Keys to personal success, a True Colors approach California School Employees Association

Transcription

1 EQ AT WORK Keys to personal success, a True Colors approach California School Employees Association

2 EQ AT WORK

3 KEYS TO PERSONAL SUCCESS A APPROACH

4 EQ AT WORK

5 Keys to Personal Success A True Colors Approach Table of Contents Keys to Personal Success A True Colors Approach... 1 Introduction to True Colors Concepts... 3 Discovering Your True Colors... 5 Self-Esteem What It Is You Do To Feel Best About Yourself The True Colors of Your Worker/Employee Style Communications Companies International All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. True Colors is a Registered Trademark. This adaption of True Colors material is published and distributed by the California School Employees Association (CSEA) under license by True Colors and Communications Companies International.

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7 Keys to Personal Success A True Colors Approach The need for self-confidence and esteem is intrinsic, and is recognized as the basis for successful behavior. As people assume certain roles in their lives, they develop a particular character. They also believe their individual character is separate and unique. Yet, distinct similarities arise among groups of people, even though basic characteristics appear different. The old adage that birds of a feather flock together is solidly accurate. Recognizing this need for self-confidence, individual respect, worthiness and esteem, True Colors has been created as a vocabulary through which people can communicate the expression of their character. True Colors is an easy and entertaining way to begin understanding yourself and others. Identifying your character becomes an invaluable tool for enjoying success in your professional life and with family and personal relationships. Don Lowry Founder, True Colors 1

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9 Introduction to True Colors Concepts The Self-Esteem Theory of True Colors The True Colors concept is based on the belief that we all have deep-rooted characteristics which drive our behavior, and through which we strive to experience self-esteem. We are imprinted with particular ways of thinking, understanding, valuing and conceptualizing. Our behavior, therefore, reveals certain identifiable attitudes, preferences, wants, aims, needs, motives and desires that make us feel good about ourselves or esteemed. These attitudes drive our actions and habits, making our behavior predictable. This theory of individual differences is not new. Variations of the theory can be found in the works of Hippocrates, Carl Jung, and Isabel Myers Briggs. (The widespread Myers Briggs Type Indicator states that human behavior is quite orderly and can be characterized by 16 different personality types.) More recently, Dr. David Keirsey has been refining the work of Myers Briggs. His book, Please Understand Me, reflects the basis of the True Colors philosophy. Don Lowry, the True Colors founder, uses color as a metaphor for understanding human characteristics and how intrinsic behavior must be differently rewarded to cause success and attain self-esteem. To represent each distinct perspective and personality type he uses one of four colors: Orange Gold Green Blue 3

10 The Meaning Behind the Colors Color has long been used as a component of our learning process, and in making mental connections with activities and events. Certain colors influence our lives everyday, and can unconsciously mold and guide us in various directions. Marketing experts use colors to sway our buying decisions, and industrial designers set the mood of working environments with the use of color. Color can also relieve tension and stress and assist in creating tranquil surroundings. True Colors uses this concept of color association to create a simple but powerful vocabulary for discussing and describing personality differences and similarities. You will find this system far more understandable and, thus, more practical than the use of highly technical formulas, symbols, and alphabetical and numerical designations employed by some other personality profile systems. Throughout this text, and in related exercises, you will be constantly fortified with the significance of the four basic colors, their relationship to the subject matter discussed, and how they can be applied to everyday situations. EQ AT WORK 4

11 Discovering Your True Colors Personal Keys to Success In the words of Don Lowry, The True Colors symbol represents the key to an individual s pathway to self-confidence and esteem. It is the metaphor for the True Colors person a person of excellence who has a positive state of mind, who recognizes and acknowledges others perspectives, and participates in his or her own unique way in improving the quality of life for every individual. Well, you finally showed your true colors! This observation indicates that the real YOU has suddenly surfaced. Can a person really be good as gold? What is meant when someone is described as true blue? Do you look for the silver lining? Are some people actually going through life with a little black cloud hanging over their head? In these questions, the colors referred to are intrinsic to the idea being communicated. In other words, the color is the message. You, too, communicate a message through your True Colors. Discovering these colors is fun, exciting and informative. Once you recognize the True Colors in yourself and in others, your awareness becomes a KEY TO SUCCESS in your personal, professional and social activities. Identifying Your Colors The four True Colors constitute your character spectrum. Just as an actor refers to shading the character s role, your role in life, your career, and relationships with others is also shaded. This shading adds dimension and tone to your character. Most people have a character which is dominantly one color, but is influenced or shaded by the other colors. It is important to realize that the quali-ties associated with each color are positive each is esteemed. Find the color-coded Character Cards accompanying this manual. These cards will become indispensable to you as you progress through the True Colors program, and begin applying its concepts. Look closely at the corresponding color illustration on the front of each card. 5

