When Mystique has the upper hand

iStock 000008999136Small

In certain situations, personalities with Mystique have a certain advantage.

They think before speaking. They observe. They watch.

Mystique is the language of listening.

These communicators edit what they say, removing the fluff and excess. They say just enough, then pause to listen before going on. When they do call attention to a situation, take notice. They won’t ask for attention unless it’s merited.

With Mystique, substance wins over style. They’re never gimmicky. Never tacky or flashy or brassy. They don’t pitch fits or throw tantrums.

The Mystique personality worries less about how they look on the outside, and more about what’s going on inside someone’s head.

If you have a complex problem that requires high-level thinking, turn to a colleague or friend who is a Mystique personality.

They’ll dig deeply into a problem or situation, sorting through the variables and nuances. They take the time they need to figure out a solution. When they do present that solution, it will be carefully considered.

Their first impression is only the tip of the iceberg. You might have to take more time to get to know them, because their greatest value can lie hidden under the surface.

Take the time you need to get to know what’s going on under the surface, because there’s more than meets the eye.

Which Advantages do you need on your team to succeed? Find out. Have your team members take the Fascinate Test.

I score low on Mystique. Many outgoing personalities score low on Mystique, especially those with a strong use of Passion and Power. I’m a Passion personality, so I tend to jump right into the conversation. Do you score low on Mystique, like me? Is it your Dormant Advantage?

We’ve learned in our research that Mystique can help organizations balance out their communication, by carefully thinking through every piece of data before offering an opinion.

Do you know a Mystique personality? We want to hear about it. Give us an example of how quiet personalities add value in the comments section below.

(If you have a Primary or Secondary Mystique Advantage, you probably don’t like to toot your own horn… but we want to know more about how you solve problems differently than your super-social friends. Tell us!)

Don’t miss a single fascinating tip!

Sign up to receive updates on our latest blog posts, offers, and more.

Blog post email and popup form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About the author

Sally Hogshead

Sally skyrocketed to the top of the advertising world in her early 20s, fascinating millions of consumers for clients such as MINI Cooper and Coca-Cola. Since then, she’s published two New York Times bestsellers on the science of fascination, and is one of only 172 living members in the Speaker Hall of Fame. Over a million professionals have taken the Fascination Advantage® personality test to discover how others perceive their communication.

Recent Posts
Are you motivated by enthusiasm and praise?  Or are you motivated by the threat of negative consequences? In other words… carrot, or stick?   (Me, I’m a carrot person.) People respond in very individual ways to...

The greatest gift you can give is to show someone else their highest value. Up to now, we’ve been looking at you, and your own highest distinct value. Now, let’s look at the people around...

The Fascination Archetypes in The Holiday - A collage featuring character traits and scenes from the movie, including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black.
An international house swap over the holidays, unlikely romances, a heartwarming friendship with a wise neighbor, and so much more! It’s The Holiday—the coziest, most feel-good Christmas movie that somehow makes personal growth look as...

Colorful gift boxes arranged on a white wooden background with text that reads 'The 2024 Fascinating Holiday Gift Guide.'
Holiday shopping can be stressful.  Finding the perfect gift for someone who seems to have it all?  Even harder. But what if you could shop based on their personality—giving a gift that celebrates their distinct...

We all know the story: Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who guide him through a journey of transformation. But what if these Ghosts came to...

Related Posts

The Fascination Archetypes in The Holiday - A collage featuring character traits and scenes from the movie, including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black.
An international house swap over the holidays, unlikely romances, a heartwarming friendship with a wise neighbor, and so much more! It’s The Holiday—the coziest, most feel-good Christmas movie that somehow makes personal growth look as...

It’s almost that time of year again…when small-town snowfalls, holiday lights, and unexpected romances fill our screens. Whether you love them or love to laugh at them, Hallmark movies are back in full holiday swing,...

You’ve probably seen that bright green album cover everywhere by now. Maybe you’ve heard your kids blasting the tracks, or you’ve had the song “360” on repeat the entire summer because, let’s be real, it’s...

Send this to a friend