Business Book Review: What Makes People Tick by Des Hunt

What Makes People Tick will permanently change the way you view personality types. Helping you find your people and navigate opposing views of the world.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Length:  117 pages
Publisher: First Published by Intel Publishing
Released: 1988

Key Takeaways for Personal Branding

I’ve recommended Des Hunt’s What Makes People Tick more times than I can remember. I first experienced the ideas illustrated in the book at a training and development workshop. Of all the training I’ve been a part of in my corporate life, it’s proved most memorable.

Hunt’s book delivers a masterclass in simplifying personality profiles to make them stick. The crystal clear profiles then become your superpower for effective communication. Use it to help handle the highs and lows of team dynamics.

Our Windows of the World

Hunt proposes that in ‘The Building of Life’ we all have windows in which we view the world. Your view is shaped by your experiences and values. This includes your parents, friends, relatives, local culture, teachers, national culture, social values, religion and media.

Of the four windows Hunt proposes, you likely have a dominant window through which you view the world. But, you usually also have a secondary window.

The Personality Profiles

The four windows form the primary personality types. Unlike his counterparts, Hunt skillfully uses birds only. This helps boost your recall of the distinct differences.

Each profile has its strengths and weaknesses, plus different motivations.

Peacock: These individuals are outgoing, enthusiastic, and charismatic. They thrive on social interaction and are often the life of the party. Peacocks are creative and spontaneous, bringing energy and excitement to any group.

Dove: Doves are nurturing, empathetic, and supportive. They value harmony and relationships above all else. Doves excel in roles that involve caring for others and creating a peaceful environment.

Owl: Methodical and analytical, Owls are known for their precision and attention to detail. They prefer structured environments and excel in tasks that require careful planning and critical thinking.

Eagle: Eagles are driven, competitive, and goal-oriented. They are natural leaders who thrive on challenges and strive for success. Eagles are decisive and assertive, often taking charge in difficult situations.

Confident versus Shy

One side of The Building of Life views the world from confident windows, while the other looks through shy windows.

Warms versus Cools

The upstairs of The Building of Life is warm while downstairs is cool.

Cools (Eagles and Owls)

The Cools are cool and aloof, using their heads over hearts. They prefer tasks than dealing with people. They are the thinkers and doers.

Warms (Peacocks and Doves)

The Warms are warm and friendly, using their hearts over heads. They prefer dealing with people over tasks. They are the feelers and relators.

When matched with whether you are confident or shy, you’re either a:

• Confident Warm (Peacock)

• Confident Cool (Eagle)

• Shy Warm (Dove)

• Shy Cool (Owl)

Even years after first reading this book, the profiles are still memorable.

They say when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. This is one book that will change the way you see others forever. You’ll start to understand what makes them tick. Plus, what ticks them off. By understanding what makes people tick, you’ll also understand what makes you click with some people and not with others.

What Makes People Tick should be mandatory reading for leaders and teams.

What Makes People Tick by Des Hunt:  Available on Amazon.