12 Step 1: Visualize Yourself As you read the following passages, think of how each remark relates to the color of the corresponding card and the illustration. ORANGE: As I see it, the world belongs to those who take action, and action is my middle name! By the time you have this program planned, I ll have it done and be ready for something new. So, whattaya say? Let s start now (Impulsive, immediate, independent.) GOLD: I think a clear-cut, downto-business approach will get us to the bottom line here. After all, following the rules and maintaining order is the best way to get anything accomplished. It is our respon si bility to see that the organization s procedures and policies are followed, so things will run smoothly the way they are supposed to be run (Responsible, practical, loyal to the organization.) GREEN: I have this new program for making the office run like clockwork. We will research all the information filed over the last 15 years, and input the data into a state-of-the-art computer. Then, at the push of a button, we ll be able to print out reports, and we ll have all the backup material we need to support our demands (New ideas, new technology.) BLUE: I realize that good information is very necessary to the development of new programs, but we have to consider how this would affect the workers. It s their work place, you know. And, after all, their feelings should be considered before starting this program or any other for that matter (Feeling, compassionate, adaptable.) Now that you are familiar with at least a few of the color group characteristics, sort the cards in order from the one that is most like you, to the one that is least like you. EQ AT WORK 6

13 Step 2: Read About Yourself Now, turn over the Character Cards and read the back of each. Arrange them again, from the one most like you to the one least like you. Score them in the boxes below, using: (4) for the most like you (3) for the second most like you (2) for the third most like you (1) for the least like you ORANGE GOLD GREEN BLUE Now, to refine your color spectrum complete Step 3 on the following page. 7

14 Step 3: For each of the eight traits listed for each color on the next four pages, circle the number that most often applies to you. Add the values of the circled numbers. Enter the result in the space provided at the bottom of each page. Refining Your Color Spectrum ORANGE Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I thrive on action, excitement and adventure. 2. I live in the here and now. I seldom plan ahead. 3. I must have the freedom to act. 4. I welcome change and like variety. 5. I like to take risks. 6. I am naturally spontaneous. 7. I value independence and freedom. I hate to feel trapped either in my work or my relationships. 8. I dislike too much structure and scheduling in my life. Total Score for ORANGE Traits: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. EQ AT WORK 8

15 Refining Your Color Spectrum GOLD Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I am conventional and traditional by nature. 2. I am punctual, organized, responsible, detailed and thorough and I expect others to be the same. 3. I like to belong to organizations and have a strong sense of social responsibility. 4. I need to feel useful and to do my duty for those whom I serve. 5. I prefer structure, order and stability in my environment. 6. I have a strong sense of right and wrong. 7. I respect authority. 8. I believe that work comes before play, even if it means putting in extra hours and effort to complete the job on time. Total Score for GOLD Traits: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. 9

16 Refining Your Color Spectrum GREEN Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I am driven to understand things and events using logic and analysis. 2. I need to be valued for my knowledge and my expertise. 3. I am an excellent analyst of flaws. I am good at developing strategies to solve problems. 4. I value intelligence and competence in myself and others. 5. I live in a world of ideas. I am an abstract thinker. 6. If asked for my opinion, I am likely to offer constructive criticism of things I see people doing and may hurt people s feelings. 7. My head rules my heart more often than not. 8. I am good at figuring out how things work cause and effect relationships. Total Score for GREEN Traits: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. EQ AT WORK 10

