Choleric Temperament: What They Are and How They Affect You

If you are a choleric person or know someone who is, you have probably seen them fly into a rage out of nowhere. Choleric people are ruled by their emotions and can feel very passionate about something in a moment, but their emotions can also flare up above the boiling point, which causes them to blow up.

While most people do not know much about this kind of personality, it is a fact that you can recognize if you are around someone that has a choleric temperament.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding choleric individuals’ key characteristics and traits and how this temperament manifests in different areas of life, such as relationships, the workplace, and leadership roles. 

Definition of the Choleric Temperament

“Choleric” is a temperament that is sometimes described as being “difficult.” It describes someone who acts quickly, without much forethought and tends to be angry or irritable. A choleric person is also very energetic and passionate but can often appear restless and aggressive to others.

Characteristics of the Choleric Temperament

Some of the key traits and characteristics of the choleric temperament include:

1. Choleric people are action-oriented, energetic, and decisive. They like to be in control and make decisions quickly. They tend to be impatient, aggressive, and easily angered.

2. Cholerics are task-oriented, preferring activities that require physical exertion or mental concentration. They have a strong need for order and dislike anything messy or disorganized. They can be stubborn, argumentative, and controlling.

3. Cholerics are highly competitive, ambitious, and confident in their abilities. They love competition and challenge themselves by taking on difficult tasks or situations where they can shine.

How to Identify a Choleric Person?

People generally fall into four categories: choleric, melancholic, sanguine, and phlegmatic. The simplest way to identify a choleric personality is by studying the patterns in their communication and interactions with others. 

Such individuals are impatient, pushy, and forward and can easily let go of verbal or physical aggression towards people in their surroundings who they feel are getting in their way. Ask these questions to recognize a choleric person.

Quick to anger

   – Does the person get easily irritated or angered, even by minor frustrations or setbacks?

Assertive and dominant

   – Does the person display a strong desire for control and authority?

   – Do they often take charge of situations and assert themselves?

Goal-oriented and driven

   – Is the person highly focused on achieving their goals?

   – Do they exhibit determination and ambition in their pursuits?

Impatient and impulsive

   – Does the person display impatience, especially when things aren’t moving at their desired pace?

   – Do they make quick decisions or act impulsively without considering the consequences?

Competitive and confident

   – Does the person have a competitive nature?

   – Do they exhibit self-assurance and confidence in their abilities?

Decisive and independent

   – Does the person tend to make decisions easily and independently?

   – Do they prefer to be in control rather than relying on others?

Energetic and driven by action

   – Does the person have a high level of energy and restlessness?

   – Do they prefer taking action rather than waiting?

Direct communication

   – Does the person communicate directly?

   – Do they tend to be blunt or confrontational in their interactions?

Strengths of the Choleric Temperament

People with a choleric temperament are often good leaders and planners. They are decisive, logical, and strong-willed. They can be counted on to take action when needed, even if they dislike it. 

Cholerics generally have a good sense of humor but don’t appreciate being teased or made fun of. People with this personality type tend to be impatient with others or slow-moving projects that don’t seem to be making progress quickly enough for them.

Weaknesses of the Choleric Temperament

People with this personality type can be quick to anger and may have trouble controlling their tempers when upset about something. Because they like things done quickly and efficiently, choleric may have difficulty delegating tasks to others who don’t share their preferences for speediness or efficiency in completing tasks. 

This can make them appear insensitive or unsympathetic toward others who are less efficient or fastidious than themselves.

Choleric Temperament in Relationships

Choleric is an emotional temperament characterized by impatience, irritability, and quickness to anger. Choleric people are often described as “hot-headed” or “high-strung.” They are known for their quick temper and a strong sense of pride.

Choleric people tend to be critical and judgmental of others, seeing them as inferior or lacking in some way. They tend to have high expectations for themselves and others, leading to frustration if unmet. Cholerics may also be highly driven and hard-working individuals who expect the same from others around them.

Because they are known for their frankness, many people consider cholerics blunt or rude. However, this is not always the case, as many cholerics will take great pains to ensure that their words do not hurt another person’s feelings or cause embarrassment (especially if they are close friends).

