" Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate "
Albert Schweitzer

John seems to be motivated by social values. This means that he values being helpful, kind and agreeable. He thinks it's important to try to find the good in everyone, and has faith that if he digs deep enough, he will find it. He likely strives to reduce conflict as much as possible. John gives of himself, whether on a small scale (e.g. by helping a colleague with a project), or on a global scale (e.g. by volunteering for a human rights organization). In helping others overcome obstacles, he hopes to assist them in becoming the best they can be. It is important to John to have contact with people at work. He really enjoys and benefits from being with other people and as a result, seeks out opportunities where this is possible (e.g. by taking on group projects, attending business conventions, etc.). He is likely to be a trusted colleague.

Potential strengths for people with Social Values

Individuals with social values tend to be good communicators. They relate well to others and use these skills best in the helping professions, as doctors, teachers, nurses, social workers, counselors, and other careers that involve extensive contact with the community. Not all individuals with social values hold these types of positions but if not, their values probably surface in other aspects of their lives, whether at home or in the community.

Potential difficulties for people with Social Values

Individuals with social values are sometimes so focused on helping people that they may have trouble with organizational tasks or finding ways to cut expenses in today's budget-conscious world (especially if they score low in Realistic or Traditional values). In addition, they may take on too much and become weighed down or burned out by the injustices or conflict they encounter. They tend to take other people's burdens on their shoulders, and may become overwhelmed if they perceive themselves to be powerless to help. Their faith in people may backfire if they trust the wrong person before they get to know them.

John values his relationship with friends and family highly, and likely derives a great deal of joy from being surrounded by those he loves. If he is not busy working on maintaining and improving his existing relationships, he is out creating new ones.

John has the potential to be quite empathetic, as he easily recognizes the needs and sufferings of others. He also realizes that in order to best help others, he needs to be able to understand the way they think and feel, and he likely makes it a point to do so.

John is rather altruistic in nature, showing both a concern for the needs and lives of others, and a desire to extend his assistance. He takes advantage of experiences that will aid him in understanding the people around him and human nature in general, and rarely turns others down when they ask for his ear or his assistance.

John is highly involved in his community and in its social causes. He likely makes it a point to keep himself informed about what goes on in his community, speaks out on injustices and changes he would like to see, and does his utmost to be neighborly.

John enjoys a moderate amount of socializing, but likely also enjoys and requires some time to himself. He wants to keep up-to-date on the lives of those in his social network and spend quality time with them, but he doesn't have the desire to spend all of his leisure time socializing.

It would be nice to be accepted by others and to feel like he is part of the group, whether among friends or colleagues, but this isn't absolutely vital to John. Granted, it would probably bother him somewhat if others' opinion of him wasn't stellar, but his sense of self-acceptance likely doesn't hinge on the approval of others, at least not entirely.

John identifies with some aspects of theoretical values. People with theoretical values regard logical thought and the pursuit of knowledge very highly. They respect the value of education, both formal and informal, and believe in learning for the sake of learning. They don't make decisions based on a set ideology; rather, they try to base your opinions, beliefs, and decisions on "truth". Rather than listening and blindly following what others are saying, people with theoretical values make their own choices based on all the information available to them. This translates to a very deliberate, logical way of thinking. They want to understand how things in the world work, and are not afraid to ask why something is the way it is.

Potential strengths for people with Theoretical Values

People with theoretical values fill both free time and work with opportunities for learning and intellectual growth. These individuals will be comfortable working in an academic environment, in research positions, or as architects, doctors, or computer programmers. They thrive on challenging projects, and can be a great asset when dealing with complex or abstract problems. There are no flights of fancy for these types - their approach to their work is logical, efficient, and well thought out. Given that their curiosity and desire for knowledge is insatiable, their potential to achieve amazing things is forever expanding.

Potential difficulties for people with Theoretical Values

Some individuals with theoretical values prefer to work on their own as opposed to in a group. They may have difficulty expressing their emotions verbally (and may not be entirely comfortable with emotional expression in general). Theoretical individuals can become frustrated with those who don't quickly catch on to new things. Given that they are quite confident in their own intellect - sometimes to the point of superiority - they can be intimidating to others, especially if their theoretical values aren't paired with strong social values.

