Women, Work and Impact of Temperament on Career Fulfillment

“Accelerate Action!” I firmly repeated the International Women’s Day theme three times as I packed my bag for a journey to Kwahu. The words echoed in my mind like the steady beat of a talking drum—powerful, insistent, and urgent.

This year’s theme had captured my heart, serving as more than a rallying cry; it was a reminder that change is not merely wished into existence but forged through deliberate steps. Little by little, we shape the world.

Driving to Kwahu wasn’t part of my plans, but fate had other ideas. With unforeseen circumstances altering my course, I found myself behind the wheel, my only guide being Google Maps and my own reflections. As the road stretched ahead like an uncharted path, my mind wandered to the one question that refused to be silenced:

“Does our culture, society and workplaces truly designed to harness women’s strengths, or are we being forced into roles that drain our energy?”

The weight of the question settled over me like the thick dust rising from the unpaved roads under construction at Sarpeiman (a suburb of Accra- Ghana), clouding my vision just as society’s expectations often blur the path for women seeking fulfillment in their careers.

Perhaps the key lay not just in breaking barriers but in truly understanding ourselves. As a temperament coach and trainer, I wondered: If temperament, the natural rhythm of our personalities, shapes how we work best, could a mismatch between a woman’s temperament and her job be a hidden force driving workplace stress, burnout, and high turnover rates?

Now, I can almost hear my male readers thinking, But what about us? Men face workplace stress and burnout too! And you’re absolutely right. However, with International Women’s Day upon us, allow me to shine the spotlight on my gender—just for today. (Wink.)

Women, Work, and the Challenge of Temperament Fit

As I continued my journey from Accra to Kwahu, I had been told it was a 2 to 2.5-hour drive, but what was promised as a quick ride stretched to a grueling 4 hours. A major traffic jam and bad roads had me stuck for over an hour. Finally, I arrived at Nkawkaw and began the ascent up the Kwehu Mountains. It was my first time there, and I had underestimated the challenge, especially for someone with a serious phobia of heights. At one point, I stopped, feeling overwhelmed, wondering how I would continue. But with determination and a cautious pace, I pressed on, like a learner driving uphill for the first time. Gradually, I made it to the top, a great achievement for me. I had never thought I could do it, but I did, and it reminded me of the power of perseverance.

This moment of triumph got me thinking: just like I had to face my fears to conquer the mountain, are women also facing their own internal mountains at work? Are we being placed in roles that truly leverage our natural strengths, or are we, like I was on that winding road, constantly trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t align with who we are? This question echoed in my mind as I drove further into the mountains, pondering how women in the workplace are often tasked with navigating challenges that seem insurmountable without the right support and understanding of our temperament.

Perhaps the challenge wasn’t just about securing equal opportunities, but also about alignment—the delicate balance between who we are and the roles we occupy. Temperament, the unseen force shaping our energy, motivation, and stress levels, plays a crucial role in how we experience work. Yet, in the pursuit of productivity and progress, how often do we pause to ask: Are women being positioned in roles that complement their natural strengths, or are they constantly adapting, bending, and exhausting themselves to fit a mold that was never designed with them in mind?

Women, Temperament and Career Best Fits

Each of us have at least two temperaments, a dominant and a secondary one with each having natural strengths and weaknesses. The ideal situation is to work and operate in the area of our strength, our temperament best fit roles. Let’s explore the key best fit for each temperament:

 Choleric Women (Bold, Decisive, Goal-Oriented, Assertive)

Their key strengths are in leadership, strategic thinking, high energy, and results-driven mindset.

Ideal roles:

• Executive & Leadership Positions (CEO, Director, Manager) – Their confidence and drive make them natural leaders.
• Entrepreneurs & Business Owners – They thrive in high-stakes environments where they can take charge.
• Project Management & Operations – Their ability to execute plans and keep teams focused is invaluable.
• Advocacy & Policy-Making – Their assertiveness suits roles in governance, legal work, and activism.

Challenges: May struggle with patience and emotional sensitivity in interpersonal dynamics. They need to balance assertiveness with collaboration to avoid being perceived as overly dominant.

 Sanguine Women (Sociable, Energetic, Optimistic, Charismatic)

Their key strengths are excellent communication skills, adaptability, enthusiasm, and relationship-building.

Ideal roles:

• Sales & Marketing – Their natural charm and persuasive abilities make them great at selling ideas and products.
• Public Relations & Media – They thrive in fast-paced, people-facing roles.
• Human Resources & Training – Their ability to engage, uplift, and connect with people makes them great at employee engagement.
• Event Planning & Hospitality – Their high energy and creativity make them perfect for dynamic environments.
• Entertainment & Creative Fields – Acting, music, and arts allow them to express their vibrant personalities.

Challenges: May struggle with structure, discipline, or follow-through on detailed tasks. They need environments that allow flexibility and spontaneity to maintain enthusiasm.

 

Melancholic Women (Detail-Oriented, Analytical, Perfectionist, Thoughtful)

Their strengths are deep thinking, precision, problem-solving, and emotional depth.

Ideal roles:

• Research & Academia – Their analytical nature makes them excellent in knowledge-based fields.
• Accounting & Finance – Their attention to detail helps in roles that require accuracy and discipline.
• Writing & Editing – Their introspective and perfectionist tendencies make them great at crafting meaningful content.
• Psychology & Counseling – Their empathy and deep understanding of emotions help them excel in mental health and advisory roles.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance – They thrive in roles that require meticulousness and high standards.

Challenges: Can be overly self-critical and struggle with perfectionism. They need structured environments that also allow creativity and deep work.

Phlegmatic Women (Calm, Patient, Supportive, Harmonious)

Their strengths are emotional stability, adaptability, listening skills, and mediation abilities.

Their ideal roles are:

• Healthcare & Nursing – Their patience and nurturing nature make them well-suited for caregiving roles.
• Teaching & Education – Their ability to remain calm and supportive helps in handling students of all levels.
• Social Work & Humanitarian Fields – Their empathy makes them natural caregivers in society.
• Customer Service & Support Roles – Their patience and ability to manage difficult situations shine in service-oriented positions.
• Administrative & Support Roles – Their steady nature makes them reliable in ensuring organizational stability.

Challenges: May struggle with asserting themselves or taking initiative in competitive environments. They need workplaces that value emotional intelligence and harmony rather than high-pressure competitiveness.

 Final thoughts

Just like my journey to Kwahu, where I faced my fear of heights and made it to the top, I realized that the road to career fulfillment for women may also be challenging. But with perseverance and the right mindset and being intentional, we can overcome obstacles that society, culture, and workplaces often throw in our way.

I returned home with a renewed zeal to continue facing my fears, knowing that aligning my work with my natural strengths is key to achieving long-term fulfillment. The journey, though daunting at times, is worth it for the peace and productivity that comes from staying true to who we are.

Written BY: Theodora Senaya, 2025

Theodora Senaya is a temperament coach and the founder of Senaya Temperament Solutions. She is a Chartered Banker, a member of the Institute of Directors, Ghana, and a Lead Implementer in ISO 22301.