Deborah
The Big-Picture Planner
- Imaginative
- Organised
- Outgoing
- Independent
Deborahs give people a steady place to turn and help them see the bigger picture. Israel’s people knew where to find Deborah beneath her palm tree, and her song later gave vivid words to their shared story.
An illustrative Big Five pattern. Further out means a stronger tendency; emotional balance varies from person to person.
They enjoy imagining how things could be and see a plan through. They say honestly what they think, even when others would rather hear something else.
They can picture where a group could go and lay out the steps to get there, so people know both the plan and where they stand.
Strengths
The big picture
They like to look at an idea from a few angles and imagine where it could lead. Deborah’s song looks back over Israel’s story in vivid pictures.
They follow through
They tend to take commitments seriously and want to follow through. People knew where to find Deborah, under the same palm tree.
They call people in
When something needs doing, they are happy to ask people to join. Being with a group gives them energy.
They say it straight
They give an honest opinion, even when it is not what people want to hear. Giving their reasons can help a friend understand their view.
Watch-outs
You may take on more work than you have time for
Because you are reliable, people hand you things. It is okay to say “Not this one” so you have room for what matters most.
You may stick to a plan after things change
You may keep following a detailed plan after the situation has changed. Ask which deadline still matters, then adjust one step around it.
You may give your view before listening
You often know what you think before anyone asks, and you say so. Sometimes a friend needs to feel heard first, so try “Tell me more.”
Deborah as a friend
As friends, Deborahs often bring a plan, a considered opinion and a wish to follow through. They may be quick to see what a friend or group could do next.
Friends who ask how they are, as well as what they think, can make room for more than getting things done.
What helps them feel close
- Friends who say thank you for the things they got done.
- A heads-up when plans change, so they can adjust.
- Someone who asks how they are, not only what they think.
In everyday life
Youth group
At youth group or on a team, they know the plan and get people moving. They also say plainly when they think the group is heading the wrong way.
School
They may enjoy a clear goal and room to shape the plan. A short list of next steps can help turn a big idea into something the group can try.
Faith
God sees them and loves them on the days the list gets done and the days it does not. Jesus is glad to have them with him either way.
How could you be someone people know where to find?
Deborah sat under the same palm tree, between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country, and the people of Israel came up to her there. People knew where to find her.
After the battle, she and Barak sang a song together. It pictures Israel’s story in vivid lines, “until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel,” and it calls out, “Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, utter a song!”