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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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?

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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.

12. 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!

13. 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.

14. 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!

15. 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!

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