When you meet someone, you have less than ten minutes to answer two questions: Who are they? Where are they right now?
At Mutara, we call this the Ten-Minute Read — a fast, structured way to understand people under pressure.
Step 1: Who they are — Personality (The Four Faces)
- Performer: expressive, thrives on recognition.
- Strategist: decisive, results-driven.
- Analyst: logical, detail-focused.
- Empath: cautious, relationship-driven.
These traits don’t change much. Spot them, and you’ll know how to connect.
Step 2: Where they are — Mood (Aggression–Regression Scale)
- Runs from –5 (withdrawn) to +5 (hostile).
- Zero is balance. That’s where influence works best.
- First stabilize the mood, then persuade.
Step 3: Your move
- De-escalate if they’re amped up.
- Re-engage if they’re shut down.
- Influence only when balanced.
Quick tip: In your next conversation, spend two minutes just watching — tone, posture, word choice. You’ll learn more than you expect.