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TMI results · Trait Matrix Indicator

TMI Types: What Each of the 13 Types Means

Every Trait Matrix Indicator result comes with a type. Here is what each one is like, what it does well and the trap it tends to fall into. Got your result? Find your type below. Haven't taken it yet? It's free.

Jump to a type
The SparkThe ObserverThe BarometerThe Steady HandThe BuilderThe ImproviserThe ExplorerThe RealistThe AllyThe MaverickThe Straight ArrowThe StrategistThe All-Rounder

How TMI types work

Your type is the headline. The rest is the detail.

Your TMI type sums up your temperament in a word. It's named after the trait you lean on most, so someone who is very curious might be The Explorer. Every trait has two opposite ends, which is why the types come in pairs. The rest of the test, what drives you, how you connect, how your mind works and what work fits you, doesn't change your type. It fills in the details in your results. Read more about how the TMI works.

Your typeOne name for the trait you lean on most, like The Explorer or The Steady Hand.
Your detailsWhat drives you, how you connect, how your mind works and the work that fits, all in your results.

Your main type

The Wiring trait furthest from the middle names your type, for example The Explorer. If none of your traits stands out, you're The All-Rounder.

Streaks and blends

A second trait close behind adds a streak, such as Explorer with a Maverick streak. If two traits are nearly tied, you get a blend: Explorer-Maverick blend.

How firm it is

Every type is marked leaning, clear or strong. A leaning type could tip on a different day. A strong one is a big part of who you are.

The 13 types

All 13 TMI types

Every trait has two opposite ends, so the types come in pairs. Neither end is better. Each has its own strengths and its own blind spots.

Pair 1 of 6

Social energy: The Spark and The Observer

Where you get your energy: from being around people, or from time on your own. Most people land somewhere in between.

The SparkThe Observer

High end

The Spark

Sparks get their energy from people. They start conversations, fill quiet rooms and tend to think out loud. After a busy week, a night out sounds better than a night in.

StrengthBringing people together and getting things moving.
Watch forFilling every silence and saying yes to too much, then running out of steam.

Go deeper: DISC Personality Test, to see how your style plays out at work and in teams.

Low end

The Observer

Observers recharge alone. They listen more than they talk, prefer a few close people to a crowd, and often notice what everyone else missed.

StrengthCareful listening and thinking before speaking.
Watch forHolding back so long that good ideas never get said.

Go deeper: Attachment Style Profile, for a closer look at how you connect one to one.

Pair 2 of 6

Emotional weather: The Barometer and The Steady Hand

How strongly your feelings hit, and how long they stay with you.

The BarometerThe Steady Hand

High end

The Barometer

Barometers feel things strongly and quickly. They pick up on tension in a room, care a lot about how things land, and can replay a setback for the rest of the day.

StrengthReading moods and caring how people feel.
Watch forWorrying about things that never happen and taking criticism to heart.

Go deeper: Emotional Intelligence Test, to turn strong feelings into a skill.

Low end

The Steady Hand

Steady Hands stay calm when plans fall apart. Criticism rolls off them, and they are often the person others lean on in a crisis.

StrengthKeeping a cool head under pressure.
Watch forMissing how upset other people are, or brushing off their own warning signs.

Go deeper: Locus of Control Test, to see where you feel in charge and where you don't.

Pair 3 of 6

Structure: The Builder and The Improviser

How much you like plans, order and getting things done early.

The BuilderThe Improviser

High end

The Builder

Builders like a plan. They finish things early, keep track of the details and feel best when everything is in order.

StrengthReliability. Things get done, on time and done right.
Watch forGetting rigid when plans change, or judging people who work differently.

Go deeper: Holland Code Career Assessment, to match your strengths to work that fits.

Low end

The Improviser

Improvisers keep their options open. They work well on the fly, adapt fast and get bored by strict schedules.

StrengthFlexibility and quick thinking when things change.
Watch forLeaving things until the last minute and letting details slide.

Go deeper: Focus & Trance State Profile, to see how you concentrate and get absorbed.