Choleric Temperament in the Workplace

Choleric temperaments are motivated by a desire to achieve material gain, complete control, and influence others. The choleric person is often seen as driven by their ambitions and goals. In the workplace, these people are often the ones who are promoted because they are very good at getting things done. They can organize tasks and get them completed on time with high-quality results.

Cholerics tend to be very direct, which can be both a blessing and a curse in business situations. They will not hesitate to confront someone if they feel they are being treated unfairly or disrespected in any way. This ability makes them great leaders who can motivate people through their example of hard work and determination. 

However, cholerics can also appear aggressive or controlling when discussing business matters because their emotions tend to run high when making important decisions or discussing company policies.

Choleric Temperament in Leadership Roles

The choleric temperament is associated with high energy levels and a keen sense of personal initiative and ambition. People with this personality type tend to be energetic, action-oriented, highly competitive, and self-confident. They are enthusiastic, forceful, and confident.

They tend to be successful in business or politics because they enjoy taking charge and getting things done as much as they enjoy being in charge and getting things done. Cholerics are typically ambitious and assertive, often attracting attention through actions rather than words.

Cholerics are known for their energy, drive, and enthusiasm. Cholerics are also known for taking charge of situations and making decisions quickly – even if those decisions may not always be the best.

Cholerics tend to be decisive people who like to move fast when making decisions or taking action on something that needs to get done immediately; however, sometimes, this can lead them into trouble if they make hasty decisions without thinking things through first.

How to Communicate with a Choleric Person

Choleric people are strong-willed and decisive. They are often leaders, but they can also be stubborn and aggressive. Choleric people like to be in charge, so it’s important to communicate with them in a way that respects their position.

Here are some tips for communicating with a choleric person:

1. Listen carefully, and don’t interrupt. Cholerics can get angry quickly if they feel their ideas aren’t heard or respected. Listening carefully and avoiding interrupting when communicating with a choleric person is important.

2. Don’t challenge their authority or criticize them openly. Cholerics value authority, so it’s best not to challenge them directly or criticize them openly — even if you’re right! Instead, find ways to work together by offering suggestions or asking questions about improving things.

3. Explain your ideas carefully and clearly before asking for their opinion or advice. Cholerics will respect you more if they think you’ve put some thought into what you’re saying before asking for feedback.

4. Don’t take it personally. Cholerics tend to be short-tempered and easily angered. They’re more likely to express their emotions through yelling or moodiness than calm discussion. Don’t take it personally when they lash out at you; they’re not upset with you — they’re just having a bad day.

5. Give them space when they need it. Cholerics often feel they need time alone to calm down after an argument or stressful situation, so let them know when you need some space too. If your choleric friend is acting particularly moody or angry, give them some space until they’re ready to talk again without getting upset at everything said by others around them.

Wrapping Up

If you were curious about how the choleric temperament is measured, now you know. If you have never heard of the choleric temperament before, maybe it’s time to consider what it means to be characterized by this trait.

The key to dealing with a choleric person is to avoid making them feel agitated. As mentioned before, their tempers are easily stoked, and this can make everything from a simple disagreement to a seemingly ordinary interaction into a major ordeal. 

The trick is not to confront them directly or do anything that might make them feel attacked. But we just pointed out how important it is to get them to listen and respect your sentiments; the need for compromise must surely be seen here. 

Luckily, there are ways of getting your message across without provoking an outburst, and while you shouldn’t be afraid of being assertive, these methods should help you get your point across without making things worse for either of you.

FAQs

What Is Choleric Temperament?

Choleric temperament is one of the four temperaments the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates identified. It is characterized by ambition, assertiveness, and a tendency to be easily angered or irritated.

How to Deal with Choleric Temperament?

To deal with a choleric temperament, it is important to communicate clearly and directly while being patient and understanding. Setting boundaries and using positive reinforcement can also be helpful.

How to Change If I Have a Choleric Temperament?

Changing one’s temperament is not easy, but it is possible with self-awareness, self-reflection, and a willingness to work on oneself. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, can be beneficial.

How Is a Choleric Temperament Good in Business?

Choleric temperament can be good in business as it often leads to a strong drive for success, assertiveness in negotiations, and a willingness to take risks. However, balancing this with empathy, listening skills, and collaboration is important.