By Marilyn Sievert
What if someone called you a classic lion? Would you know what he was talking about? Would you be curious to know other people’s perceptions about your otter personality? Would you ask a trustworthy coworker about why someone referred to your animal personality, if they said you are a faithful golden retriever? What if they would give situations in which you were more beaverlike and not otter enough?
Before you think I’ve eaten one too many animal crackers, the beasts in these references represent two of the characters in the children’s book The Treasure Tree. (To purchase, see link below.)
In the book, four animals (a lion, a golden retriever, an otter and a beaver) work together and learn about one another while solving a riddle. The animals realize that each of them needs the other to accomplish a task. Aww, so cute! Now before you dismiss it all as New Age hooey meant for 5-year-olds, please allow us to dig a little deeper!
There’s a Little Otter in All of Us
Each animal on the journey has a tagline based on personality traits.
- The lion likes to lead, is good at making decisions, and is very goal-oriented.
- The otter is a very social creature who loves people and influencing others.
- The golden retriever is very loyal and is good at making and keeping friends.
- The beaver is organized and exacting.
This is not a total personality analysis. But it’s easy to see where your basic traits fall so that you can compare them to other people’s traits to help to understand them better. It works really well in places like your family and your church.
For example, my beaver coworker cannot fathom why my otter-ly writing doesn’t remember the difference between effect and affect. As an otter-ly writer, why do I care less about grammar and more about the story as it captivates and moves the reader? Why does a lion leader need a short, concise reason to organize a fellowship breakfast, but our golden retriever friend needs a list of all the people invited to catch the vision and help with the gathering?
I’m sure you run into these creatures and situations all of the time in your church. You have the fun-loving otters who make your church welcoming by being greeters. The authoritative lions take charge of any challenges that confront them in ministry, work, and home. The reliable golden retrievers show up perfectly to run the coffee area week after week, to the delight of Bible study attendees. The orderly beavers make sure there are enough supplies and keep track of needs, while cautioning about expenditures—basically, working behind the scenes so ministry can continue.
But, are the personality types aware of one another, and do they appreciate the others’ strong points? If your golden retrievers think the pushy lions are too bossy, work may come to a standstill. If the otters perceive that the perfectionist beavers are taking too long to supply them with goods, nothing will be accomplished. Ministry will stagnate and so will your relationships.
If each “animal kind” understands the others’ perspectives, you’re on your way to running one happy zoo of a church! Seeing teamwork run smoothly, as lions organize and see others, otters create fun environments where people want to stay, retrievers make and keep friends, and beavers carry on faithfully with joy, is a fulfillment of Scripture: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
So, Make it Easy
Use the animal tool as a way to bridge gaps in the menagerie, not to put people in cages and isolate certain types from one another. Chances are, telling a staff member or volunteer that he or she is as reliable and loyal as a beloved retriever is going to affirm his or her caring nature. Telling a beaver how much you appreciate his or her steadfast service will warm the heart. When an otter tells a lion they are the best leader ever, watch them relax a little. Do you think lions need to hear that they can rest and not always be expected to lead? They do, for a bit at least.
Think about it—maybe it’s time to sit down and have story time with your fellow believers!
Link to the book: (Not necessary, but helpful. Who doesn’t like a good story?)
The Treasure Tree (Faith Unleashed does not get a royalty for recommending.)
Link to the assessment:
https://www.smalleyinstitute.com/the-smalley-animal-personality-assessment
