Free Trait Theory

One quality that everyone shares is that we are a mixed bag of emotions and behavioral patterns. Looking back over our lives, regardless of the amount of time we have been alive, all of us can identify times when we exhibited the entire range of emotions as well as behaved in ways were totally opposite what we consider to be our normal way of conducting ourselves. Myself, for instance, I was extremely happy at my daughter's wedding and equally sad at the funeral. In terms of behavior, when teaching I am gregarious while at home I am usually quiet and reflective. In these examples, my moods and behavior vary depending upon my circumstance.


One assessment of such mood swings and behavior might be that I am schizophrenic. But a much more realistic perspective is found in what educator Brian Little identified in his Free Trait Theory. It is Little's contention that a person's fixed traits - how they are normally - and free traits - how they behave in various situations - compromise all of us. While we are born with certain personality traits, we can and do act out of character at times when behaving "different" is called for. In other words, according to Little, all of us are comprised of a wide range of feelings and behavioral patterns that we call upon to help us contend with various situations and/or moments that are important to us.     


It is this innate ability to be flexible that enables us to get through our days with at least some degree of success. For professional communicators, Little's Free Trait Theory is particularly applicable as it addresses the ability these men and women exhibit to help others address their outreach goals in an array of circumstances and often in the face of complex obstacles. None of us are one way. Nor should we be. This is vital for those who practice public relations. These men and women often serve as the front-line on behalf of those who want to connect with multiple publics. The flexibility of professional communicators - under the umbrella of the free trait theory - helps make this happen.