The ancient Chinese theory of the Five Elements can be applied to a wide variety of situations. It is the application to personalities that are particularly interesting. Most adults have 2 or 3 dominant elements. The elements are a repeating cycle of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element ‘feeds’ the next element and ‘subdues’ the third element in the sequence. People feel encouraged by the feeding element and irritated by the subduing element when they are in balance.
Wood archetypes are the boss, leader, or manager. Wood is goal oriented and driven. It feeds Fire and subdues Earth.
Fire archetypes are the performer, the clown, the star. Fire is charismatic and fun. It feeds Earth and subdues Metal.
Earth archetypes are the mother, the pre-school teacher and the peacemaker. Earth builds consensus and works out of the limelight. It feeds Metal and subdues Water.
Metal archetypes are the scientist, clergymen, yogi. Metal is disciplined and fact driven. It feeds Water and subdues Wood.
Water archetypes are the artist, philosopher and the baby. Water is creative and has strong will power. It feeds Wood and subdues Fire.
The following strategies help bring out the personal best in each element:
Wood
Involve these people in setting goals for themselves or the group. 2. Give them responsibilities. 3. Let them be the boss. 4. Ask their opinion. 5. Tell them what’s “in it” for them. 6. Teach consideration of feelings.
Fire
Have clear boundaries. 2. Play and socialize. 3. Fun, groups, role playing, acting out situations for learning. 4. Give Fire personalities the limelight. 5. Remove an audience to encourage reflection. 6. Teach them relating to others isn’t easy for everyone.
Earth
Social tasks are ideal. 2. Focus on playfulness or helpfulness. 3. Do projects to benefit the group. 4. Let them build consensus in a group. 5. Remind Earth personalities that accomplishing goals are important. 6. Help them meet their own needs.
Metal
Metal personalities thrive in nurturing and inclusive environments. 2. Let them set their own rules. 3. Redirect with gentle humor. 4. Be literal with language. 5. Independent work is ideal. 6. Share the “why” and “how” – they needs a “big picture” context.
Water
Water personalities create solutions. 2. Give a timeline and small tasks to complete. 3. Alone time nourishes them. 4. Give them an organisation system for things and time. 5. Balance the emotional landscape. 6. Redirect with collaboration and kindness.
Example:
In business we are engaged in Wood activities, even if we are not Wood personalities. To nurture Wood characteristics (goal orientation, staying focused and controlling emotions) we need Water (creative, unstructured downtime). If Wood becomes too ambitious, Metal (self-discipline, spiritual practice, introspection) will re-balance it.
Five Elements is a useful tool to bring the best out in people.
If you’d like to know more about how Emily Hall helps children lead their best lives, visit www.goodsorbeginningswellness.com and www.myfeedingcoach.com