Nathan
The Truthful Storyteller
- Imaginative
- Organised
- Outgoing
- Independent
Nathans find the words that help someone see what they have missed. Nathan told David a story about a stolen lamb, then showed the king how it revealed his own wrongdoing.
An illustrative Big Five pattern. Further out means a stronger tendency; emotional balance varies from person to person.
They come up with fresh ways to explain things, see their plans through and often speak first.
They often turn a hard point into an example others can connect with, and they make sure the conversation actually happens.
Strengths
They find the picture
They can explain a tricky idea with an example or story that makes it click. Nathan helped a king see his wrong through a story about a lamb.
They get ready first
They often like time to prepare for a conversation or presentation. A few notes can help them begin without needing to rehearse every word.
They speak up
They are happy to start a conversation or speak to the whole group. A clear explanation can give others something to respond to.
An honest answer
They make up their own minds and say so plainly. Taking time to hear another view can make that honesty more useful.
Watch-outs
You may use an example that hides the point
You may explain an idea through a story or comparison that is harder to follow than the point itself. Say the main point in one plain sentence first.
You may rehearse until the chance to speak passes
You may prepare for so long that the moment passes. Give yourself a “say it by” day for the conversations that matter.
You may answer before someone has finished
You often speak first, and quieter friends may need a moment. Ask a question and wait for the answer.
You may sound harsher than you intend
You may state your opinion so directly that someone hears it as a personal criticism. Describe the specific action you disagree with rather than labelling the person.
Nathan as a friend
As friends, Nathans often care about giving an honest answer and choosing words thoughtfully. They may enjoy a lively group conversation while still wanting time to prepare for something difficult.
Friends who can disagree with care and speak honestly in return can help them stay open.
What helps them feel close
- Friends who say straight when something they said did not land.
- Time to prepare before a big decision or discussion.
- Someone who thanks them for being honest, even when it was hard to hear.
In everyday life
Youth group
At youth group or on a team, they speak up, bring the example that makes the point and plan how to get something done. They often value following through on the part they have offered.
School
They may enjoy a clear plan with room for a creative explanation. A short outline and an early draft can help them move from preparing to sharing.
Faith
Their faith may show in honest words, well chosen. God knows them completely, and his love does not rise or fall with how well they say things.
How can you speak honestly about harm without hiding behind vague words?
After David took Bathsheba and had her husband Uriah killed, Nathan went to the king with a story. A rich man with many flocks took a poor man’s only lamb, a lamb that was “like a daughter to him”.
David was furious with the rich man, and Nathan showed him the story was about him. Years later, Nathan planned a careful sequence with Bathsheba.
She would speak to the king first, and he told her, “I will also come in after you and confirm your words.”