By the Two Lindas of Personality @LindaGilden @LindaGoldfarb

Recently a friend called. “How do you do this?” she demanded.

“Do what?” I asked.

“How do you sit there all day and write? Don’t you get bored? Are you tired of being by yourself?”

I gave her a quick explanation of why my Organizer personality was so well suited for writing. I also explained why as a Socializer personality, she didn’t like being confined in a chair for long periods of time—alone! Once she understood why she needed multiple breaks and lunches out with her friends she was less hard on herself to fit the writer mold.

It may seem strange to even consider what personality you are if you are a writer. After all, you sit in front of your computer and type just like all the other writers in the world, right?

Well, yes and no. No matter what God has called you to do, it is affected in part by the personality He has given you.

The Mobilizer writer is strong-willed and decisive and once the decision is made to write an article or book, he or she is full speed ahead to check the task off his or her list. The Mobilizer writer is not easily discouraged and goal-oriented and will get the job done.

When doing their research interviews, the Mobilizer writer arrives prepared with a list of questions and when they have the answers, the interview is done. The Mobilizer’s writing is logical and easy to follow.

For instance, the Socializer writer loves the idea of having something in print. However, sitting in the same chair for hours on end with no one around to talk to is extremely difficult for this fun-loving, social personality. It almost seems a waste to keep all his or her enthusiasm still in a chair while waiting for a brilliant idea to come along.

But Socializer writers usually don’t lack for ideas. They just lack the discipline to carry through with those ideas. Sometimes they find it hard to stay on task and not put off the work part of writing. Their genuine love of people makes them love the research interviews but find it hard to focus on transcribing that interview into a wonderful story or book. But once the Socializer writer gets started, his or her writing is colorful, descriptive, and fast-moving.

The Stabilizer writer is a steady and competent writer. He or she works well under pressure, wanting to finish the tasks assigned. Because of his or her peaceful and laid-back style, this writer sometimes looks for the easy way to complete a task (and often finds it!).

The writing of a Stabilizer writer is sensitive and heartfelt. When conducting a research interview, he or she wants to get it done so he or she can finish the project. Stabilizer writers also love to be around people but sometimes prefer just to finish the article so naptime will come more quickly!

The Organizer writer is creative and a deep thinker, always wanting to learn more about his or her subject. Being schedule-oriented, the Organizer writer likes to finish every project he or she starts. While doing research interviews, the Organizer writer wants to know more about his or her subject, sometimes requiring much more time than allotted.

Often the Organizer writer finds his or her perfectionism to be a hindrance. It’s hard to push the “send” button unless it is absolutely perfect and the mindset is that if the writer can just go over it one more time, it will eliminate more mistakes. The writing of the Organizer writer is often deep and full of details and he or she will cover the subject thoroughly.

Do you see yourself in one of these personalities? Are there times when you need to take a step back from your writing habits and allow your personality strengths to make you a better writer?

The Two Lindas of Personality are the creators of the LINKED Personality System and authors of the LINKED Personality Series as well as speakers, coaches, and personality consultants. Their passion is to help individuals build and grow relationships with others through understanding personalities.