Keeper (RMI-S)

Keepers are individuals who use time-tested values to inform their actions, taking care to ensure they reach their goals in proper ways. They value proven, reliable concepts and approaches that are tested through practice – both their own and the experience of other people. Keepers guide themselves by these values because they find them effective in work and life.

Accordingly, this type isn’t much lured by the abstract or the hypothetical, preferring what’s more closely related to their own experience. To Keepers, drawing conclusions based on elaborate theory or venturing into philosophical speculation can seem very distant and unconnected to their own lives. Mere potential feels like something they can’t rely on.

Because of this, Keepers don’t spend much energy dreaming various possibilities or trying to make connections between disparate concepts or ideas. This doesn’t mean they’re closed-minded or uncreative, but that they’d rather not spend their time experimenting when a good approach or practice is already in place. They like to put their energy into work that yields reliable outcomes.

Having the outlook of a realist doesn’t mean that Keepers are dismissive or hardened – quite the contrary. They’re thoughtful, considerate people who would much rather cooperate than compete and are capable of great kindness. This type values the spirit of companionship, knowing they’re not alone in the world and believing they should contribute their share.

They often go above and beyond their fair share of contribution. Keepers believe in mutual support and are prepared to help a new and enthusiastic colleague find their bearings or an old friend with a difficult challenge – or put in some extra time if their team needs them. For them, cooperation is a worthy goal unto itself, as they believe everyone’s in it together.

What’s more, this type tries to foster harmony, avoiding conflict and tension whenever possible. Perhaps because of their sincere sense of obligation, Keepers dislike those with overblown self-interest, who are disrespectful of others, or who don’t make an effort to work productively and cooperatively. They consider such behavior irresponsible – and a disappointing debit to any group.

In turn, Keepers appreciate those who uphold good values and try their best and take great care to nurture those relationships. They try to always be there for people they’re close to, prepared to selflessly invest themselves in those relationships that mean a lot to them. Partners, personal friends, and family tend to hold a special place in the lives of Keepers, and are an important part of who they are.

Even with such devotion, Keepers are Introverts who don’t enjoy constant social interaction with others. They need their solitary time to rest and recover their energy. They often spend time engaged in a solitary hobby or perhaps even doing something soothing that other people might regard as a boring chore. Sometimes, Keepers find restorative peace in the mundane.

Their occasional personal time aside, Keepers are very industrious; committed and conscientious in their work. They prefer having a plan of action before beginning something, following an approach they know will be effective and then applying steady effort. They firmly hold their values but don’t push them, instead choosing to provide an authentic example that others come to admire.