from other people.
  • Many people do not easily warm up to me.
  • Wisdom dictates that one should view things rationally and without emotions.
  • Do not come too close to me.
  • For me, only facts matter.
  • I can take care of myself.
  • I owe nothing to anyone.
  • I like to retreat into my shell.
  • Let me have my peace first.
  • Surely, you can keep yourself occupied for a while.
  • If someone breaks through my distance, it triggers hatred or panic in me.
  • I often appear reserved and dismissive.
  • People perceive me as a loner.
  • I have autistic traits.
  • I am considered taciturn and “grumpy.”
  • As a child, I spent a lot of time around adults and was not allowed to disturb them.
  • I got used to carefully observing my surroundings.
  • I want to perceive everything.
  • I feel uncomfortable in crowds.
  • I find it difficult to talk about emotions.
  • However, I can discuss factual topics for hours.
  • My favorite words are knowledge, order, facts, information, reality, observation, discovery, theory.
  • I can tighten my belt and get by with very little.
  • I am an expert.
  • I am a specialist and analyst.
  • I am an intelligent, perceptive person!
  • One of my greatest strengths is my sharp intellect.
  • I only act when I have thoroughly thought everything through.

Self-Disclosure of Traditionalists

“Warning and limiting speaking style“

  • I am considered reliable, loyal, and security-conscious.
  • I am a doubter.
  • I am tradition-bound and conservative.
  • I am a true companion.
  • My fundamental motivation is the pursuit of security.
  • I am dutiful but also distrustful and critical.
  • “Yes – but” are words I frequently use (expressing ambivalence).
  • I warn against…
  • I must… I must not… I cannot… (external decisions).
  • I always find the flaw in the plan.
  • I am a judge, prosecutor, lawyer, detective, police officer, crime investigator, crime writer, or even a criminal.
  • When I feel disadvantaged, I become a troublemaker, rebel, or complainer.
  • I am a lovable, reliable person!
  • I am cautious, hesitant, skeptical, and suspicious.
  • Faith in authority and a strong sense of security shape me.
  • I am rather pessimistic.
  • I am highly responsible.
  • I do not like making decisions.
  • I prefer to identify with an authority figure or belief system that makes decisions for me.
  • How am I supposed to manage this?
  • Everything is getting too much for me.
  • I am weak and helpless – on my own, I am not up to life.
  • I lack self-confidence.
  • I cannot do it alone.
  • I cannot manage it.
  • Help me, you must take care of me.
  • You are strong and competent.
  • Please do not leave me alone.
  • Support and protect me.
  • Help me, take my hand, just do not leave me alone!
  • Without you, I am lost.
  • How terrible everything is (complaining).
  • How awful it is when everything happens all at once.
  • How miserable and overwhelmed I feel in such moments.
  • I usually hesitate and do not like taking the initiative.
  • In difficult situations, I need support from others.
  • I am afraid of being exploited.

Self-Disclosure of Bon Vivants

“Chatty and storytelling speaking style“

  • I am a happy and passionate person!
  • As a child, I was dirt poor and received little care.
  • I want to be happy, have fun, and enjoy myself.
  • I avoid commitments. I don’t like to be tied down.
  • You only live once – but if you do it right, once is enough.
  • Don’t worry, be happy.
  • I want to experience life and enjoy everything.
  • Pain? I don’t acknowledge it. Problems? They don’t exist for me.
  • I have a vivid imagination and radiate joy for life.
  • I am an incorrigible optimist.
  • I am charming and humorous.
  • Happiness and pleasure bring me joy.
  • I am a bon vivant.
  • I work freelance or as a pilot, flight attendant, or photographer.
  • I don’t know pain, boredom, or deprivation.
  • I am full of idealism and future plans.
  • I am like a butterfly, fluttering from flower to flower.
  • I simply push negative or painful experiences aside.
  • I constantly need variety, excitement, and new experiences.
  • I need my adrenaline rush – I have champagne in my veins.
  • I create my own reality, filled with pleasure.
  • I can’t have fun fast enough to keep up with my desires.
  • I love reminiscing and glorifying the past.
  • I block out anything distressing, unpleasant, painful, or lacking.
  • I am a lively, fun-loving person who always spreads good cheer.
  • I am enthusiastic and very spontaneous.
  • Material possessions are important to me so I can afford pleasures.
  • Sometimes I am extravagant, boastful, excessive, and indulgent.
  • Don’t be so terribly reasonable.
  • Life is here and now.
  • Yes, yes, but let’s talk about me – how do you like my new book?
  • I have a bit of a storyteller and entertainer in me.
  • I like to let go and have no boundaries.
  • I am like the weather – always changing.
  • I am more positive and enthusiastic than most of my friends.
  • I am talkative and sociable.
  • I need stimulation and excitement.
  • I openly express my desires.
  • I speak openly about my private life.
  • I am adventurous and willing to take risks.
  • I love variety and am always seeking new experiences.

