Type B personalities, known for their relaxed, patient, and easygoing nature, offer unique advantages in both personal and professional contexts.
There are myriad benefits to being a type B individual, whose lower stress levels may contribute to overall greater life satisfaction.
In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of a type B personality, particularly in leadership and work environments, showcasing how these individuals excel in collaborative and stress-free settings.
Additionally, we provide practical tips for supporting type B personalities and discuss managing this personality, emphasizing its potential for achieving more with less stress.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Strengths Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help your clients realize their unique potential and create a life that feels energizing and authentic.
A type B personality is characterized by a relaxed disposition, being inherently patient, and being easygoing. Unlike their type A counterparts, individuals with type B personalities are thought to be less driven by competition and urgency, which enables them to handle stress more effectively. They are often seen as adaptable, flexible, and able to maintain a balanced approach to life, making them less susceptible to stress-related health issues.
Research suggests that type B individuals tend to exhibit lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which contributes to their overall wellbeing and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Smith & Gallo, 2019).
Type B personality traits
Individuals with type B traits are thought to be more patient, cooperative, and flexible, which allows them to handle stress more effectively and maintain a balanced approach to life.
They are less driven by the urgency and perfectionism that are thought to characterize type A individuals, making them less prone to stress-related health issues such as hypertension and heart disease (Schroder & Ollis, 2020).
Recent studies have highlighted that type B personalities often exhibit higher levels of emotional stability and lower levels of neuroticism, contributing to their overall wellbeing and resilience (Schroder & Ollis, 2020).
Furthermore, research indicates that type B individuals are more likely to use adaptive coping strategies, which enhance their ability to manage stress and maintain mental health (Taylor & Stanton, 2020).
Impact on Health & Wellbeing
A relaxed, noncompetitive, and easy-going nature has significant implications for health and wellbeing.
Research consistently shows that individuals with type B traits experience lower levels of stress and its associated health complications (Friedman & Rosenman, 1974; Schroder & Ollis, 2020; Suls & Bunde, 2005).
Unlike type A individuals, who are more prone to stress-related illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease due to their high levels of competitiveness and urgency, type B individuals tend to exhibit better cardiovascular health (Friedman & Rosenman, 1974).
A seminal study by Friedman and Rosenman (1974) demonstrated that type B individuals have a lower risk of coronary heart disease compared to their type A counterparts, highlighting the protective benefits of a less stressful lifestyle.
Moreover, the stress resilience observed in type B individuals contributes to better mental health outcomes. These individuals are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, conditions often exacerbated by chronic stress (Suls & Bunde, 2005).
Their ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations benefits their physical health and enhances their emotional and psychological wellbeing. This tranquility allows type B individuals to engage in more effective problem-solving and maintain healthier interpersonal relationships, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Despite these benefits, there are potential downsides to type B personalities in terms of health and wellbeing. The laid-back attitude associated with type B individuals can sometimes lead to a lack of motivation to engage in regular physical activity or adhere to a healthy lifestyle, which can result in issues such as weight gain or poor fitness levels (Howard, 2008).
Additionally, their tendency to procrastinate or avoid competitive situations might hinder their professional development and personal growth. Therefore, while the stress-relieving aspects of a type B personality offer significant health benefits, it is essential for these individuals to cultivate a balance between relaxation and proactive health management to maximize their overall wellbeing.
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Advantages & Disadvantages
With any personality trait, there will be advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore both to get a holistic picture of this fascinating and less-talked-about personality type.
Advantages
Type B personalities offer several advantages in both personal and professional settings. One significant advantage is their ability to manage stress effectively, which can lead to better overall health and wellbeing.
Research has shown that individuals with type B traits tend to experience lower levels of stress and are less prone to stress-related illnesses compared to their type A counterparts (Friedman & Rosenman, 1974).
This stress resilience allows them to maintain a calm and composed approach in high-pressure situations, fostering a positive work environment and enhancing teamwork and collaboration (LePine et al., 2005).
Furthermore, type B individuals are often more flexible and adaptable, capable of easily handling changes and unexpected challenges, which can be beneficial in dynamic and fast-paced work settings (John & Srivastava, 1999).
Disadvantages
While there are a plethora of advantages to having a type B personality, there are also disadvantages. Their laid-back nature can sometimes be misinterpreted as a lack of ambition or drive, potentially hindering their career advancement in highly competitive environments (Suls & Bunde, 2005).
Additionally, their tendency to be less focused on deadlines and productivity can lead to procrastination and underperformance if not managed properly (Clark et al., 2010). While their stress management skills are beneficial, an overly lax attitude may cause them to overlook important details or fail to prioritize tasks effectively.
Therefore, while type B personalities can bring balance and calm to a workplace, they may need to develop strategies to ensure they stay motivated and productive to avoid these potential pitfalls.
Type B in Leadership & at Work
In the workplace, type B personalities can foster a collaborative and supportive environment, promoting team cohesion and creativity.
