What It Means To Have a ‘Type A’ Personality

You’ve no doubt heard of someone being described as having a “Type A” personality. It’s a label often affixed to hypercompetitive workaholics who view perfection as the only acceptable outcome.

These high-intensity personality traits can fuel the drive that leads to professional success. Of course, they’re also characteristics that can bring pressure and stress while rubbing others the wrong way.

So, is it good or bad to be a Type A person? It seems the answer to that question isn’t quite as definitive as a Type A might like.

Let’s look at the pros and cons with health psychologist Grace Tworek, PsyD.

What is a Type A personality?

Identifying someone as a certain “type” of person is our way of categorizing folks based on shared characteristics. In broad terms, those who earn the “Type A” label tend to be perceived as highly motivated people without much patience.

(The alphabet system also gives us Type B and Type C people, who approach life differently from the Type As.)

Traits of someone who is a Type A

Common traits of a Type A personality include being:

• Competitive. Winning is viewed as a necessity for a Type A. “These are the people who see themselves on the podium with that gold medal,” says Dr. Tworek. “Second place isn’t an option.”
• Goal-oriented. Ambition serves as a driving force. The bigger the challenge, the better, too. “That’s what gives a Type A energy,” she adds.
• Fast-paced. “Type A personalities typically work great under deadlines and in stressful situations,” notes Dr. Tworek. “They always thrive with that sense of urgency to get things done.”
• Organized. Lining things up so processes run smoothly and efficiently helps improve productivity, which is a must when you have “workaholic” tendencies.
• Impatient. Not everyone brings the same passion to a project as a Type A — and that can be VERY frustrating if you’re always in that go-go-go mindset, shares Dr. Tworek. It could even spark anger.
• In control. Type A people often aggressively grab the reins to ensure things are done the way they want.
• Independent. Why lean on others when you consider yourself the best resource?

Many of these Type A characteristics can serve as driving forces that spur someone toward their goals. Achievement, after all, takes effort and a willingness to push beyond perceived boundaries.

“A lot of people who find success credit it to being a Type A personality,” says Dr. Tworek. “And when you look at the Type A qualities, maybe there’s something to that.”

Of course, someone who leans toward being a Type A doesn’t have to have all those characteristics or be off the charts on them. “A lot of these traits occur on a spectrum,” Dr. Tworek clarifies. “It can depend on the person, the situation and other factors as well.”

Challenges for a Type A personality

A win-at-all-costs personality can come with … well, costs. The rapid-paced pursuit of ambition that often powers a Type A person can become a personal pressure cooker that can lead to stress and anxiety, notes Dr. Tworek.

That aggressive approach to life may also make people around you uncomfortable and strain relationships.

“Someone who’s a Type A may get feedback from friends or colleagues that they’re hard to work with because they’re not the most flexible when it comes to other ideas,” she illustrates.

It should be noted, too, that the concept behind Type A personalities grew out of observations by a pair of cardiologists. The doctors believed that Type A personality traits came with an increased risk of heart disease.

Early research backed up that assumption, but later studies determined that personality was not a good predictor of heart issues.

Is being Type A an actual medical diagnosis?

Don’t expect to see a Type A diagnosis in your medical file. Personality type, after all, isn’t something as neatly defined and classified as a blood type.

“‘Type A’ is more of a generalized term used by people to explain traits we see in certain situations,” says Dr. Tworek. “It can give us insight into what motivates or energizes someone and help us better understand where they’re coming from.”

And despite the numerous personality online quizzes you may find, there’s no “official test” to determine whether you’re a Type A.

Tips for Type A personalities

So, how can you get the most out of your Type A qualities without potential negative effects? Dr. Tworek offers these suggestions if you look at your daily interactions and think there may be room for improvement.

• Look in the mirror. If you consistently get feedback that you’re rigid and difficult to work with, it might be time for an honest self-reflection. “Look inward to see how what you’re doing may be affecting those around you,” suggests Dr. Tworek.
• Be open to different ideas. There’s more than one way to reach a goal. Listening to different viewpoints may even help you be more successful in the long run. (It might also help improve some of your relationships.)
• Adopt a give-and-take mindset. Be willing to meet people in the middle. Understand that not everyone thinks like you — and that’s OK. “Sometimes, it’s in our differences where we find common ground and connect with people,” encourages Dr. Tworek.
• Give yourself grace. Stress can wreak havoc in your body, affecting your heart, muscles, skin, gut, immune system and more. Be willing to take a step back if you feel overwhelmed.

But the bottom line? If you feel like you’re thriving with your Type A mindset, keep on doing what you’re doing. “Don’t worry too much about a label,” advises Dr. Tworek. “If these traits are working for you and your life, embrace it.”