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

“No significant learning takes place without a significant relationship.” - James Comer

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. Is valuable for improving effectiveness in working with others.

True Colors Inventory Each group has: Individual True Colors assessment True Colors information packets

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 back, 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 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 Succeeding with Oranges… Be active and don’t slow them down! Be spontaneous and fun Be adventuresome and optimistic 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!

How is this Applicable to My Life? How we work with each other How we communicate with each other Class time Events Any others?

Individual Response Thoughtfully respond in writing to the following prompt. 1) How does your color accurately portray your personality? In what ways do you agree or disagree with your findings? How will your “True Color” be an asset in a group setting? Provide examples to support.

Group Discussion Using your written response, go around your table and discuss your strongest color. How many people of each color are in your team?

Written Response Now that you have discussed your individual colors as a group, reflect on the following (you need a note-takers to write down your answers. You will turn in one paper per team) What is the color variation in your group? What are the potential strengths of your group? Weaknesses? How will you approach potential conflict and work together according to your color?

Turn In: Your individual written responses One group response STAPLE the group response to the stack of individual responses, and turn in one packet per team

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