Type A vs. Type B: Find Out Which One You Are

A little-known fact is that there are four primary personality types—Types A, B, C, and D—rather than only two which are most widely known (Types A and B). People with Type A personalities tend to get a lot of attention and recognition due to their strong desire for achievement and competitive nature, often helping them rise to positions of power. On the other hand, Type B people, who are more easygoing and flexible, often take a back seat in terms of receiving praise or enjoying the spotlight. 

You can think of Type A’s as being the “directors” in a group and Type B’s as being the “socializers.” One type is not necessarily better than the other, as both have strengths and weaknesses. 

While Type A vs. Type B personality theory has been somewhat criticized since it was first introduced in the 1950s, the concept has contributed to our understanding of the relationship between personality style, productivity, health, and well-being. Becoming familiar with your personality type can be useful for improving self-awareness, personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and for career considerations, such as choosing which type of jobs and work environments to pursue. 

In this article, learn about Type A vs. Type B personality styles, including key ways in which the two differ and how they tend to handle various situations.

What Are Type A and Type B Personalities?

Type A and Type B personalities are two distinct personality types that describe individuals’ characteristic behaviors, attitudes, and approaches to life. While these classifications have been debated and modified over time, they provide a framework for understanding different personality styles.

The concept of Type A and Type B personality types was first introduced by cardiologists Meyer Friedman and Ray Rosenman in the 1950s. They initially conducted research on the relationship between personality and coronary heart disease. Through their studies, they observed distinct patterns of behavior and identified two main personality types: A and B.

Wondering, “Am I Type A or Type B?” Here’s how to tell, based on traits commonly associated with Type A and Type B personalities:

Type A Personality Traits

• Often highly ambitious and driven
• Tend to be competitive and accomplishment-oriented
• Time-conscious, impatient, and usually exhibit a sense of urgency 
• Usually highly organized, efficient, and focused on achieving specific goals
• May multitask to accomplish more in a shorter period of time
• Highly organized and prefer structure and planning
• Focused on being efficient and task-oriented, sometimes striving for perfection
• May be stubborn, often take charge in groups, and want things done a certain way

Type B Personality Traits

• Generally more relaxed and easygoing
• Tend to be patient and flexible in terms of timelines, exhibiting a lower sense of urgency
• Less focused on external achievements
• Typically flexible and adaptive to new environments and experiences
• Often creative and “out of the box” thinkers
• Usually have a balanced perspective on life and prioritize their overall well-being over accomplishing tasks
• Less likely to be competitive or aggressive
• May miss deadlines and procrastinate
• Might shy away from new opportunities and personal growth

Type A vs. Type B: How They Differ

“Type A people can be highly inspiring, because they can help you reach your goals and achieve things you didn’t know you were capable of . . . Type B people tend to be a lot more peaceful. They give off a sense that’s warm and fuzzy, and people tend to like being around them because they’re not quick to anger.”

Perpetua Neo, Psychologist 

Type A’s and B’s have certain differences in terms of how they handle responsibilities, jobs, challenges, and relationships.

For example, Type A people thrive in high-pressure environments and are often motivated by deadlines and challenges. They are proactive multitaskers and usually want to take on multiple responsibilities simultaneously to learn, succeed, and gain recognition. However, they may also experience higher levels of stress due to their intense drive for success.

In comparison, Type B people have a more laid-back approach to life. They usually experience less stress overall because they’re better at slowing down, focusing on what’s most important to them, and handling setbacks and unexpected events well. 

Why It’s Useful to Understand Your Personality Type

Recognizing your personality type helps you become more aware of your patterns and predispositions, enabling you to take proactive steps to manage stress, communicate better, and balance work and life responsibilities.

Understanding your personality type can contribute to:

• Greater self-awareness and personal growth
• Insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and behavioral patterns
• Identification of areas for improvement where you can make positive changes
• Recognition of your tendencies that may lead to conflicts
• Help with career considerations, considering certain personality traits may be more suitable for specific types of jobs or professions

Type A’s May Be More Prone to Poor Health

Researchers who have studied Type A vs. Type B personality types have concluded in some studies that Type A’s are more likely to deal with stress-related health outcomes, such as a higher risk for heart disease and poor mental health. 

Prolonged stress can negatively impact physical and mental health among Type A people, possibly leading to symptoms and conditions such as high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attacks, weakened immune system, anxiety disorders, depression, and digestive issues (such as stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux). That said, Type A’s can be diligent about their health, such as by exercising and eating well, which may lead them to suffer less often from diabetes and possibly obesity.

Here are a few reasons why Type A individuals may experience more stress and poor health:

• High Workload: Type A’s often take on heavy workloads and may have a tendency to overcommit themselves. This can lead to chronic stress as they try to meet demanding deadlines and juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Pressure and Urgency: Type A personalities have a strong need for efficiency and may feel pressure when accomplishing tasks. The constant pressure to achieve results quickly can create anxiety.
• Perfectionism: Type A individuals often have high standards for themselves and strive for perfection. They may be self-critical and set unrealistically high expectations, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction.
• Competitive Nature: Due to their competitive drive and a desire to excel, Type A’s are likely to compare themselves to others and feel the need to outperform their peers or “keep up.” 
• Difficulty Relaxing: Type A individuals may find it challenging to relax and unwind. Their high-energy levels and constant need for productivity can make it difficult for them to engage in activities that keep stress in check.

