In The Kingdom, I Would of Been a Shepherd

Many Years ago

there was a period of time

that is often casually called "Medieval."

It was a time, so the story tellers tell us,

of tiny kingdoms, brave knights

and ferocious dragons.

Transportation and travel were both crude and difficult, usually necessitating that each kingdom be as self sufficient and self reliant as possible. So it was very important that within each kingdom all the major crafts and professions of the day were ably represented to insure the survival of the kingdom. In the English language we still see remnants of some occupations in the familiar surnames such as Smith, Carpenter, Miller and Baker to name just a few.

Interestingly enough, beyond the specific title the vocation also took on its own greater personality. This personality preference can also give a broader understanding of the basic complementary style and types necessary to the kingdom's survival, or perhaps any organization's success. Although the specific vocation influenced the name, it was no accident that certain personality types and styles gravitated to certain occupations. The personality of these jobs suited the inclinations of the job holders, and the predecessor to modern day job descriptions was born. The successful matching of a job-holder's personality to the personality and unique requirements of the job was necessary to the kingdom's survival, or perhaps any organization's success. The successful kingdoms more than likely were able to blend the differences into a powerful and formidable entity. With today's diverse workforce, the corporate kingdom that acknowledges and nurtures these personality preferences could become an organization as successful as the Camelot of old.

Even though we now appear to have the freedom to explore many different career alternatives, we still have a medieval vocational personality within each of us. This personality, properly identified and understood, can motivate our success but, if ignored, may set the stage for our ultimate failure. Since times appeared to be simpler then, let us return to the kingdoms of medieval Europe and see what we would have done then, regardless of what our names are now.

Your distinct personality

The Shepherd is to tend to your human flock.

You understand the needs of those for whom you are responsible.

Shepherds are vigilant and reliable.

You realize your obligation and commitment

to the well being of those entrusted to your care.

Shepherds are very dependable.

You engender a feeling of comfort and stability to those within your charge.

On the positive side, Shepherds can be

empathic, caring, understanding, practical and realistic.

On the negative side, you may be manipulative, close-minded and sentimentally rigid.

Interestingly, your preference is just as applicable in today's corporate kingdoms.

How well would you have dealt with DRAGONS in the Medieval Kingdom?(Or ... In Today's Corporate Kingdoms?)
Click on the Dragon below to find out ...

©2005 Career Management International, Inc.
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