Their ability to remain calm under pressure and avoid the high-stress reactions common in type A personalities can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making processes. This temperament enhances their interpersonal relationships and boosts their overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Friedman et al. (2018) found that type B individuals are more likely to engage in active coping strategies and demonstrate higher emotional intelligence, further underscoring their resilience and adaptability in various professional settings.
When you think of a leader, someone with a type A personality may come to mind first. Although type A leaders may tend to be more competitive and driven, type B leaders may be more patient, collaborative, and supportive.
Such leaders may excel at managing a diverse team and navigating complex organizational challenges. This leadership style could potentially enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, which would promote a healthy work–life balance and reduce stress levels within the team.
3 Tips for Supporting Type B Personalities
In the workplace, it may sometimes be frustrating to work with a teammate who is type B. Here are a few strategies to help you support your type B workmate.
Strengths-based approach
To support someone with a type B personality, focus on the inherent strengths of type B personalities, such as their creativity, adaptability, and stress resilience.
Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing individual strengths to enhance wellbeing and performance (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Recognizing and reinforcing these strengths can help type B individuals feel valued and motivated.
Fostering social connections
Positive psychology underscores the importance of strong social connections for wellbeing (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). Encouraging type B individuals to build and maintain meaningful relationships can provide emotional support and increase their sense of belonging. This can be done through team-building activities, social events, and collaborative projects.
Realistic goal setting
As we are aware, positive psychology advocates for setting realistic and attainable goals to foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation (Sheldon & Kasser, 1998).
Helping type B individuals set SMART goals — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound — can provide direction and enhance their sense of purpose.
Managing Type B Personality With Positive Psychology
For some type A personalities, working with a type B individual may be a frustrating experience. Let’s review a few tools to help you manage these relationships.
Mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques can enhance the motivation of type B individuals by helping them stay focused and present. Mindfulness practices have been shown to improve self-regulation and motivation (Brown & Ryan, 2003).
Shapiro et al. (2018) found that mindfulness enhances focus, reduces procrastination, and improves overall motivation, all of which can benefit individuals with a type B personality. Perhaps suggest some mindfulness exercises to help your coworker become more present.
Creating an environment that encourages positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and contentment can improve the overall wellbeing of type B individuals. Positive emotions broaden one’s awareness and encourage novel, varied, and exploratory thoughts and actions. (Fredrickson, 2001). Offering them opportunities for rest, social interaction, and enjoyable and fulfilling activities can help with this.
Encouraging a growth mindset can foster resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges. A growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed, has been shown to enhance motivation and performance (Dweck, 2006).
Encouraging individuals with type B personalities to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth can lead to greater persistence and success.
7 Motivation Techniques & Goal Worksheets
Motivating individuals with type B personalities requires techniques that align with their relaxed, noncompetitive nature while encouraging them to achieve their goals. Here are some effective motivation techniques and worksheets.
Motivation techniques
At times, individuals with a type B personality may appear unmotivated. To help light that fire, here are a few techniques.
Positive feedback
Positive reinforcement can be highly effective since type B individuals thrive in low-pressure environments. Providing regular, positive feedback and encouragement helps boost their motivation without creating stress.
A study by Deci and Ryan (2012) on self-determination theory emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and suggests that creating supportive and autonomy-promoting environments enhances motivation in such individuals.
Autonomy
Moreover, allowing type B individuals the freedom to choose how they approach tasks and manage their time can boost intrinsic motivation. Autonomy-supportive environments have been linked to higher motivation and job satisfaction. Gagné and Deci (2005) found that autonomy is a critical factor in motivating employees and improving their performance and wellbeing.
Collaborative opportunities
Because type B personalities often prefer teamwork and collaborative settings over competitive ones, encouraging group activities and creating opportunities for collaboration can help them stay engaged and motivated.
Van Knippenberg and Sitkin (2013) found that inclusive leadership and teamwork positively impact motivation and performance, particularly for those who are less driven by competition.
Worksheets
At times, individuals with a type B personality can be accused of being unmotivated. Our worksheet Willingness, Goals, and Action Plan may help. This worksheet involves identifying a goal, recognizing the values behind the goal, and creating smaller, actionable steps to help you flawlessly implement your plan.
Our Setting SMART+R Goals worksheet will help a type B individual create comprehensive goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, result oriented, and time-bound. This worksheet also includes a planning section for the reward when the goal is met. Setting realistic and attainable goals is crucial for maintaining motivation and achieving long-term success (Locke and Latham, 2019).
SCAMP Goal Setting is another valuable worksheet that ensures that the goals created are specific, challenging and controllable, attainable, measurable and multiple, and personal. This worksheet is an excellent tool for maximizing the effectiveness of goals and increasing motivation.
If you’re looking for something a little more basic that still holds the same effect, try implementing our G stands for Goals worksheet.
17 Exercises To Discover & Unlock Strengths
Use these 17 Strength-Finding Exercises [PDF] to help others discover and leverage their unique strengths in life, promoting enhanced performance and flourishing.
As always, PositivePsychology.com has a multitude of helpful resources. From worksheets and articles to masterclasses, you can count on us.