People with this value feel that their talents are wasted if they are forced to work in a job that doesn't stimulate their intellect. They need to be interested in their work, or they will become extremely bored and unsatisfied. In addition, they are often unproductive and do not reach their full potential if they are not challenged. In order to keep them satisfied, happy, and productive, managers need to feed their desire to learn, and allow them to take classes, attend seminars, and other knowledge-building opportunities.

John is not someone who requires constant intellectual stimulation, nor is he one to let his mind be completely idle. He enjoys thinking about intellectual topics, but is not always expending brain energy on purely academic or theoretical issues.

John may not spend all his free time seeking out opportunities to learn new things, but he does have some desire for knowledge. He may actually become passionate about researching a few subjects that pique his interest, and may sometimes find himself seeking out new knowledge for the pure pleasure of learning.

John expresses some interest in the scientific world. It may not be one of his main focuses in life, but he is interested in some of the latest technologies, theories, and ideas that the scientific world has to offer.

John feels it is of general importance for the world to continue to progress and come up with new theories, ideas, and inventions. Modernization, after all, is inevitable. Overall, he has some interest in the latest innovations that the world is coming up with, but is not someone who makes this a full-timed pursuit.

You appreciate some aspects of aesthetic values. Those who are motivated by aesthetic values wish to surround themselves with beauty, form, and balance. They have a creative, unusual way of thinking, and want the environment that they surround themselves with to be reflective of that. Without creative outlets, they feel extremely stifled. If aesthetic people work or live in an unattractive, dreary environment, it could have a very negative effect on them. Those with aesthetic values have an adventurous nature, and wish to see a lot of different things in their lifetime. As a result, they are drawn to art, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression.

Potential strengths for people with Aesthetic Values

People with aesthetic values are open to many different paths in life. Individuals with this value are assets in brainstorming sessions with their "outside-the-box" thinking, and on any project or problem that needs a novel and original solution. They also have an uncanny ability to see beauty in the ordinary, to move others and set fire to their imaginations, to envision the impossible and fanciful, and to put their heart and soul into every creative endeavor. These are people who value being unique, unusual, and radical, and seek to be surrounded by equally creative, whimsical creations and people. Careers that people with aesthetic values enjoy include: artist, musician, TV producing, art directing, advertising, design, and museum or gallery work.

Potential difficulties for people with Aesthetic Values

A career with lots of freedom and the opportunities to be creative is essential for those with Aesthetic values. Attempts by employers to force aesthetic individuals to be more efficient or productive may backfire, as they have a different way of thinking and need to work in an unstructured environment. Thus, tasks that require a systematic and structured approach would not be their forte. They can be very productive, but on their own terms and at their own pace. Sometimes, aesthetic people may also seem to live in their own little world, and can lose touch with everyday duties and realities. Their idealistic and sometimes impractical view and approach to work (and the world in general) can clash with the approach of more down-to-earth, pragmatic people.

John either makes it a point to look for and recognize the beauty that surrounds him, or simply does so naturally. His appreciation for all forms of beauty provides him with a unique and exquisite view of the world that not very many people possess.

When it comes to work projects, John thrives best when he has balance. Sometimes, he wants to put his creativity into action and tackle projects that require him to generate new ideas and solutions, or take a unique, out-of-the box approach. Other times, he prefers to work on tasks that are more straightforward. He would be an asset in a variety of work environments, as he has the advantage of being both practical and creative.

Part idealist, part realist, John is someone who is generally grounded but who also enjoys stimulating his mind with thought-provoking conversation, entertainment, and philosophies that border on romanticism. To be completely focused on the "real" world can result in cynicism and melancholy; to be completely focused in the world of idealism would be impractical. Fortunately, John has the best of both worlds.

John expresses some interest in the arts, and will spend some of his leisure time and money on events that showcase the finer arts. He may not enjoy all art forms, but shows a genuine interest in exploring some of what the creative world has to offer.

Although it may be more of a hobby than full-fledged aspiration, John does enjoy expressing his creativity from time to time in some art form, be it fine arts, performing arts, or even everyday tasks like baking, carpentry, or interior design. He takes pride in being able to create something personal and beautiful.

John can sometimes be quite original when it comes to creative work. He values his individuality, and will take advantage of opportunities to express it when inspiration strikes.

John seems to share some characteristics with individuals that have traditional values. Those who uphold this value live their life according to an established belief system, whether it is religious, philosophical, or moral. They don't tend to question their beliefs; they simply live their life in the way that they feel is right and according to the values that were instilled in them over time by their parents and culture. In situations where most people's morals would waver, traditional people strive to staunchly stick by them. They have a clear idea of what is important to them and what they want to accomplish, and do their best to carry out these ideals in the most principled manner possible.

