Leader in need of recognition
By Emma Bache
In the latest of our graphology series, Emma Bache has this to say about the head of a leading professional institute: ambitious and intelligent, given to flashes of brilliance, the subject is driven by a desire for recognition. Life's mundanities are left for others to sort out. Outwardly self-confident when addressing big groups, the handwriting suggests someone who does not find it easy to open up to others on a personal level. Emotional displays are kept to a minimum. Sarcasm is used as a weapon to see off lesser mortals.
Peter Wyman's CV
Peter Wyman, 53, was educated at Epsom college. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1973 with Deloitte Haskins & Sells (DHS), and rose to become head of tax at Coopers & Lybrand, which took over DHS in 1990. Wyman assumed an external relations role when Coopers and Lybrand merged with Price Waterhouse in 1998. The ICAEW's most high-profile president in recent years, his one-year term ends in June. He is married, with a son and a daughter, and divides his time between London and Somerset. His interests include 20th century history, equestrian sports and gardening.
Bache writes: "If the writer appears somewhat inconsistent and moody when out of the public eye it is because they are being torn between repression and expression."
In the fourth in an occasional series, Emma Bache, our resident graphologist, delivers her verdict on Peter Wyman, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
THERE are many factors in this handwriting that contribute to its somewhat distinctive but irregular appearance. The upper zone is greatly extended, so much so, in fact, that some tall letters are literally bending over with the effort to stay upright.
Certainly, with these traits one perceives ambition and intelligence, but also an idealistic streak. The writer is motivated by a desire to improve as well as create, and there is an almost spiritual element to their aspirations to success. A wealth of theories and ideas come easily to this person but there is no doubt that they may need more practical or grounded individuals to "earth" them occasionally, or at least to help them instigate their flashes of brilliance.
As a consequence, the middle zone letters are dwarfed by comparison and this shows an inquiring and imaginative mind that would prefer to leave the day-to-day mundanities for others to cope with.
The lower zone is very varied, both in length and formation, indicating that the material and physical side of life often takes a back seat to planning and a desire for recognition.
Although the writer keeps emotional displays to a minimum, there is still a real need for communication. The pressure and strokes have vitality and strength and show an ability to be talkative and open with others on a grand scale. However, the many isolating factors of the writing, such as the disproportionate spacing, suggests a fear of more intimate relationships.
The overall size of the writing is large and eye catching, but on closer inspection the letters themselves are narrow with wide spaces between them, showing us a more cautious individual. There is also considerable width between the words and the lines themselves as the writer needs to maintain his privacy from others on a personal level. However, the narrow margins denote the battle between their emotionally guarded selves and the need to communicate. The letters are quite sharp in appearance, underlining the articulate and mentally intense individual. Although there is much intellectual stamina, physical strength is kept very much in reserve for when it is really needed.
If the writer appears somewhat inconsistent and certainly moody when out of the public eye, it because they are being torn once again between repression and expression and the markedly fluctuating slant to the writing bears this out.
The angular formations and the inflated stick-figure strokes suggest someone who makes quick decisions, but the disconnected letters also show they find it difficult to filter out unwanted facts and information. Perception is heightened and intuition is acute.
Although the writer likes to feel that they keep a distance from emotional influences, in reality, opinions are often based on feelings, not reasoning, and thought processes can be very original if speculative.
There is an excellent memory for impressions, and firm likes and dislikes are based on such thoughts. However, there is a danger that they are not best placed to see themselves from such a critical angle. Indeed, the resolutely strong and independent personal pronoun hits at a pride and dignity which will see off the toughest opponent. The stabbing t bars and flying i dots suggest sarcasm can be used an effective weapon.
The undulating baseline and the mixed slant underlines a nervous energy and inconsistency which belies the more self disciplined and rigid exterior. There are a number of triangular shapes unconsciously formed in the writing which have an aggressively energetic feel, symbolising the mental energy, but also the stubbornness, behind the writers success. Anxiety and tension is clearly shown in the handwriting and, in this case, is used effectively as a positive and motivating force.