17 Refining Your Color Spectrum BLUE Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I seek to create harmony and cooperation among people. 2. Relationships are the central focus of my life. 3. Harmony is essential in order for me to be productive and happy. 4. I enjoy developing the potential in others so that I have a significant influence in their lives. 5. I believe that life must be meaningful, and I try to make a difference in the world. 6. I enjoy pleasing people and dislike, may even avoid, telling people unpleasant things. 7. I enjoy being recognized as an authentic individual whom others regard as different and unique. 8. I am a true romantic. I am committed to the ideals of love and romance. Total Score for BLUE Traits: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. Now move to Step 4 on the next page to identify your True Colors, and then record your color spectrum. 11

18 Step 4: Identify Your True Colors Now transfer the totals from the bottom of each of the pages to the spaces provided below. Your highest score indicates your primary (brightest) color, and the lowest score represents the color least like you. ORANGE GOLD GREEN BLUE Step 5: Recording Your Color Spectrum Now that you have sorted your Character Cards, and discovered and read about yourself, you have identified your color spectrum. Based on the scores tallied above, write your color spectrum below. If you are still unsure, and feel you are unable to do so at this point, try repeating the process for additional clarity. (You may also wish to ask people who know you well just how they see you.) MY BRIGHTEST COLOR IS: (The color of your highest total) MY BRIGHTEST COLOR IS SHADED WITH: (The color of your second highest total) AND (The color of your second lowest total) WITH A PALE (The color of your lowest total) EQ AT WORK 12

19 About You You have now identified your primary color the one of greatest importance to you. The values of your shaded colors vary in importance, depending on how strongly they influence your primary color. The values represented by your palest color is least expressed by you. On the following pages read about YOU. Begin with your primary color and go through your palest shades. 13

20 The Color Spectrum ORANGE Your Strength is Skillfulness. If your brightest color is orange, you need freedom to take immediate action! A zest for life and a desire to test the limits best express your nature. You take pride in being highly skilled in a variety of fields. You are a master negotiator. Adventure is your middle name. You prefer a hands-on approach to problem-solving, and a direct line of reasoning creates the excitement and immediate results you admire. Your Keys to Personal Success: The impulse to really live The need for variation Charged adventure Spontaneous relationships Being able to act in a crisis Charm, wit and fun Consider waiting as emotional death Testing the limits Excitement and light-heartedness Being a natural entertainer Taking off for somewhere else A love of tools Taking defeats only temporarily You Tend To: Dream of: Being free, spontaneity, and impetuousness Value: Skills, grace, finesse, and charisma Regard: Opportunities, options, and competition Dislike: Rigidness, authority, and forcelessness Express: Optimism, impatience, eagerness, confidence Foster: Recreation, fun, and enjoyment Respect: Skill and artistic expression Promote: Stimulation, risk EQ AT WORK 14

21 The Color Spectrum GOLD Your Strength is Duty. If your brightest color is gold, you value order and cherish the traditions of home and family. You provide for and support the structure of society. Steadfastness and loyalty are your trademarks. Generous and parental by nature, you show you care by making everyone do the right thing. To disregard responsibility of any kind never occurs to you. Your Keys to Personal Success: Generosity A parental nature A sense of history Perpetuating heritage A value of order Home and family You Tend To: Dream of: Assets, wealth, influence, status, and security Value: Regard: Dislike: Express: Foster: Respect: Promote: The work ethic Ceremony Dignity, culture Steadfastness Predictability Institutions Dependability, accountability, and responsibility Service and dedication Disobedience, non-conformity and insubordination Concern, stability, and purpose Institutions and traditions Loyalty and obligation Groups, ties, bonds, associations, and organizations 15