Worksheets
Individuals with a type B personality may tend to be less assertive, especially in the workplace. Our Assertiveness Self-Evaluation Exercise worksheet can be used to gauge assertiveness and strengthen this trait.
To also aid in the perception of a lack of motivation, our worksheet Strengthening Ikigai in the Workplace may assist in finding meaning in work. This resource will help the user relate to what they love to do and what the world needs.
Articles
Because type B personalities may tend to be on the quieter side, perhaps these individuals may also experience being a highly sensitive person. To learn more about this unique character trait, have a look at our article What Is a Highly Sensitive Person?
While the terms introvert and extrovert should not be assumed to be linked to the terms type B and type A, respectively, individuals with a type B personality typically, but not always, demonstrate tendencies of an introvert.
The same goes for type A personalities demonstrating the tendencies of an extrovert. To explore the terms introvert and extrovert, as well as the Big Five personality traits in general, have a look at our article Big Five Personality Traits: The OCEAN Model Explained.
If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others develop their strengths, check out this collection of 17 strength-finding tools for practitioners. Use them to help others better understand and harness their strengths in life-enhancing ways.
A Take-Home Message
In conclusion, embracing the advantages of a type B personality can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
By understanding the unique strengths and potential challenges associated with this personality type, individuals can leverage their natural disposition to foster healthier relationships, achieve professional success, and maintain a positive work-life balance.
Supporting type B individuals with tailored strategies and positive psychology approaches can further enhance their wellbeing and productivity. Ultimately, recognizing and nurturing the traits of type B personalities benefits individuals and contributes to creating more harmonious and effective environments in both personal and professional settings.
Whether you are a type B individual or not, we hope this article will help you navigate the uniqueness that this great personality has to offer.
No. This is a common misconception; however, individuals with this personality can be both highly effective and productive (Taylor & Stanton, 2020).
Are type A personalities more competitive than type B?
Yes, type A personalities are generally more competitive than their type B counterparts (Friedman & Rosenman, 1974).
Are type B personalities social butterflies?
Although individuals with a type B personality are not typically social butterflies, they may exhibit this individual difference (Myers et al., 2012).
Can a person with a type B personality be an introvert?
Yes. A person with a type B personality can be either an introvert or an extrovert, as these terms describe how individuals derive their energy (Cain, 2013).
References
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2003-02410-012
Clark, M. A., Lelchook, A. M., & Taylor, M. L. (2010). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-management and productivity in the workplace. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 83(3), 615–632.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Self-determination theory. In P. A. M. Van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of theories of social psychology (pp. 416-433). Sage. https://www.torrossa.com/en/resources/an/4912667#page=438
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037%2F%2F0003-066x.56.3.218
Friedman, H. S., Kern, M. L., & Reynolds, C. A. (2018). Personality and health, subjective well-being, and longevity. Journal of Personality, 86(3), 337–347. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00613.x
Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self‐determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior: The International Journal of Industrial, Occupational and Organizational Psychology and Behavior, 26(4), 331–362. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.322
Howard, S. (2008). The relaxing benefits of type B personality traits. Journal of Health Psychology, 13(4), 460–468.
John, O. P., & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big Five trait taxonomy: History, measurement, and theoretical perspectives. In L. A. Pervin & O. P. John (Eds.), Handbook of personality: Theory and research (2nd ed., pp. 102–138). Guilford Press.
LePine, J. A., Podsakoff, N. P., & LePine, M. A. (2005). A meta-analytic test of the challenge stressor–hindrance stressor framework: An explanation for inconsistent relationships among stressors and performance. Academy of Management Journal, 48(5), 764–775. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2005.18803921
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2019). The development of goal setting theory: A half century retrospective. Motivation Science, 5(2), 93–105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/mot0000127
Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803–855. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2005-15687-001
Myers, D. G., Abell, J., Kolstad, A., Sani, F., & Smith, M. R. (2012). Social psychology. McGraw-Hill Education.
Schroder, K. E., & Ollis, C. L. (2020). Personality traits and coping strategies: The importance of emotional stability and conscientiousness. Journal of Research in Personality, 85(3), Article 103957.
Shapiro, S. L., Brown, K. W., & Astin, J. A. (2018). Toward the integration of meditation into higher education: A review of research. Teachers College Record, 110(10), 2137–2164. https://doi.org/10.1177/016146811111300306
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About the author
Tiffany Sauber Millacci, Ph.D., is an educator for both university students and elementary-aged students. She is a continuous learner who seeks facts through research and enjoys sharing her learning through her writing.
Type B personalities, known for their relaxed, patient, and easygoing nature, offer unique advantages in both personal and professional contexts.
A relaxed, noncompetitive, and easy-going nature has significant implications for health and wellbeing.
In the workplace, type B personalities can foster a collaborative and supportive environment, promoting team cohesion and creativity.
Motivating individuals with type B personalities requires techniques that align with their relaxed, noncompetitive nature while encouraging them to achieve their goals. Here are some effective motivation techniques and worksheets.
