Keys to Personal Success Keys to Personal Success

3 The Analysis 1. Your primary and most dominant: the characteristics listed for this number one spot indicate the ones you feel most comfortable operating with. These are the attributes you use when you are truly being yourself. 2. Your second color has a major influence on the first. In some cases, it shines as brightly as your dominant color (internal introvert vs. external extrovert). 3. This one does not make as much of an impact. Sorry, “ third ” ! 4. Because these characteristics are least natural to you, you may admire them in others. Or, on the contrary, because they are the least natural, chances are that they are also the least understood, and therefore they are the characteristics that cause the most conflict with others. People often condemn what they themselves lack.

Core Needs & Values  GOLD Duty Responsibility

Attributes  GOLD  “ Be prepared ”  Loves to plan  Detail-oriented  Service-oriented  Values family traditions  Helpful and trustworthy  Conservative and stable  “ Should ” and “ should not ”  Rarely breaks the speed limit  Strives for a sense of security  Punctual, predictable, precise  Value order and the status quo  Duty, loyalty, useful, responsible  There is a right way to do everything  Tends to be left-brained and analytical  Strong belief in policies, procedures, rules  Most comfortable with a formal environment

Reframing  GOLD OTHERS MAY PERCEIVE GOLD AS:  Rigid, inflexible  Controlling, bossy  Too serious  Resistant to change  Opinionated  System-bound  Lacking imagination  Judgmental  Boring  Uptight  Predictable  Autocratic GOLD MAY PERCEIVE SELF AS:  Consistent  Providing structure  Goal-oriented  Firm or traditional  Knowing right from wrong  Loyal to organization  Realistic  Decisive, seeking closure  Dependable  Concerned about security  Following a routine  Having leadership ability

7 The World vs. Gold Creating stress for Golds…  Incomplete/ambiguous tasks/answers  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

Core Needs & Values  ORANGE Skillfulness Freedom

Attributes  ORANGE  Playful  Energetic  Charming  Risk-taker  “ Just do it ”  Test limits  Quick witted  Master negotiator  Creative, inventive  “ Let ’ s make a deal ”  A natural entertainer  High need for mobility  Visual and kinesthetic  Pushes the boundaries  Natural nonconformist  Thrives on competition  Likes tangible rewards  External focus of control  Stimulates the economy  Impulsive and spontaneous  Appreciates immediate feedback  Tends to be left/right brain integrated  Most productive in informal environments

Reframing  ORANGE OTHERS MAY PERCEIVE ORANGE AS:  Goofing off too much  Manipulative  Untrustworthy  Unable to stay on task  Scattered  Taking unnecessary risks  Resisting closure or decisions  Obnoxious  Immature  Self-centered ORANGE MAY PERCEIVE SELF AS:  Flexible, easy-going  Having a playful attitude  Exploring new possibilities  Clever, good negotiator  Open to change  Having many interests  Able to do many things  Adventurous, courageous  Valuing freedom  Bold, assertive  Fun-loving, enjoying life  Independent

11 The World vs. Orange Creating Stress for Oranges… - Too much responsibility - Redundancy - Deadlines - Rules and regulations - Being stuck at a desk - “how to” directions - Too much attention to product and not enough to performance/results - Abstract concepts Succeeding with the Orange… - Be active and don’t slow them down! - Be spontaneous and fun - Compete in fun when appropriate - Be adventuresome and optimistic - Be energetic and ready to go!

Core Needs & Values  BLUE Relationships Authenticity

Attributes  BLUE  Mediators  Optimistic  Caretakers  Passionate  Peacemakers  True romantics  Cause-oriented  Need to feel “ special ”  Always has a kind word  Enjoys symbols of romance  Strong sense of spirituality  Sensitive to needs of others  Peace, harmony, relationships  Motivate and encourage others  Cooperative rather than competitive

Reframing  BLUE OTHERS MAY PERCEIVE BLUE AS:  Very emotional  Overly sensitive  Mushy  Too tender-hearted  Easily persuaded  Too nice  Too trusting  Smothering  Too soft, too giving  Weak  Talking too much  Illogical BLUE MAY PERCEIVE SELF AS:  Having feelings  Compassionate  Romantic  Idealistic  Empathetic  Caring  Seeing best in others  Nurturing  Liking to please people  Wanting harmony  Great communicator  Valuing feelings

15 The World vs. Blue Creating STRESS for Blues… - Broken promises - Too much negative criticism - Deception - Not discussing what is occurring - Completing paperwork as a priority - Clock-watching - Conflict - Placing the “ system ” as a priority above people - Being constantly compared to others and not evaluated as an individual - Too much 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

Core Needs & Values  GREEN Intellectual Competence Knowledge

Attributes  GREEN  “ Should be able to ”  “ Why? ”  Intellectual  Theoretical  Idea people  Philosophical  Very complex  Perfectionists  Standard setters  Visionaries, futurists  Can never know enough  Cool, calm and collected  Work is play - play is work  Often not in the mainstream  Abstract, conceptual, global  Need for independence and private time  Explores all facets before making decisions  Knows how to spell and pronounce “ big ” words  Approaches interpersonal relationships in a logical manner

Reframing  GREEN OTHERS MAY PERCEIVE GREEN AS:  Arrogant, a know it all  Cold, hard  Insensitive  Head in the clouds  Cool, aloof, unfeeling  Afraid to open up  Critical, fault-finding  Lacking compassion  Unappreciative of others  Intellectually demanding  Argumentative  Absent minded GREEN MAY PERCEIVE SELF AS:  Confident  Mentally tough, strong  Logical, rational  Visionary, inventive  Self-controlled  Enjoying one ’ s own company  Good at analysis  Objective  Having ability to reprimand  Having high expectations  Knowledgeable  Thinking deeply

19 The World vs. 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 show their feelings much  Respect their ideas

Why is this important?  Collaboration is about communication and relationships.  We must understand in order to be understood (Stephen Covey).

21 Why True Colors?  “ Color ” watching is only one filter through which to view human behavior.  True colors should alter your interactions as you become more aware.  It helps you understand values, needs, and actions of others.  True Colors is not supposed to provide you with one strategy for changing yourself or others but to help you understand more fully behaviors and people.  Learning the True Color language and customs of others not only lowers tension and resistance levels, but it also demonstrates the utmost respect. It helps you build relationships and collaboration.

Know Thyself … … and learn about those around you. With True Colors ® you can:  enable understanding  increase communication  create harmony

23 References Miscisin, M. (2005). Showing our True Colors. Sacramento: True Colors, Inc.