22 The Color Spectrum GREEN Your Strength is Knowledge. You feel best about yourself when you are solving problems and when your ideas are recognized, especially when you feel ingenious. You seek to express yourself through your ability to be an expert in everything. Your idea of a great day is to use your know-how like a laser to create solutions, because you are a complex individualist with great analytical ability. Although you do not express your emotions openly, you do experience deep feelings. Your Keys to Personal Success: Developing models Analytical processes A variety of interests Admiring intelligence Being a perfectionist Utilizing precise language You Tend To: Dream of: Truth, perfection, accuracy Value: Regard: Dislike: Express: Foster: Respect: Promote: Answers, resolutions, intelligence, explanations Efficiency, increased output, reduced waste Injustice and unfairness Coolness, calm, and collected reservation Inventions and technology Knowledge and capability Abstract thinking Exploring ideas Striving for competency Storing wisdom and knowledge Abhorring redundancy Handling complexity Effectiveness, competence and know-how EQ AT WORK 16

23 The Color Spectrum BLUE Your Strength Is Authenticity. If your brightest color is blue, you seek to express the inner you. Authenticity and honesty are valued above all other characteristics. You are sensitive to subtlety and with great flair you create roles in life s drama. You enjoy close relationships with those you love, and you possess a strong spirituality in your nature. Making a difference in the world is easy for you because you cultivate the potential in yourself and in others. Your keys to Personal Success: Authenticity as a standard Devotion to relationships Assuming creative roles in life s drama Self-searching Sensitivity to subtlety Making a difference in the world Seeking reality Cultivating the potential of others Writing and speaking with poetic flair Having a life of significance Spirituality Seeking harmony You Tend To: Dream of: Love, affection, and authenticity Value: Compassion, sympathy, and rapport Regard: Meaning, significance, and identity Dislike: Hypocrisy, deception, and insincerity Express: Vivacity, enthusiasm, and inspiration Foster: Potential growth in people, and harmony Respect: Nurturing, empathy, and sharing of feelings Promote: Growth and development in others 17

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25 Self-Esteem What It Is You Do To Feel Best About Yourself Self-esteem is an inside job. It is intrinsic and as natural as breathing. You do not have to do anything other than be who you are to feel good about yourself. You already have what it takes to experience self-esteem, and it belongs to you as your human right. We have been lead to believe that if we have all the material success we desire, we will feel good about ourselves. The opposite is true. If we feel good about ourselves, we will have all of those other things. That is why it is so hard for some people to achieve success they are doing things in reverse. Our self-perceptions drive us in a direction toward success or in a direction away from success. Our natural skills and talents are our built-in program for self-esteem and success. By looking first at these unique skills and talents, you will begin the process of applying the True Colors concepts. This section, as well as subsequent ones, will give you the knowledge you require to take the road to high self-esteem. Self-Esteem Characteristics by Color Groups On the following pages in this section we will take a look at the characteristics exhibited by the four primary color groups to gain self-esteem. Remember, a person s primary color is supported and shaded by other colors. Review the self-esteem needs of all four primary colors. 19

26 ORANGE The Need to Be Skillful. People in this group are in esteem when, above all, they are free to act on a moment s notice. Action or doing carries its own reward. They do things for the joy of doing. They choose to be impulsive and to act upon the idea of the moment. They gain pride and self-esteem by being highly skilled in a variety of fields. They are master negotiators. They have a zest for life and a desire to test the limits. Their hands-on approach to problem-solving, as well as their direct line of reasoning, creates excite ment and immediate results. Their free spirit is symbolized by the flight of an eagle, the sensation and risk of hang-gliding, the skillfulness of handling a tool, and the freedom of the outdoors. The Orange s enthusiasm for action and freedom are as much a part of the American culture as are the tradition and duty of the Gold personality. Acting on Impulse. The Orange personality thrives on impulsive action to be expressive without reluctance. Professions and activities which intrigue and excite them include the skill-demanding arts such as photography, athletics, dance and music. Any activity which combines passion with skill is the perfect lure for the Orange. Enjoying New Ideas and Goals. Life is a series of new situations, new ideas, and new goals. Rules are recognized, but broken if necessary. They enjoy owning gadgets, or anything representing newer, faster, and better methods to reach a goal. Change is not only exciting, but often preferable. Being With People. People in the Orange group enjoy being with people and are often the recognized leader. They easily run interference for others, relishing the opportunity to reflect the importance of doing so. Dealing With Pressure. The Orange personality flourishes under pressure. They derive pleasure from competition ( no pain, no gain ), and this supports the achievement of goals with perfection. Acting Without Reservation. Freedom is the ultimate Orange pleasure. Self-esteem comes with the freedom to make decisions without approval or obligation. They have boundless energy, which they believe should be used to its highest potential. Life is an adventure, and they believe they know exactly how to make the best of it. EQ AT WORK 20

