Lead better, relate better with the four elements model

Ancient Greeks named four elements that make up everything in our world:

• Earth

• Water

• Air

• Fire

If these natural elements can be related to personality and we learn how to interpret them in ourselves and those we interact with, we can begin to utilize individual strengths and weaknesses.

A blog post from potentialitycoaching.co outlined how these natural elements can be directly applied to our business and interconnections.

Earth - Grounded/Centered: Earthy people plan and predict. They follow tradition but can get stuck in a rut.

What they want: The facts

What they can offer: Practicality, fairness, self-control

How to build your own earth qualities: Take a slow walk, deep breaths.

Water - Support-centered: Water people are helpers, they strive for harmony & peace, and dislike conflict.

What they want: Acceptance, loyalty

What they can offer: Advice, a trustworthy confidante

How to build your own water qualities: Spend time near water, soft lighting.

Air - Big picture planners: Air people are dreamers, envisioning the grand scheme.

What they want: Creativity, new experiences, freedom

What they can offer: Strategies, ideas, innovation

How to build your own air qualities: Find wide open spaces, add bright colors to your areas

Fire - Action takers: Fire people tend to jump in and get things accomplished.

What they want: Challenges, goals to strive for

What they can offer: Directness, honesty, drive

How to build your own fire qualities: Try a new challenging activity; seek out people & activities.

All humans are made of the four elements at our most basic levels. Our bodies are carbon-based and are 60% water. We can't live without air for more than a few minutes. Electrical impulses pulse through us, causing our neurons to fire.

We also associate our feelings with the elements. When we're in a good place, we feel "grounded."When we're motivated and excited, we have a "fire in our belly." When we feel relaxed and happy, we are "floating on air."

Being aware of how the elements play out in our own personalities can help us connect and create the most productive teams and partnerships.