Choleric temperament is highly motivated, goal-oriented, assertive, and ambitious. These people typically know what they want and can motivate others to help them follow their dreams. Feeling curious whether this is about you as well? Gain valuable insights about this strong-willed temperament type, and understand whether this resonates with your personality.
What is choleric temperament?
The choleric temperament is one of the 4 types described in the theory of humorism by Hippocrates and Galen. Primarily, ancient philosophers associated it with yellow bile from the liver, which makes a person aggressive and quick to anger. [1]
Yet, the approach has changed. Currently, temperament theory is used to describe individual differences in a person’s emotional reactivity and regulation without the link to human health. [2]
Moreover, the main choleric personality traits highlighted in scientific journals have also changed. Now, most resources define cholerics as practical, independent, goal-oriented, and analytical. [3] These people are motivated, ambitious, self-confident, and decisive. They often have a big vision and can be natural leaders who motivate others to follow them.
Additionally, those with a choleric personality type might often live with high levels of testosterone that influence their traits, typical behavior, and communication style. [3] As such, they might have a short fuse but are more likely to express their anger in an assertive manner rather than through emotional outbursts.
Discover what temperament you have with our quick & free four temperament test. Find out whether you’re a cheerful sanguine, have an ambitious, choleric temper, introverted melancholic, or live with a relaxed phlegmatic temperament. Gain deeper insights into your strengths, communication style, and how you interact with others.
Differences between choleric temperament and personality
While these two terms might sound similar and confusing, there are noticeable differences that we’ll briefly explain.
Choleric Temperament
This includes individual differences in affect, activity, attention, and regulation developed primarily on a biological basis, as the research states. [4] Simply put, it’s biologically rooted patterns of behavior that influence how we approach the world and communicate with others.
Temperament is not the same as the individual’s personality but is a significant part of it. [5] What’s more, scientists used to believe that temperament is regarded as a stable part of personality, an “endophenotype” developed early in life (although affective temperaments that change over time also exist). [6]
Being born with a choleric temper means that a person is naturally more extroverted, active, and goal-driven, with a tendency toward assertiveness and strong leadership qualities. Still, it doesn’t mean that someone will acquire a choleric personality, as over life many other factors influence what kind of person we become.
Choleric Personality
On the other hand, the phenomenon of personality includes traits such as extraversion and neuroticism, and encompasses goals, coping styles, defensive styles, motives, attachment styles, identities, and various other processes. [4]
As such, personality is more flexible because it might constantly change under the influence of the world around us. For instance, a naturally assertive and goal-driven choleric child might grow up in an environment that values teamwork and emotional intelligence. Over time, they may develop stronger empathy, which shapes their overall personality beyond just inborn temperament and adds sanguine traits, another type of temperament.
It can happen vice versa as well. Calm and assertive melancholic might seem to have a choleric type if they were raised in an ambitious and active family where everyone had a short fuse. As a person who was constantly pushed for high achievement, and valued decisiveness over deep reflection, they might behave in a way that wasn’t initially natural to them.
Choleric personality traits
While we’ve already highlighted some of the traits typical of a choleric temper, let’s describe them in more detail.
- Socially-confident. Cholerics are naturally good communicators with strong emotional intelligence. If they aim to reach something or persuade others, they do so confidently and might use strategic thinking to reach the goal.
- Authoritative. Choleric personality traits make people with this type good leaders. Their assertiveness allows them to persuade others with no effort and their decisiveness enables them to take charge of situations without hesitation. Even the research states that the majority of people with effective leadership skills have a choleric temperament. [7]
- Self-confident. Such people tend to believe in their abilities, skills, and knowledge. They rarely second-guess themselves and are willing to take risks to achieve their goals.
- Independent. When answering the question, “What is a choleric personality?” we can’t forget about extreme independence and autonomy. While they are social and enjoy being around others, these people don’t orient themselves towards others. They typically know what they want from life and how to get what they want.
- Goal-driven. Cholerics are likely to relentlessly pursue their objectives. Once they set a goal, they channel their energy into achieving it with focus. They dislike distractions, inefficiency, or delays and often push themselves — and others—to maintain momentum.
- Practical and results-oriented. It’s difficult to imagine a choleric personality without the constant drive to reach something and pursue their goals. These people are always ready for challenges, focus on results, and prefer to take action rather than dwell on emotions. This is why cholerics tend to thrive in roles like CEO, business owner, manager, and more.
By the way, if you want to find the answer to the question, “What should I be when I grow up?” we’ve got you covered. The “What career is right for me?” quiz is a simple yet effective way to discover professions that align with your personality, strengths, and interests, no matter what temperament type you have.
Choleric temperament strengths and weaknesses
When talking about temperament theory, we can’t forget about how this type of personality influences daily life. Here are some or the most common manifestations.
Strengths
- Cholerics know how to turn vision into reality. Interestingly, according to the study, hot-tempered cholerics have a lower average grade. [8] Yet, the research on Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the impact of their temperaments found that most CEOs who were choleric built successful organizations based on their passion, energy, and aggressiveness. [9]
- They feel comfortable under pressure. One of the choleric temperament strengths is the fact that they don’t fear challenges and, thanks to a problem-solving mindset and confidence in themselves, often perform well in high-stakes situations.
- Cholerics can adapt to most situations quickly. These people don’t typically hesitate. They can make quick decisions and navigate complex situations with confidence. Moreover, time-wasting is one of the biggest frustrations for a choleric personality. As such, they cut through unnecessary details and focus on what truly matters.