27 GOLD The Need to Be Responsible. People in this group are in esteem when they feel responsible, and when they belong to an organized group. Regardless of the social unit, they must earn their place by being useful, by fulfilling responsibilities, by being of service, and by caring for others. They value order and they cherish traditions of home and family. Loyalty and steadfastness are their trademarks. They are generous and parental, demonstrating that they care by ensuring that everyone does the right thing. These backbones of society are symbolized in the patriotism of the American flag, the structure of groups and organizations, the responsibility of parenting, the caring of nursing and healing, and the pride of heritage. Rules by which people interact are of utmost concern to them. Security of the family unit and for all it stands is the foundation upon which all other interactions are expressed, be it in their school, their work place, their union, or within society itself. Finding Comfort in Structure. Examples of the Gold structure are edified early in life. Participation in youth organizations are the groundwork for the future comfort zones of Golds. As adults, they are drawn to service organizations. They receive self-esteem by being part of the organization almost personifying the organization. Titles, banners, flags, and similar forms of organizational identity are necessary symbols representing the physical stamps of approval for their behavior. Enjoying Responsibility. To a Gold personality, responsibility is a blessing. Even if dumped upon, the Gold cannot be dissuaded from the continuing and enjoyable quest for responsibility and duty. Providing Standards to Society. People in the Gold group have a distinct concern for others, but it differs from that of a Blue personality. The mission of the Gold is to provide standards within the society to better enable people to tend to obligations. The financial world is the domain of the Gold education, medicine, and service are areas to which they are drawn. Establishing Stability. The self-esteem of the Gold personality flows from stability. The Golds stability represents their basic motivation and direction. They also receive esteem from society, because they exemplify that which society itself strives to accomplish. 21

28 GREEN The Need to Be Ingenious. People in this group are in esteem when they are competent. They want to understand and control the realities of life. This control represents the power to acquire the multiple abilities for which they pride themselves. They feel best about themselves when they are solving problems and when their ideas are recognized. They are complex individualists with great analytical ability. Although they do not express their emotions openly, they do experience deep feelings. These abstract thinkers are symbolized by the vision of the genius; the challenge of science, the complexity of models and systems, and in the perfection of symmetry (such as that demonstrated in the Great Pyramid). They thrive on the mental competencies, as well as on the skills and abilities of others. They are motivated by a quest for knowledge, and the ability to seek it and provide it. The control of knowledge is as important as its acquisition because such control can be perceived as power. Motivated to Improve. People in the Green group do not see the performance aspect of knowledge as a primary concern. Rather, they gain self-esteem by providing information for others to act upon. The results motivate them even further to improve on what they previously perceived or created. The impor tance and emphasis on performance concerns them only when it is their own, as with the development of an idea or the pursuit of new knowledge. Language as a Communication Tool. The Green personality seeks self-esteem and gratification in professions and activities which rely on competence. This includes the sciences, engineering, computers and mathematics, philosophy, and any field requiring precise detailing of ideas. Language and its use are merely toys with which to play, and there is a certain fascination with language as a communication tool. Working as a Source of Pleasure. As a Green, a person derives genuine pleasure from work because it represents a continual quest for knowledge. Work may be a means of providing creature com forts, but it is also a source of recreation. On a day away from paid work, people with a Green personality may be content to sit before the television and listen only to informational pro grams. To be mentally idle is to be worthless. EQ AT WORK 22

