Winnie the Pooh was first published on Oct. 14, 1926 and was an immediate success, selling 35,000 copies in the U.K. and over 150,000 copies in the U.S. Since its launch almost 100 years ago, the series has gone on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide and spawned cartoons, films and more. A favourite at our luxury digital marketing agency, we explore how we can learn from the characters and personalities featured in the book.
One of the most enduring aspects of the lives that we witness in the 100 Acre Wood, are the rich tapestry of characters that inhabit the space and have become child and adulthood friends for many. There is a popular theory that each of the main characters can be read to represent one of the main eight psychological functions of cognitive thinking.
Through exploring the characters we can learn which personality traits someone favours over others, how they think other people perceive them and who they aspire to be. All of this is very useful information when it comes to your work colleagues. Whatsmore, through understanding our colleagues we can strive for a more successful working relationship and team dynamic thus pushing forward in our own work lives. Next time you have an opportunity ask your colleagues ’Which Winnie The Pooh character do you relate to the most?
Pooh, with his love for the comfort in life enjoys his honey and sleeping! Friendly easy going and good natured the pursuit of such comforts can be at the expense of others. Those with this personality type see themselves as happy and calm - of not what can be perceived as a but lazy. With an affinity to organise and care for them as they come across as dreamers, lacking in common sense and making it up with lovableness. This type of character usually needs more encouragement and motivation but they have great people skills that can have a positive influence within a group situation.
Bold and full of energy, Tiggers are charmers who can create equal parts fun and havoc. Wit often attention seeking and unexpected behaviours that can often be a cloak for approval seeking - Tiggers are said to have low self esteem that the behaviour makes up for. Creative and outgoing, Tiggers can bring a lot of energy to the workplace that can be misplaced. Enthusiastic and outgoing, Tiggers need focus and encouragement to bring the best out of them and share their gifts with a team.
Every work place seems to have an Eeyore - whose true value is often unappreciated. Introverted and quiet, they are the type of person who keeps their head down and soldiers on. Often coming across as withdrawn, they can be pessimistic and sensitive souls whose wisdom and knowledge is disguised through their brittle exterior. Eeyores require delicate and sensitive handling to encourage their self esteem and for them to shine. Often the opposite to a Tigger, an Eeyore shares much more in common with this personality type than one would expect. Thoughtful and generous, they can be colleagues that are quietly facilitating the team and business in all sorts of unnoticed ways.
A natural worrier, piglets have a nervous energy that they need to focus. Piglets have a natural ability to look at the bigger picture and try to figure out obstacles or issues before they occur. Whilst full of a worrying energy which can frustrate others, they rely on reassurance to bring the best out of them. Piglets tend to fear failure so much that they will work harder than everyone else but distract colleagues as they seek this reassurance.With positive reminders and guided support their ability to think of the bigger picture can be a real positive for many businesses.
Wise and intelligent, Owls can be full of great pride and self esteem and, whilst their hearts are in the right place, they can come across as arrogant or overly self assured. Despite the apparent confidence, Owls can have a distinct fear of failure that can lead to them avoiding certain scenarios and risks. However, this wisdom, when focused and supported, can make them into great leaders, negotiations and communicators.
An amazing organiser, Rabbits are the ones that often are running around, multitasking and generally taking on a lot of responsibility. They are motivated from feeling important and are a great asset to a team However, left unchecked rabbits can take on too much and may feel overworked or unappreciated - primarily because they are willing to work harder than the more laid back team members. Rabbits need to be appreciated and feel understood, when they are acknowledged and their efforts are vocalised they make a valuable asset to a team.
Kanga is the carer of the group who is often seen in the traditional role of ’mother’ within the woodland society. A Kanga feels the need to help others and values caring and helping. A natural facilitator, Kangas often place the needs of others above their own. This person will be a loyal team member with empathy to spare for everyone, they will be quickly upset by conflict but they are the best person to root out the hidden cause and be on hand to calmly resolve it.
Too is the baby of the group who is the one who is learning and absorbing the most. Adventurous and outgoing, a Roo takes on new challenges and are often light hearted. Whilst they are aware of their lack of experience, they tend to be easily impressed and can be led astray. Whilst popular members, they are likeable and need a mentor to encourage and help them develop into trusting in their own abilities, take more worthy risks and develop from their mistakes.
Finally we come to Christopher Robin. Christopher Robin is pure imagination and the only one of our characters who isn't an animal. Intelligent, motivated and deeply able to understand others, Christopher Robins are well rounded, successful individuals. Whilst they may seem a bit aloof, they have intelligent opinions and are important to any dynamic.
With over 10 years experience working within luxury marketing, our experienced luxury digital marketing agency can assist you. Speak to our team today via hello@theluxurymarketingagency.com to find out how we can help with your digital marketing needs.
