Last month, we started the discussion on structure (Part I). Regardless of how much “yellow” we actually have, structure is still vitally important. Remember, it takes into account other areas that are not actually yellow. And just because it looks different for us, doesn’t mean it’s not important.

We started by discussing the usual styles of Insistence and Restlessness and what different score combinations looked like. I also mentioned how some people feel they accomplish more and perform better in the “chaos”. Again, this may be true, but that doesn’t mean a form of structure or organization isn’t important. It just works differently.

Sticking with this example, can you guess what Insistence/Restlessness combination generally produces this style of behavior (examples are in last month’s blog post)?

If your guess is Low Insistence/High Restlessness, you are correct. However, Physical Energy also comes into play here. This example generally includes a High Physical Energy score. We aren’t going to go into too much depth in this triple combination. Just know that with the Low Insistence, the behavior appears disorganized (such as papers all over the desk in seemingly no understood order). The High Restlessness allows focus on a lot of variety in short spurts (looking at things one at a time briefly without an order to them). And with the High Physical Energy, the behavior produces significant energy to accomplish a lot (getting a lot of those papers with tasks on them complete, even though there is no organization).

Notice there is still a form of structure involved, it just doesn’t look structured. For someone on the outside who has different scores, it looks like chaos and we wonder how they are able to function. Yet the individual still gets a lot done. It appears especially random to someone who has a High Insistence/Low Restlessness style. But they understand it in their own way. There is an underlying form of structure that makes sense to them and how they work.

However, this all deals with external behavior. Next, we are going to look at Needs. As a reminder, Needs are internal and not seen by others. They are our expectations of how the world works on a general scale. Our expectations produce internal needs for an environment that allows us to operate at our full potential. When Needs go unmet, it causes Stress. Stress causes us to lose our efficient/effective behaviors and replaces them with more negative ones. We will discuss Stress in more depth later.

Here are a few Needs score combinations as examples (High scores are above 50, low scores are below 50):

  • High Insistence/High Restlessness: A need for detailed instructions, defined rules and procedures, and solid plans in place. But at the same time, a need for variety, changes in routine, and activity. This person needs structure in which to operate but with the ability to operate outside of that structure when necessary.
  • Low Insistence/Low Restlessness: A need to have broad boundaries to operate in without strict routines, systems, or procedures to follow. But, at the same time, minimal changes with adequate notice of changes taking place (more of a structure when dealing with change) and need for minimal interruption within a routine. This person needs flexibility in choosing the structure they follow, and then needs that choice to stay constant, without change.
  • High Insistence/Low Restlessness: This person needs organization with a focus on the details and constant consistency in process (no interruptions from the routine). Generally, this person can be hard to shift to new systems, procedures, etc. without being involved in the decisions to make the shift. “If it works, why change it.”
  • Low Insistence/High Restlessness: This person needs flexibility and variety in routine with freedom from the details and procedure. Generally, this person finds it hard to stick to something even if it is working because they need constant change. “Just because it works, doesn’t mean it can’t be even better.”

Remember, no certain need or combination is better than another.  Each has its place, and each is important.  The goal is to learn what behaviors go against your needs and cause stress so that you can better manage your needs and your stress behavior. We will finish with the Importance of Structure next month.

Does your current environment work well with your needs? Why or why not?

 How can you communicate your needs to others, before the lack of fulfillment causes you stress?

Update: Click here for Part III