29 BLUE The Need to Be Authentic. People in this group are in esteem when they are authentic. They must find their real self, and live their lives as an expression of their unique identity. For them, integrity means the unity of their inner self with outer expression. Life is a dream in which they must find meaning. They are sensitive to subtlety and they create roles with special flair in life s drama. They enjoy close relationships with those they love, and experience a spiritual pride in their nature. Making a difference in the world comes easily to them as they cultivate the potential in themselves and in others. They are natural harmonizers and symbolized by the vision of peace, the romance of love ballads, the drama of stage and screen, the importance of people, and the warmth of a hug or a handshake. Continuing the Search for Self. The Blue personality is involved in an enigmatic and continual search for self. Human relationships are of primary concern, not only on a one-to-one basis, but among people collectively, as well. People in this group will often behave with almost chameleon ability to preserve relationships even becoming that which others want them to be in order to provide an atmosphere of harmony. They explore and consume new directions, ideas and concepts dealing with human relationships. Relating on a Personal Level. People in the Blue group relate best to others on a personal level. This leads them into helping professions and activities such as counseling, teaching, social work, and benevolent volunteer work. Work is treated almost in a missionary sense, with the emphasis on the benefits derived, rather than on the job itself. More time than any other color group is devoted to developing this personal aspect, because they seek the same fulfillment for self as they attempt to give to others. Seeking Identity Through Contribution. The identity and self-esteem received from contributing to society is more impor tant than any personal acknowledgments received. Despite receiving fewer rewards than other color groups, the Blues will con tinue to pursue goals they feel are neglected by society. 23

30 When Self-Esteem Runs Out There are certain symptoms you can look for when you (or those around you) are having a bad day. With a little practice, you will recognize these lack of self-esteem indicators related to particular color groupings. Orange: Rudeness and defiance Breaking the rules intentionally Running away from situations, dropping out Use of stimulants Acting out boisterously Lying and cheating Physical aggressiveness Gold: Complaining and self-pity Anxiety and worry Depression and fatigue Psychosomatic problems Malicious judgments about oneself or others Herd mentality (blind following of leaders) Authoritarian and phobic reactions Green: Indecisiveness Refusal to comply or cooperate Extreme aloofness and withdrawal Snobbish, put-down remarks, and sarcasm Refusal to communicate (the silent treatment) Perfectionism due to severe performance anxiety Highly critical attitudes towards oneself or others Blue: Attention-getting misbehavior Lying to save face Withdrawal Fantasy, day-dreaming Crying and depression Passive resistance Yelling and screaming EQ AT WORK 24

31 The True Colors of Your Worker/Employee Style As a worker/employee, how you manage your affairs at work is an important key to being comfortable at work. Equally as important is identifying and successfully responding to the esteem needs of your co-workers. As you have seen, True Colors is an easy and effective method of identifying and dealing with people of different personality types. You will also find it to be an invaluable tool in generating cooperation and creating positive relationships at work. In this section you will discover how your True Colors personality type applies at work. First you will colorize your worker/employee style by scoring the characteristics and traits you most often exhibit (much as you did previously with your core personality traits). 25

32 Worker/Employee Characteristics ORANGE Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I thrive on action. 2. I live in the here and now. 3. I must have the freedom to act. 4. I welcome change and like variety. 5. I am willing to take risks. 6. I seek fun and excitement at work. 7. I deal quickly with concrete problems. 8. I am a flexible, practical worker/employee. Total Score for ORANGE: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. EQ AT WORK 26

33 Worker/Employee Characteristics GOLD Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I am conventional and traditional by nature. 2. I am punctual, organized, responsible, detailed and thorough in my work and expect others to be the same. 3. I like to belong to organizations, and have a strong sense of social responsibility. 4. At work, I need to feel useful and to do my duty. 5. I prefer structure, order, and stability in getting work done. 6. I have a strong sense of right and wrong and expect others to be the same way. 7. I praise and reward dedication, loyalty, and hard work in others. 8. I believe that work comes before play, even if it means putting in extra hours/ effort to complete a job or project on time. Total Score for GOLD: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. 27

34 Worker/Employee Characteristics GREEN Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I like to design projects which will improve the future functioning of the organization. I am always looking to invent a better way. 2. I need to be valued for my knowledge and expertise. 3. I am an excellent analyst of flaws. I am good at developing strategies to solve problems. 4. I value intelligence and competence in myself and my co-workers. 5. I see personal relationships in the organization as secondary to solving problems and getting the work done successfully. 6. I am critical by nature and may hurt people s feelings without knowing it. 7. I use logical analysis to make decisions and draw conclusions. Since I decide things impersonally, I sometimes pay insufficient attention to other people s feelings and desires. 8. I like intellectual challenges at work, or I become bored. Total Score for GREEN: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. EQ AT WORK 28

