When in doubt … Be a Pooh
Be a Pooh Bear to be exact.
Many systems and philosophies exist for understanding ourselves based on personality types and communication styles: The Enneagram, Astrology, Numerology, and Human Design to name a few. They all have their merits and are very insightful.
I would like to posit my own simple and handy way to analyze and navigate complex social dynamics using characters from the cherished works of A.A. Milne; most notably the titular character, Winnie-the-Pooh. Authors note: I am aware of the 1982 Book Tao of Pooh however, I have not read it; any similarities are coincidental and unintended.
The Whinnie-the-Pooh stories take place in the Hundred Acre Wood where a group of friendly animals, both real and stuffed, Play with their human friend Christopher Robin, who is based on Milnes son of the same name. Here is a short description of the characters at play:
Winnie-the-Pooh - a bear of unflappable contentment. Pooh has very few worries in life beyond getting his paws on some honey. Pooh’s downside is he is very satisfied therefore not self motivated aside for the procurement of the aforementioned honey.
Tigger - a tiger; force of nature really. Inexhaustible in his zest for life and fun; frequently demonstrated by his incessant bouncing around on his springy tail. Tigger’s downside is he frequently bounces his way into trouble because he does not think about the consequences of his actions.
Rabbit - a worrisome pragmatist. Rabbit is practical, intellectual, and organized. However, Rabbit places too high a priority on process over practice and is frequently frustrated by the actions of the other characters.
Kanga - The loving nurturer. Kanga is almost always accompanied by her joey, Roo. Kanga always has kind wisdom and food for the other characters. Kanga has no real downside however she is the only female character which is a reflection of Milnes’s son, Christopher Robin who was an only child largely raised by his nanny and having few friends other than those in the Hundred Acre Wood. These archetypes as I lay them out are not gender specific.
Owl - regarded by the other character as the wisest animal in the group. Despite his kind and vociferous nature, Owl is prone to vacuous monologues based on his experience that are not relevant to the events at hand.
Piglet - is kind, gentle, smart and shy. Piglet is capable of taking the lead in most situations however is occasionally intimidated by other characters and adverse situations.
Last but certainly not least…
Eeyore - A donkey who is as pessimistic as Pooh-bear is optimistic.
Pooh: “Good morning, Eeyore!.”
Eeyore: “Good morning. If it is a good morning, which I doubt.”
The upside of Eeyore is he has dismal expectations and so he is never let down.
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In dealing with your social circles at work or in the wild it is useful to know which character you are and even more important to know which other character best represents your peers. None of them are perfect yet they all bring something to to the table.
On average I am Pooh and on my best days I am a Tigger. We are all allowed our Eeyore days and I have learned that I need to be more Rabbit to optimize my output and experience.
When I am outnumbered by Eeyores and Rabbits and I can get bummed and or stressed out and look to find a Kanga to bring some balance to the mix. When I identify a Piglet I make sure I listen to them and build their confidence out so they don’t get shouted down by the Owls in the forest. I also listen to the Owls because their experience can bring wisdom if you can read between the self-indulgence.
Whichever one fits you wear it well and remember it takes all sorts of animals to make this world beautiful. Just watch out for the wrong kind of bees.
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“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that they have a small piece of fluff in their ear.”
-Winnie-the-Pooh