Self-Disclosure of Power People

“Challenging and unmasking speaking style“

  • I am a strong and self-confident person!
  • As a child, I already learned how to assert my needs.
  • Very early on, I realized that strength is my survival strategy.
  • I am independent and act in my own best interest.
  • My goal is to influence my environment and exert power.
  • I am always operating at full throttle.
  • I protect my friends; I fight my enemies.
  • Desire and passion for the struggle define me.
  • Some people say I can be overbearing and intrusive.
  • I am full of confidence and strength.
  • I control my relationships with others.
  • I am power-oriented.
  • I am a businessman, financier, adventurer, hunter, angler, athlete, or mountaineer.
  • I love confrontations and am combative and argumentative.
  • I am full of initiative and adventurous spirit.
  • Do what I tell you, or I will punish you for disobedience.
  • My word is my bond.
  • I openly and directly address what I don’t like.
  • I have a strong sense of truth and justice.
  • I cannot tolerate any other power or authority over me.
  • Struggles and confrontations excite me.
  • Diplomacy is not my strength.
  • I only see friend or foe, good or evil, strong or weak.
  • I push through my opinions, ideas, and visions.
  • At social gatherings, I am one of the last to go to bed.
  • I don’t take crap from anyone.
  • I fight back. I show others who’s in charge.
  • That’s the way it’s done, no other way.
  • You have to…
  • You simply cannot…
  • Pull yourself together. Keep your composure.
  • I willingly take charge and have no issues making decisions.
  • I avoid showing weakness to others.
  • I am like a rock—solid and steadfast.
  • I am always in control of the situation.
  • I take the initiative and impose my will.
  • I want more power and influence.
  • Life is a battle, but with courage, great things can be achieved.

Self-Disclosure of Peacemakers

“Monotonous and meandering speaking style“

  • I am a peace-loving and carefree person!
  • My childhood was an idyllic time.
  • My emotional needs were always met by my parents.
  • I want harmony and peace at all costs.
  • I avoid conflicts and tensions.
  • I seek agreement with those around me.
  • I steer clear of unpleasant situations.
  • I rarely take the initiative.
  • I am versatile and adaptable.
  • I am not easily rattled.
  • Peacefulness is my trademark.
  • Sometimes I may appear lazy or sluggish.
  • I am a good peacemaker.
  • I prefer not to draw attention to myself.
  • I ignore conflicts or wait for them to resolve on their own.
  • I find it difficult to make decisions.
  • I am a good integrator, mediator, or moderator.
  • I inspire trust in others.
  • With my calm demeanor, I can diffuse conflicts.
  • Let me be there for you.
  • I am unimportant—only through serving others do I feel useful.
  • It’s all about you.
  • I know it’s a silly question, but I just wanted to ask…
  • I’m terribly uneducated, but…
  • I’m sorry to take up your valuable time…
  • For heaven’s sake, let’s avoid an argument.
  • You’re amazing. I’m just a nobody.
  • I am like still waters—deep and reflective.
  • I have a deep desire to be close to people.
  • People seem to naturally like me.
  • I often put myself in others’ shoes.
  • I tend to hold back.
  • At first glance, I seem sunny and carefree.
  • I just want to be content and at peace.
  • If you only think of yourself, you will end up lonely and unhappy.
  • When something bothers me, I simply shut down.
  • I enjoy being around other people.
  • Sometimes, I daydream a lot.
  • I fear conflicts.
  • I have no personal ambitions, but I work hard for my loved ones.
  • People can read me like an open book.

 

Note from the author’s:
 
“PBI must remain simple. This site is your tool. Learn the knowledge within to create greater harmony in relationships, teams, and organizations.”
 
– Wolfgang Hinz & Jesse van Nek

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