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The Kangaroo
Action · Energy · Courage
The energetic doers. Playful, friendly and spontaneous, Kangaroos thrive on movement, variety and hands-on experience - born to take action and do the things they most enjoy.

Who the Kangaroo Is
Kangaroos are usually playful, friendly and energetic, and tend to thrive on movement, variety and direct experience. They learn best by doing. The more realistic, practical and interactive an experience can be made, the more likely they are to become engaged.
Natural Strengths
Things to Watch
Born to Take Action
Like their animal namesake, Kangaroos can sometimes have a tendency to “leap before they look.” Their willingness to act quickly and take a chance can occasionally get them into trouble, but this is also part of a part of their nature that makes them adaptable, spontaneous and exciting to be around.
'Kangaroos were born to take action, doing the things they most enjoy'
What They Need
When working on a project, Kangaroos generally prefer the freedom to get on with the job in their own way. They are unlikely to appreciate unnecessary interference, particularly if others have little practical value to add. Whenever possible, they enjoy being actively and physically involved in what they are doing — whether that means making, building, experimenting, performing or simply getting things moving.
Freedom is important to the Kangaroo, both physically and emotionally. They generally respond well when given room to negotiate, make choices and express their individuality. When they feel overly restricted, controlled or confined by too many rules, however, their natural energy can quickly turn into frustration, resistance or rebellion.
Freedom is important to the Kangaroo, both physically and emotionally. They generally respond well when given room to negotiate, make choices and express their individuality. When they feel overly restricted, controlled or confined by too many rules, however, their natural energy can quickly turn into frustration, resistance or rebellion.
At School & As Leaders
At School
Kangaroos respond best when expectations are clear, practical and open to some degree of negotiation. Giving them opportunities to move, participate actively and experience success through doing can make a significant difference to their level of engagement.
The challenge for most classroom teachers is not necessarily to try and contain the Kangaroo's energy, which can be a real issue for many teachers and educators, but to understand it, harness it and then give it somewhere worthwhile to go.
The challenge for most classroom teachers is not necessarily to try and contain the Kangaroo's energy, which can be a real issue for many teachers and educators, but to understand it, harness it and then give it somewhere worthwhile to go.
At Work & As A Leader
Kangaroos tend to thrive in environments that require adaptability, innovation and the ability to respond quickly whenever things change. Their capacity to think on their feet can also makes them particularly effective in fast-moving situations or when dealing with unexpected problems and crises.
The most effective Kangaroo leaders learn to combine their natural adaptability and respect for individual freedom, with enough structure and direction to keep moving towards a common goal.
The most effective Kangaroo leaders learn to combine their natural adaptability and respect for individual freedom, with enough structure and direction to keep moving towards a common goal.
Go Deeper With the Kangaroo
To discover more about what it means to be a Kangaroo, download one of our 14-page professional reports - available in three levels to suit all age groups.
Meet the Other Animals
Every team is a mix of all four. Discover how the Kangaroo works alongside the rest.

The Dolphin
People · Connection · Harmony
Warm, authentic encouragers who thrive in supportive, harmonious settings.
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The Eagle
Vision · Strategy · Clarity
Curious, logical big-picture thinkers driven to master what they pursue.
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The Wombat
Reliability · Practicality · Stability
Dependable and organised - practical doers who are happiest knowing the rules.
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