All six MoralDNA types
If you think like an Angel, you believe that being good to others is the most important moral perspective.
You think the world would be a better place if we were all a little less selfish and considered the consequences of our actions more. Then you’ll consider moral values like fairness and courage, and ask, “What would build trust and respect?” Finally, and reluctantly, you’ll consider rules, laws and regulations. You do what’s right for others because it’s in your nature and you don’t have to be told!
About 15% of us are Angels.
Only 6% of us are Angels when we go to work.
Strengths: Angels care about people and are great to have as friends.
Weaknesses: Angels will break rules if they believe a higher principle is at stake and may sometimes give people the benefit of the doubt rather than stand up for a principle.
If you think like a Governor then the rest of us rely on you to make sure we all obey the rules.
You help to stop crooks and cheats and, of course, the rest of us from doing the wrong thing. You’ll look up rule 3, sub-section 7 to tell us what’s right. If the rules don’t tell us what’s right, then you’ll think of the principle or spirit behind it. Finally, you might remember that we are all human and fallible, and if we’re lucky, you might let us off with a warning not to do it again.
About 16% of us are Governors.
However, 31% of us are Governors when we go to work.
Strengths: Governors remind us to do our duty.
Weaknesses: Governors may appear cold and aloof and seem to lack empathy for others. They may also sometimes forget that it’s the principle that counts, not the letter of the law.
If you think like a Guardian then you believe that doing as we’re told and following the letter of the law is best for everyone.
You’re like parents, in that you really do care about us and want to protect us from ourselves, as much as from others. You will also consider moral values but believe that life would be so much better if we all just did as we’re told. Guardians are protectors, but they can also be patronizing!
About 19% of us are Guardians.
About 25% of us are Guardians when we go to work.
Strengths: Guardians are protectors who will tell us off for our own sake.
Weaknesses: Guardians may fail to consider important values such as freedom and trust. Guardians will sometimes fail to consider other people’s feelings.
If you think like a Judge then you believe that moral values, or “virtue” is the most important ethical perspective.
You ask, “What would be the fair thing to do?” then you’ll make sure that rules, laws and contracts have been complied with, although you’ll sometimes “interpret” a rule differently to be consistent with your values. Finally, you’ll consider the human dimension and the impact of your decisions on others. Judges like you are stubborn but good to have around when the going gets tough.
About 16% of us are Judges.
About 20% of us are Judges at work.
Strengths: Judges are good at solving challenging and complex problems.
Weaknesses: Judges could lack empathy for others when making tough decisions. Judges also may sometimes bend the rules if they believe a higher principle is at stake.
If you think like a Philosopher then you believe that moral values like Fairness, Wisdom and Courage are the most important ethical perspective.
Then you’ll consider the consequences of your decisions on others. Finally, you’ll consider rules, laws and regulations. Philosophers like you hate being told what to do or what’s “right”. You’re mavericks and rebels, but good to have around when really difficult decisions have to be made.
About 15% of us are Philosophers.
About 9% of us are Philosophers when we go to work.
Strengths: Philosophers are good at solving difficult or complex dilemmas that require judgements based on values.
Weaknesses: Philosophers will break rules if they believe a higher principle is at stake. Philosophers may sometimes lack empathy for others in making rational decisions.
If you think like a Teacher then you believe that doing what’s right for humanity is the right thing to do.
You put others first and have no hesitation in telling the rest of us to do the same, because for you, rules and order are also important. Finally, you will consider moral principles, but only if you face conflicting interests between others’ opinions and the rules of the game. Teachers like you are good people who think of others first and are good to have around, as long as we all do as we’re told!
About 18% of us are Teachers.
About 9% of us are Teachers when we go to work.
Strengths: Teachers are caring people, who can be relied on to do what’s right.
Weaknesses: Teachers could fail to consider deeper moral principles and can decide to break the rules if they think they know best, which is most of the time!
MoralDNA® for Employers
Organisations around the world have been using MoralDNA both to improve performance and to increase trust. If you are interested in learning more, please complete your free personal profile, then contact us for details of our commercial licences, which offer additional insights into your values, as well as detailed analysis of your organisational culture.
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