Pair 4 of 6

Imagination: The Explorer and The Realist

How drawn you are to new ideas, art and things you haven't tried yet.

The ExplorerThe Realist

High end

The Explorer

Explorers are curious about almost everything. They enjoy ideas for their own sake, can be moved deeply by art and music, and like trying what they haven't tried.

StrengthFresh ideas and an open mind.
Watch forChasing the next new idea and leaving the last one half finished.

Go deeper: Mind’s Eye Test, to see how vivid your imagination really is.

Low end

The Realist

Realists trust what works. They like practical answers, proven methods and plain talk, and they have little patience for theory.

StrengthCommon sense and getting to the point.
Watch forDismissing new ideas before giving them a fair look.

Go deeper: Brain Dominance Scale, to see whether you lean analytical or intuitive.

Pair 5 of 6

Regard for others: The Ally and The Maverick

How much you put cooperation and other people's feelings first.

The AllyThe Maverick

High end

The Ally

Allies are warm and cooperative. They go out of their way to help, look for the compromise and trust people until given a reason not to.

StrengthBuilding trust and keeping the peace.
Watch forPutting everyone else first and having a hard time saying no.

Go deeper: Love Language Test, to see how you give and receive care.

Low end

The Maverick

Mavericks are independent and tough-minded. They say what they think, don't need everyone to like them and won't bend just to keep the peace.

StrengthHonest feedback and the nerve to go against the crowd.
Watch forComing across as harsh, and winning arguments at the cost of relationships.

Go deeper: ICA Index, to explore your needs for inclusion, control and affection.

Pair 6 of 6

Candor and humility: The Straight Arrow and The Strategist

How straight you play it, and how much you need to come out ahead.

The Straight ArrowThe Strategist

High end

The Straight Arrow

Straight Arrows play it straight. They don't expect special treatment, give credit where it's due and hand back the extra change even when no one would know.

StrengthPeople trust them, and for good reason.
Watch forUnderselling themselves and getting passed over by louder people.

Go deeper: Moral Alignment, for a fun look at your ethical outlook.

Low end

The Strategist

Strategists play the angles. They are bold, comfortable promoting themselves, and see flattery and image as tools for getting ahead. Plenty of successful people land here.

StrengthAmbition and a sharp read on what it takes to win.
Watch forBending the truth or using people, and losing trust once others notice.

Go deeper: Dark Triad Test, to see which everyday dark traits show up, and how.

No trait stands out

The All-Rounder

All-Rounders don't lean hard in any direction. Their Wiring traits sit near the middle, so they can adapt to almost any situation. This isn't a lack of personality. It's a balanced one.

StrengthBeing social or quiet, planned or loose, as the moment needs.
Watch forNot knowing what you want, or going along with whoever is loudest.

Go deeper: Big Five Personality Test, for the fullest picture of your traits.

FAQ

TMI types: common questions

How do I find out my TMI type?

Take the free TMI test. Your type, and how firm it is, appear at the top of your results.

Does my type cover everything the test measures?

No, and that’s on purpose. Your type sums up your temperament in a word, so it’s easy to remember and share. Everything else the test measures, like what drives you, how you connect and what work fits you, is explained in your results and helps pick the deeper tests suggested for you.

Is one TMI type better than another?

No. Each type is one end of a trait, and both ends have real strengths and real blind spots.

What does a streak or a blend mean?

A streak means a second trait also stands out, a little less than your main one. A blend means two traits are nearly tied, so both are part of your type.

Why am I The All-Rounder?

None of your traits sits far enough from the middle to name a type. That usually means you adapt to the situation rather than leaning one way.

Can my TMI type change?

Yes. Types near the line can shift with mood, stress and life changes. A type marked strong tends to stay put.

Which type are you?

Take the free TMI test to find your type, with an instant, personalized interpretation of your exact scores.

Take the TMI test

TMI types describe tendencies, not fixed categories. The Trait Matrix Indicator is an educational self-assessment by Hypnotechs and cannot diagnose any condition or replace professional advice.