What are your True Colors? An Examination of Self and Others to Achieve Effective Collaboration

True Colors Each color is reflective of your personality You will identify a primary and secondary color. These are your preferred styles. Colors not chosen will have some representative characteristics of you, but not your preferred style. This can be valuable for improving effectiveness in working with others.

Your True Colors Test Look at each row of horizontal categories of words. Rank the 4 categories from 1 to 4 (4 being most like you and 1 least like you). Go on to the next horizontal line of categories and do the same. Be cautious and make sure you rank these according to who you truly feel you are rather than who you would like to be. Remember the purpose: This is not to stereotype people. This is to identify commonalities and differences, which will then help us collaborate and expand possibilities.

Adding it up Using the letter formula on the scoring sheet, add up the specified letters. (i.e. if you put a “2” next to “A,” then find “A” on the back and put a “2” in that blank. Continue through each letter) Add the columns Circle the two highest totals. These are your preferred styles

The Results Group 1: A, H, K, N, S = ORANGE Group 2: B, G, I, M, T = GOLD Group 3: C, F, J, O, R = BLUE Group 4: D, E, L, P, Q = GREEN Break into COLOR GROUPS and discuss what you feel your faculty needs to know about your color. When you work and are in your groups, what does your color look like? Who is this person? How does the color contribute? What kinds of things will support this color person and bring this person down? What are your commonalities? Report out?

Colors at a Glance Gold = “Be prepared” Green = “Why?” Orange = “Just do it” Blue = “How does that make you feel?”

Gold Descriptions: prepared, planner, punctual, structure, conscientious, organized. Strengths: accounting, belonging, contributing, data-collecting, coordinating. Communication: want structure in conversation, businesslike, listen for details.

The World vs. Gold Succeeding with Golds… Remember to be on time Creating stress for Golds… Incomplete answers or ambiguous tasks Disorganization Too many things going on at one time Waste Non-conformity Changing details Haphazard attitude Lack of structure/direction Succeeding with Golds… Remember to be on time Try to be extra efficient and organized They are generous but like things to be returned Do what you say you will do Be dependable and loyal Respect their need for security More discussion opportunities on this page.

Green Descriptions: Problem-solver, inquisitive, intellectual, calm, independent, perfectionist, analytical. Strengths: analyzing, conceptualizing, developing, researching, inventing, reasoning, diagnosing. Communication: purpose of gaining/sharing information, like debate, don’t usually show emotion.

The World vs.Greens Succeeding with Greens… Creating stress for Greens… Not being in charge Lack of independence Elaborate use of adjectives Incompetence Emotional displays Lack of options Inability to use or display knowledge Small talk Routine Social functions Succeeding with Greens… Be aware of their curiosity about life Give things that challenge their problem-solving abilities Respect their need for independence Know that they are caring even though they may not be demonstrative Respect their ideas Green father stories!

Orange Descriptions: likes change, non-structured environments, energetic, playful, impulsive, leader, rebellious, entertainer. Strengths: hands-on, multitasker, open-minded, laid back, risk-taking, good with chaos, carefree. Communication: “Now” oriented, looking for opportunity, forthright, relevance, entertainment, usefulness.

The World vs. Orange Succeeding with Oranges… Stress for Oranges… Be active and don’t slow them down! Be spontaneous and fun Be adventuresome and optimistic Stress for Oranges… Too much responsibility Redundancy Deadlines Rules and regulations Being stationary Too much attention to product and not enough to performance/results Abstract concepts More discussion!

Blue Descriptions: caretaker, optimistic, romantic, enthusiastic, imaginative, peacemaker, cooperative. Strengths: accepting, counseling, guiding, motivating, recruiting, speaking, teaching, tolerance, listening. Communication: focus on more than words, hard to read, people-pleaser, pre-established relationships, empathetic.

The World vs. Blue Creating STRESS for Blues… Broken promises Negative criticism Deception Not discussing what is occurring Completing paperwork as a priority Conflict Placing the “system” as a priority above people Being constantly compared to others and not evaluated as an individual Conformity without outlets for individual expression Succeeding with the Blues… Spend quality time one-on-one with them Be aware that they wear their heart on their sleeve Listen to them as they listen to you Be supportive Share your thoughts and feelings Praise their creativity More emphasis here!

Individual Response Select 3-5 adjectives from the “True Colors” description sheet that you feel accurately describe you. 2) Thoughtfully respond to the following prompt in a well-written paragraph. How does your color accurately portray your personality? In what ways do you agree or disagree with your findings? Explain!

References Miscisin, M. (2005). Showing our True Colors. Sacramento: True Colors, Inc. www.true-colors.com