Premiering on September 8, 1966, spanning five television series, spinning off nine movies--and still going strong--Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek has proven to be one of the most popular and durable sagas in entertainment history. The reasons for this success are many, but two stand out here. Certainly the interplay of strong and distinctive personalities in the various crews has been a treat to watch over the years. But it's also been fascinating to see these different kinds of characters, all highly skilled at their jobs, teaming their different talents in a common enterprise....

* Artisans abound in Star Trek--after all, it's about "boldly going where no one has gone before." Artisans are the adventurers in the stories: impulsive, resourceful, risk-taking, not bound by rules and regulations....

* Guardians... are usually the ship's doctors and security officers, concerned with defending the crew from danger and disease. They are cautious, traditional people who respect the rules and....

* Idealists are the source of emotional wellness, spirituality, and personal diplomacy in the stories....

* Rationals provide the voice of reason and technological know-how in Star Trek...

Adventurers, Defenders, Counselors, and Scientists: each Star Trek crew shows us four kinds of personality living and working together on the most challenging and dangerous missions. Their very survival depends not only upon their bonds of friendship, but upon the contributions of their four types of talent....

...If possible, then, our best and most satisfying career choice is one that suits our greatest talent. And our talent is inextricably wound up with our temperament style. So let's look more closely at the four kinds of talent, and at more than 280 different jobs that fit the four temperaments....