Potential strengths for people with Traditional Values

Individuals with traditional values tend to prefer stability and routine. Money is often considered important to some people with traditional values, as it is a means of obtaining stability. Individuals with traditional values are typically conservative, and tend to follow rules rather then make them. Their obedient nature and conscientiousness allows them to work well within a system in key organizational roles. They don't give up easily, and are persistent even in the face of challenges. Common positions for individuals with traditional values include accountant, secretary, and data entry clerk.

Potential difficulties for people with Traditional Values

People with traditional values are generally loyal to their colleagues and employers, but may have trouble understanding and/or accepting individuals whose values are radically divergent. This may cause conflict at work or in situations where traditional individuals are forced to be around people who are totally different from them. Traditionalists can most certainly be commended for sticking to their principles, but they need to accept that others will have diverse beliefs and viewpoints. Those with traditional values can sometimes be slow or even reluctant to change, which can result in being left behind by advances in technology, corporate philosophy, or worldviews.

John is someone who needs at least some sense of stability in his life in order to feel at ease. With stability comes a sense of control - he would probably be rather uncomfortable in situations where he faces sudden changes or ambiguity. John thrives on structure, tends to approach tasks in a methodical, step-by-step manner, and prefers to make detailed plans for his life.

When it comes to his morals and ethics, there are some circumstances and issues in which John is very clear about where he stands; in other cases he is more flexible. He may still be sorting out what he wants to believe in, or has become disenchanted with some of the ethics and morals he was raised with. Whatever the case, living by his ethics and morals is of importance to John, but he may also feel that the world shouldn't be viewed in the often strict, black-and-white terms that are the basis of some ethical principles.

Neither too conservative nor too much of a thrill-seeker, John is someone whose interests and hobbies can vary. Sometimes, he opts for the comfort of familiarity. Other times, he prefers to expand his horizons and try something new. Overall, he is likely a fairly flexible person who is willing to go off the beaten path from time to time and take a few risks.

Complying with every single rule he comes across is not in John's nature. In particular, he may challenge a rule if it seems totally pointless or silly to him. While he may not be an intentional rule-breaker, he is certainly not a person who will follow all regulations scrupulously. He would probably feel rather stifled in an environment with strict codes of conduct and arbitrary rules.

John does not have strong religious or spiritual beliefs. Whether he grew up in an environment where these beliefs were not important or, on the contrary, had them forced upon him, their teachings simply do not resonate with him. This does not imply that he lacks a moral code, but rather, that he chooses to base any principles that he may have on other doctrines or schools of thought.

John appears to be somewhat motivated by realistic values. People with realistic values are most concerned with being productive and useful, and desire to achieve efficient return on the investment of their time, money and effort. They are practical, reasonable, and think their actions through before they act. Investing for their future is one of their top priorities.

Potential strengths for people with Realistic Values

Individuals with realistic values weigh each decision they make based on the merits of efficiency and usefulness. If a method or choice doesn't prove economical or productive, they won't support it. In terms of careers, individuals who have realistic values excel in practical occupations with hands-on tasks and/or those that require good motor coordination. They can be interested in business, but are probably not as focused on achieving power or status as in simply earning a good, honest living (depending, however, on whether they also have strong political values). Realistic people tend to be industrious, and rarely bat an eye when faced with a demanding task. They can be trusted to put a dedicated and consistent effort into everything they do, and won't stop until their task is done. It is not uncommon for some realistic people to go above and beyond the call of duty, without being asked.

Potential difficulties for people with Realistic Values

Realistic people have little patience for endeavors that waste time, money or effort. If an idea doesn't prove sensible or has the potential for failure, they may be reluctant to get involved. Those with this value can sometimes be opportunists, in the sense that they would be willing to help others if it proves profitable in return - they are always looking for the best deal and payback, after all. Rather than working for the pride of accomplishing something amazing, some people with this value may only see the benefits of the end result - money.

Establishing financial security is very important to John. He recognizes the value of money as a necessary tool for everyday living and for assuring his future. It is unlikely that he would get involved in extreme situations or endeavors that risk financial instability, as the liability would make him quite uneasy.

