About Us

For over 30 years the Shipley name has been recognized as a national leader providing unparalleled business and technical writing, leadership, and consulting solutions. Shipley was re-established in 1997, following a 1994 merger with Franklin Covey Co. In 2004, Shipley became an independent company offering additional temperament training solutions. The proven techniques used by Shipley provide effective solutions for thousands of clients world-wide ranging from Fortune 1000 companies, governmental agencies, non-profits, and new start-ups.

Temperament measurement is nothing new. The Four Lenses originates from a proto-physiological theory that suggests that there are four fundamental personality types, sanguine (pleasure-seeking and sociable), choleric (ambitious and leader-like), melancholic (analytical and literal), and phlegmatic (relaxed and thoughtful). The temperament theory has its roots in the ancient four humors theory, which was developed into medical practice by the Greek Hippocrates dating back to 370 BC.

Later, among other methods, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment (First published in 1962)cauterized this theory of psychological types to a more practical use. The underlying assumption of the MBTI is that we all have specific preferences in the way we construe our experiences, and these preferences underlie our interests, needs, values, and motivation. Every person comprises a unique balance of one of four temperament types.

The Four Lenses instrument was inspired by the research of the Myers Briggs’ Personality Type Indicator, as well as David Keirsey’s book, Please Understand Me. Today, the Four Lenses is a hands-on training workshop, that dramatically shifts paradigms and gives participants a much more robust experience with lifelong application.