The ONTO Profile
This is the life story that is held by a solid eighth of the population (12%). It features the elements of our initial individuating somatic orientation, which goes back to 'terrible two' phase during the 2nd year of life. People with this PRIMARY DOMAIN are the more intellectual somas that seek that a more purposeful vibe from other people. Their attention focuses on deepening their self-referencing connection, which makes them very sensitive to changes in their conceptual world. They draw their coherence from intrapersonal sources and use a rich cognitive awareness to access it. Their reference point for wholeness is usually their personal beliefs, experiences, memories and ideas and the validation they get from sharing them with other people. They learn best in levels, since they seek to prioritize their actions. A progressive movement from concrete objectives to abstract meaning is favored. They are highly competitive and enjoy a goal-based atmosphere. Their optimal interpersonal distance is what's known as 'personal space', which is from 1.5 to 4 feet from other people.
Are You AN ONTO?
Before you can understand or appreciate how deeply influential profiling others is, you need to first learn how to profile yourself. The golden rule in somatics is that it’s all a 1st person experience. In that sense, there’s no need to label people with these tools. What you’re learning to perceive is how their behavior reflects the perspective a particular domain expresses. To get there, you’ll need to learn the NARRATIVES of each domain first. By having even a basic idea of these, you can find out which one your organism internalized during the early stages of your social development. We’ll be repeating this step each time through the S-List, so get used to the drill…
The way you choose to describe yourself reveals your ‘closed identity”, which is 80% hard-wired by the time you’re 4 years old. This core is used to build the reality only you experience. When you ask yourself or any individual this question, their true colors are slowly revealed.
Read the following narrative three different ways...first to yourself as you see it here on the screen. Then print it out and read them in a mirror, as if you're trying to converse with your reflection. Then, if you're up to it, read it to someone else. All of these experiences are universal; self-talk, self-recognition, and self-disclosure. What you'll discover is if this narrative captures your life story or not. The words will flow easily if the biological level of your belief system buys what you're saying. You will have identified your PRIMARY DOMAIN. From there, the closed world you had can open.
The ONTO Narrative…
I'm someone who needs to be on my A-game and in control of what I'm doing. I value and nurture my ideas and enjoy many creative moments. I can accurately advise other people and feel a profound frustration when that's not welcomed. I'm a team leader and thrive in group settings where there's a clear goal. Some would say that I'm overly assertive, but in fact I need to make some kind of impact in order to know I'm fully interacting. My thoughts are my guiding force, and I'm very aware when they are clouded or upset. I like being considered a peak performer. More than anything, I want to leave an unforgettable legacy.
Image Exercises
So now that you have a general idea how an ONTO acts, thinks and feels, let’s learn the practices you’ll use to notice how someone else expresses them. In that sense, what you’re really PROFILING is someone who is engaged in ONTO-ING, since all we can do is perceive these signatures in action. What you’ll need to learn here is how to break that process down to simple and reliable practices that you can easily incorporate into your day.
Behavior Patterns
The ONTO world operates on the principle of innovation. Here’s a simple checklist of their more prominent ways to navigate a conversation that you can use as ‘fast reads’ to learn where a person is drawing their clarity from in their interactions with you. The more ONTO-ing you can spot, the easier it is to BEND others in the moment and over time. LOL!
Fast, Direct Greeting
Strong, Definitive Body Language
Intent Listening & Commanding, Dominant Voice Tones
Visually-Oriented Word Choices {foggy situation, slimy people, unpaved road}
Political, Manipulative Bodily Contact
Attention to Continuity, Past to Future, Altering the Status Quo
Communication Habits
ONTO’s are more interested in WHEN you speak, that WHAT your saying. Keep these tips in mind and if you’re in a jam with them, these verbal ‘jug handles’ will help repair the bumps.
Perpetuates Small Talk
Seeks The Top Priority, Don’t Waste Their Time!
Look For “The Head Shake of Disapproval” From Them When They’re Listening
Abstract Values Matter [philosophy, grand visions, master plans etc…]
Stand Off to Their Right To Reinforce New Ideas, Left Shoulder For Old Ones
Use Assertive Words For Change: {Fix, Transform, Revolutionize, Renovate}
ONTO Spotting
Here’s a simple list of signature behaviors you can use to develop your ONTO radar more
ONTO WALK – long strides, rapid, powerful steps, crisp, assertive arm swings likes to “walk & talk” when strolling with family, friends, partners, often leads the pack too
ONTO TALK – loves to sermon, sorts for priorities, proactive in conversations
ONTO TECH – prefers v-mail, e-mail, blogging, anything where they can screen & vent
ONTO WORLD – works to alter the base scenario, holds a creative view of the future
Here's some celebrity ONTO’s to get you started 'somaspotting'
For a complete introduction to somatic PROFILING, read our e-book
