I’ve been going through all the files/papers I’ve accumulated since my P&G days in the 70’s – around 50 years of memos / thought pieces / reflection.
And here’s something that tickled my fancy.
It’s about Birth Order and was sent to me 40 or so years ago by a Sales Trainer from Florida called Bernie Cronin who worked for the Sandler Sales Institute.
He shared how understanding someone’s birth order could help you understand and delight a customer / prospect.
Having now enjoyed nine of our own grandchildren – and watched them develop over the past 16 years, here are some observations that might stimulate some discussion amongst y’all.
Today we’ll start with a list of the top ten most typical characteristics of the First Born / Middle Child / Youngest.
First Born:
- Perfectionist
- Over Achiever / Workaholic
- Conscientious
- Detail Oriented
- Reliable
- Serious
- Critical
- List-Maker
- Takes great notes
- Relates well to older people
Middle Child:
- Avoids conflict
- Mediator
- Easy going
- Independent
- Popular
- Loyal to peers/friends
- Holds cards close to chest
- Values relationships outside of immediate Family
- Does not like being tied down
- Makes great sales people!
Youngest:
- Entertaining
- Charming
- High energy
- Likes to show off
- Needs recognition
- Risk-taker
- Innovative
- Experimental
- Likes to have fun.
- Manipulative
Recognise your kids? Recognise your parents? Recognise your spouse? Recognise yourself?
I’ll post some contextual insights/additions to these lists next week.