Type A’s and B’s at Work

“High-stakes jobs that demand perfection from their employees can heighten Type A traits. It can also influence others to adopt similar characteristics.“

Shonna Waters, Ph.D

Recognizing your personality type can help you make informed career choices that align with your natural inclinations, strengths, and preferences. It can also aid in identifying potential areas for professional development and growth.

In the workplace, Type B individuals prefer a less hectic work environment and tend to work steadily rather than hurriedly. Type A individuals, on the other hand, often thrive in fast-paced workplaces where achievement, dedication, and hard work are recognized and applauded.

Type A’s are attractive for employers considering they have a strong work ethic and are detail-oriented. That said, their perfectionism and competitive nature can get in their own way. As Will Yacowicz for Inc. explains, “Type A’s are more likely to be considered management material, but their aggression and stress can alienate employees . . . when unchecked, Type A behavior creates a persistently stressful environment for the team, it’s a recipe for employee disengagement.”

How Type A’s Tend to Act at Work

• Self-starters who are eager to take on challenges, grow, and climb the corporate ladder
• Often great at sticking to deadlines and meeting milestones, even with little management
• Prefer jobs and work environments where they can put their competitive drive, logical approach, and attention to detail to use
• Often found working in careers such as investment banking, medicine, engineering, corporate law, the military, and entrepreneurship
• May struggle with work-life balance and find it challenging to relax, give themselves time to rest, or take to breaks from work to unwind or have fun

How Type B’s Tend to Act at Work

• Value work-life balance and are more likely to engage in leisure activities and relaxation than to overwork and burn themselves out
• Tend to be more creative and flexible in their approach to problem-solving
• Generally less prone to stress-related issues, such as hurrying and feeling overwhelmed
• Not as aggressive or competitive
• May require external motivation or clear deadlines to stay focused and avoid procrastination

How Type A’s and Type B’s Handle Communication and Relationships

“A personality can never be isolated from the complex of interpersonal relationships in which the person lives.”

Harry Stack Sullivan

Personality types can impact how people interact and communicate with each other. By understanding different personality types, individuals can develop better empathy, appreciation, and tolerance for others’ behaviors and preferences. This knowledge can improve teamwork, collaboration, and relationships, both personally and professionally.

Those with Type B personalities often prioritize quality time with loved ones and tend to be accommodating, patient, and understanding. Because they’re more relaxed and in less of a rush to meet goals, Type B’s are typically good at listening and communicating.

In comparison, people with Type A personalities, being highly self-driven, may have difficulty prioritizing their personal lives and relationships. They can be demanding, perfectionistic, and overly competitive, which can lead to poor communication, more frequent conflicts, and over time, strained relationships. 

While Type B’s are often likable, agreeable, and easy to get along with, Type A’s are reliable and consistent, two of their relationship strengths.

The Best of Both Worlds: Combining Type A and B Traits

As you can see, being strongly Type A or Type B has both pros and cons. Experts believe that many successful people, both in their professional and personal lives, are those who combine Type A and Type B traits—such as being flexible, dependable, creative, and driven.

Victor Lipman, author and writer for Harvard Business Review, suggests that we should strive to combine “a low-stress Type B management style” with “high standards and strong results-orientation,” which are typically Type A traits. Overall, combining the best of Type A and Type B personalities involves finding a middle ground between the driven, ambitious nature of Type A’s and the relaxed, laid-back attitude of Type B’s.

Here are more tips for balancing Type A and B personality styles:

• Improve Self-Awareness: Start by understanding your own personality traits and tendencies, such as by journaling, reading, and seeking feedback from others. Recognize the aspects of your personality that may be causing stress or imbalance in your life, then work on improving these first.
• Prioritize Time Management: Implement effective time management strategies to ensure you have time for both work and relaxation. Set realistic deadlines, avoid overcommitting, and schedule breaks and leisure activities into your daily routine. Learn to prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones while delegating tasks that others can handle. This way you have enough free time. Make time for hobbies, leisure activities, and pursuits that bring you joy and relaxation.
• Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routine to help you gain clarity and stay calm when things get challenging. This can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or any other activities that you enjoy as “self-care.”
• Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries to prevent yourself from overextending or taking on too much. Learn to say “no” when necessary and prioritize your well-being.
• Develop Flexibility and Adaptability: Embrace flexibility and adaptability in your approach to work and life. Understand that not everything will go according to plan, and learn to adjust your expectations accordingly.

Want to learn more about personality traits that successful leaders often have? Check out this article:

Leadership Requires These 7 Qualities of a Person