You can tell a lot about a person by how they take their coffee. Some people see coffee as fuel, others as an experience, some as a path to perfection, and others as an adventure in a cup. Naturally, your Personality Dimensions® have a lot to do with how you get your caffeine fix. So, what does your go-to coffee order say about you?
Authentic Blues make coffee about the experience, not just the caffeine. Their usual? A vanilla latte, a chai latte, or if it’s autumn, a pumpkin spiced latte is a must! Bonus points if it comes in a cozy ceramic mug. If they’re feeling fancy, maybe a little cinnamon or an extra pump of something sweet. They’re the ones chatting with the barista about their day, and they might take a moment to feel what they’re in the mood for before ordering. They savour their coffee as much as the moment, finding comfort in the ritual as much as the drink itself.
Inquiring Greens don’t just drink coffee; they make a conscious choice about it. Their order isn’t just about caffeine, it’s about quality. An ethically sourced, locally roasted, small-batch pour-over, is their go-to, but they won’t say no to a well-made espresso. They might ask a couple of questions about the beans and roast, but only because they actually care about what they’re drinking. They appreciate the details but don’t overcomplicate things, just give them a smooth, well-balanced cup, and they’re happy. But in reality, Inquiring Greens will choose tea over coffee, any day.
Organized Golds keep it simple and effective, just like their to-do lists. A medium double-double, IYKYK, is the perfect way to start the day. Maybe, on special occasions, they go for a large, or even a dark roast if they’re feeling daring, but don’t expect anything that involves pumps, whip, foam, or a drizzle. They will know their order before stepping into the café, or pulling up to the drive through, and have a backup plan in case the first choice is unavailable. If the line is moving slowly because someone can’t decide between oat or almond milk, they’ll be the one sighing audibly but politely.
Resourceful Oranges don’t have a “usual.” One day, it’s a double espresso because they need a fast caffeine hit before their next adventure; the next, it’s an iced caramel macchiato with extra drizzle, just for fun. If there’s a seasonal special, they’re stepping up to try it. They might even ask the barista for their recommendation, just to keep things interesting. Their coffee order is an extension of their mood, if it’s got foam art, extra toppings, or a new flavour, even better. If they’re with a friend, they might just grab a sip of whatever they ordered, too.
Next time you grab your morning coffee, take a moment to reflect, does your order match your personality, or are you in the mood to shake things up?
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is a lifelong Introvert, and the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners and HR Professionals get the right tools to do their best work. Brad is also on the board of directors for the Career Professionals of Canada, and an advisory committee member with the Career Development Practitioners’s Certification Board of Ontario.