John recognizes the value of hard work and is likely a reasonably industrious person, but he is also a proponent of work/life balance. In essence, he works to live, not lives to work. If it is required of him put in some extra effort around the house or at his job he will concede, but he won't make it a habit to go above and beyond the call of duty.

John recognizes the value of approaching life in a methodical manner - planning ahead, looking at situations objectively, and being both proactive and hands-on when there is work to be done. He may not always make the most practical decisions, but when life starts to get too complicated, he values and craves simplicity and order.

When he puts a great deal of his time, energy, and effort into some form of work, John feels that it is fair to be duly compensated, but he is not entirely motivated by financial incentives. On occasions where he chooses to work hard or to help others of his own accord, he may not necessarily want something in return. While he values fair and equal recompense and believes that he should get back what he gives out, it isn't of crucial importance to John.

On the one hand, John enjoys taking some time to relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor, but if left idle for too long with nothing productive to work on, he would probably become restless. He is not someone who questions his usefulness if he is not extremely busy, or who considers being productive a top priority. He does, however, take pride in the accomplishments that are the byproduct of his efforts.

John is not known for his handiness. While he may have an appreciation for those who possess this particular aptitude, he doesn't consider it an essential skill for him to personally nurture.

John is not strongly influenced by political values. What is most important for people with political values is to be successful at whatever endeavor they choose. Moreover, they hope to not only achieve success but to be the best at what they do. They have the determination and tenacity to accomplish great things - in fact, they just simply refuse to see their life in any other way. Their eyes are constantly set on the prize, and they won't stop moving forward until they've made a name for themselves, are well respected, and recognized.

Potential strengths for people with Political Values

Individuals with political values tend to make good leaders, and are confident and assertive. Their charm, drive, and energy allow them to excel in business, law, politics, finance, and management type jobs - occupations they seek out for the opportunity to gain status, wealth and power. Employers love these individuals for their motivation and devotion to their job. They take their work very seriously, are not afraid of a challenge (especially if it brings them kudos), and refuse to add the word "failure" to their regular vocabulary. These are take-charge individuals who won't stand idly by when there are opportunities for success to take advantage of. Place them in a group or in a team that is struggling and they'll immediately take charge and strive to make it a success. Like a bloodhound on the scent, sniffing out the path to victory and power is second nature to people with political values.

Potential difficulties for people with Political Values

Political individuals sometimes have trouble separating work from playtime. While it might appear that they have other interests, those at the most extreme end of the political spectrum rarely stop thinking about work. Even in their free time, they are constantly networking and trying to achieve a lifestyle in line with their desire for high status. Even those at the less extreme end of the spectrum can benefit from separating their free time from their work. People who are highly motivated by political values and lack other, more humanistic values may also have few qualms about stepping on others in order to get to the top of the career ladder. Above all, they seek to be powerful and to be at the top of the food chain. Coworkers required to work with political individuals might not feel a great sense of camaraderie with them. Political individuals can often be seen as intimidating to competitors - someone to be reckoned with.

John's career may not play a prominent role in his identity, but being successful in this area of his life is important to him. He wants to be able to take pride in what he accomplishes in his career. At the same time, however, he is not one to allow his job to take precedence over other priorities in his life.

John either has not, as of yet, accomplished something that he feels he can be proud of, or simply does not consider a sense of accomplishment to be of major importance. He does not make a point to seek out opportunities to prove himself, or to leave his mark on the world.

Having power over others is not something John considers of great importance. Perhaps he views positions of influence as too much stress or responsibility, or has seen how easily people with power can get carried away. Whatever the case, he is not someone who needs to be in a position of influence in order to be content, and may simply prefer to follow rather than lead.

John is not the type of person who places his own needs above those of others. While his own happiness and success likely matter to him, he will not walk all over others to obtain these goals. Anything but self-serving, he actually may be the kind of person who puts aside his personal desires to make others happy - at least on most occasions.

John is not one to sing his own praises or to view himself as being superior to others. This doesn't necessarily indicate that he doesn't think highly of himself; rather, it could simply mean that he doesn't feel the need to prove his worth or to flaunt it.

Whatever John does accomplish in his life, he neither seeks nor requires recognition for it. The pride that comes with achieving something may be its own reward to John - he doesn't need others to approve of him or to praise him, and may actually shy away from such attention.

John is not competitive by nature, and may actual shy away from situations that require him to express this trait. He places little importance on outdoing others and being the best at something, and he doesn't feel the need to have to prove himself or his abilities.