- They motivate others. We’ve already mentioned that people with this temperament type are pretty good leaders. They often serve as a driving force in teams and organizations, inspiring people to follow them with confidence.
Possible weaknesses
- Cholerics might be insensitive to others’ feelings. Empathy isn’t the most powerful trait of this personality type. Even though they tend to be pretty detail-oriented, it’s mostly about what happens, not about what others feel. This might lead to strained relationships and conflicts interacting with others.
- They may be excessively controlling. While there’s nothing wrong with being a leader, someone with a choleric personality type can find it challenging to accept others’ authority. The need for control and power in every situation can make teamwork difficult and create tension.
- Cholerics can get frustrated quite quickly. If something goes wrong or they don’t get what they want, people of this temperament type can quickly shift their attention. In addition, they might become impatient or irritated, especially when dealing with indecisiveness or delays.
- They might find it challenging to establish a work-life balance. The research states that choleric people are head-strong with a strong determination for success at any cost, sometimes resulting in overload and burnout. [10] They may find it challenging to slow down or take time for rest, often prioritizing achievements over life balance.
What the choleric temperament looks like today
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports reveals that temperament forms a basis for how adolescents face the outer world. [11] A set number of personal traits definitely has a great influence on how we approach people and everything that happens to us.
Yet, it’s important to note that there are no such things as personality types or choleric temper generally acknowledged in modern science and psychology. Yet, the 4 types theory influenced shaping many other personality theories. For instance, become inspiration for creation of the Big Five personality traits, Jung’s psychological types and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), etc.
We can say that most people try to find the answer to “What is my temperament?” to use it as a simple framework to understand themselves better. Four temperament theory remains popular because it provides an accessible way to describe personality differences and improve self-awareness.
“How often do psychologists and mental health professionals turn to the 4 personality types theory, and what can you say about its efficiency?” Hannah Schlueter, MA, LAC, answers, “The theory of four temperament types is used occasionally, but more so as a way to help client’s try and gain insight rather than an absolute. Since personality is so complex, there are only a few tools that are consistently effective. Use this theory to guide a general understanding of yourself while allowing for natural inconsistencies.”
How to communicate with people who have a choleric personality
Understanding what choleric temperament is can significantly help you find a common language with this kind of person. Let’s find out how to approach them in different social settings.
In relationships
You already know that cholerics tend to take leading roles, and relationships aren’t an exception.
What works:
- Clear communication and directness
- Respect for their independence
- Ability to handle their ambition
- Shared goals
- Efficiency and problem-solving rather than emotional venting
What to avoid:
- Trying to control or dominate them
- Overly emotional or passive-aggressive communication
- Lack of structure or clear direction in the relationship
- Repeatedly challenging their authority without reason
In friendship
If you appreciate choleric temperament strengths and weaknesses, you can become a really good friend to this kind of people. This personality type can motivate you to be a great person to lead. Still, there are a few things you need to take into account.
What works:
- Being active
- Offering direct and honest feedback
- Supporting their ambitions
- Appreciating their decisiveness
- Being self-sufficient in the friendship
What to avoid:
- Being overly emotional or clingy
- Disrespecting their need for space or autonomy
- Underestimating their passion
- Disagreeing constantly without offering solutions
At work
It doesn’t matter what position a choleric person holds, their pattern of behavior will remain the same. Thus, whether you’re a manager of such an employee or just a colleague, there’s something you need to take into account.
What works:
- Demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment
- Respecting their need for autonomy
- Offering actionable feedback
- Appreciating their drive for results and efficiency
What to avoid:
- Micromanaging or questioning their decisions
- Wasting time with unnecessary details
- Failing to meet deadlines or show initiative
- Challenging their authority
In family
Task-oriented people with choleric temper might approach family as their project as well. Their temperament and personality require enough space to set goals and reach them.
What works:
- Giving them space to take the lead when necessary
- Showing appreciation for their hard work
- Supporting their ambition while respecting their boundaries
- Helping with organization and task management
What to avoid:
- Ignoring their need for independence
- Being overly emotional or passive in discussions
- Disrespecting their need for structure
We asked Hannah Schlueter, MA, LAC, whether mixed temperaments (e.g., choleric-melancholic) exist. “Mixed temperaments are very normal and likely more common to exist than single temperaments. Due to the commanding nature of the temperament type, all combinations will show a prevalence of choleric traits.”
Sources
- ResearchGate. “The Functionality of Four Temperaments and Communication Theories towards the Realisation of Peaceful General Elections in Kenya”
- National Library of Medicine. “Temperament, Speech and Language: An Overview”
- ResearchGate. “TEMPERAMENT PERSONALITY TRAIT AND ITS IMPACT ON PREFERENCE FOR EWALLET USAGE”
- ResearchGate. “Temperament and Personality”
- ScienceDirect. “NORMAL INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIORAL ADJUSTMENT”
- National Library of Medicine. “Low affective temperament consistency during development: Results from a large retrospective study”
- ResearchGate. “Personal Characteristics and Personality-Temperament Traits and Its Implications to Effective Leadership in Organizations”
- CEUR-WS. “Investigation of Temperament Characteristics Influencing the Academic Achievement of First-year University Students”
- International Journal of Applied Engineering Research. “Temperament as a Determinant of Success in Formative Assessment in Engineering Education”
- ResearchGate. “Employee Temperament As A Predictor of Workstress among Plant Turnaround Workers”
- ScienceDirect. “Temperament and symptoms of stress and depression among adolescents: The mediating role of psychological flexibility”