35 Worker/Employee Characteristics BLUE Never Seldom Sometimes Often Most of the Time Always 1. I seek to create harmony and cooperation. I spend a lot of energy trying to relate to others in positive ways. 2. I utilize a people-centered, nurturing style that values people. 3. I work best in a cooperative, harmonious team setting. 4. I enjoy developing the potential in others so that I can have a significant influence in their lives. 5. Conflict in relationships at work makes me uncomfortable. 6. I enjoy pleasing people and dislike, may even avoid, telling people unpleasant things. 7. I look at the underlying personal values when making decisions and drawing conclusions. 8. I enjoy motivating and interacting with others in empathetic ways. Total Score for BLUE: Diana Ketterman-Brockett. Reprinted with Permission. 29

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37 Identify Your True Colors As you did before, transfer the totals from the bottom of each of the pages to the spaces provided below. Your highest score indicates your primary worker/employee color, and the lowest score represents the color least like you at work. ORANGE GOLD GREEN BLUE Based on the scores tallied above, write the color spectrum of your worker/employee style below. MY BRIGHTEST COLOR IS: (The color of your highest total) MY BRIGHTEST COLOR IS SHADED WITH: (The color of your second highest total) AND (The color of your second lowest total) WITH A PALE (The color of your lowest total) Compare the color spectrum of your worker/employee style (there may be differences), and then read about yourself on the following pages. 31

38 ORANGE You Are a Trouble Shooter Action Centered. You are a natural problem solver, and respond quickly and efficiently in a crisis. Your strong sense of reality, and the ability to see opportunities, makes you an excellent negotiator. You verbalize appreciation easily, and are therefore a source of encouragement toyour co-workers. You welcome and seek change. You lead others in a flexible, performance-oriented manner. You are Performance-Oriented You give co-workers information that is immediately useful to them. You like to see the direct results of your decisions by working in a hands-on fashion, rather than by methods which are more theoretical. You promote spontaneity and freedom of expression among co-workers. You create a dynamic, exciting atmosphere by your unstructured, unpredictable approach. You provide a variety of action experiences for co-workers. Your concept of success emphasizes variety, performance, freedom to act, skill, fun, and expediency. EQ AT WORK 32

39 The Orange Worker/Employee At work, I am bored and restless with jobs that are routine and structured, and satisfied in careers that allow me independence and freedom, while utilizing my physical coordination and my love of tools. I view any kind of tool as an extension of self. I am a natural performer. The Worker/Employee Key Is Active Orange employees perform well in competitive situations especially when there is a lot of action. Because they enjoy fun and excitement, they excel in contests and hands-on activities. They prefer non-structured or spontaneous presentations. They get a kick out of putting what they have learned to immediate use, performing best when they can apply newly-learned skills to a task they are asked to perform. They are characterized as : Learning by Doing Needing Immediate Results Competitive and Physical Being Always On Stage Acting Impulsively They respond best when you: Make immediate and timely favorable responses Focus on their performance, more than the finished product Appreciate their cleverness and spontaneity Comment on their skills, and quickness of their actions Recognize the impact of their performance Give tangible rewards Let them design the reward they would like to have 33

40 GOLD You Are a Stabilizer Organizationally-Centered You are accountable and thorough, and dedicate time and energy to maintaining your organization. You naturally provide stability and bring punctuality, order, and clarity of rules and regulations to it. You like to be useful and see it as your responsibility that everyone understand the right way to do things. You value respectful behavior from managers and co-workers. People around you sense being in a safe and secure environment. You Are Institution-Oriented Your office is organized and your routines are well structured. You are dependable and consistent. You believe that good employees are the building blocks of the future and you feel responsible for training them. You delegate the duties of your job to reward and foster responsibility. You organize and structure learning in a step-by-step fashion. Your concept of success emphasizes responsibility, belonging, conformity, trust, organizational trust, family, and home. EQ AT WORK 34

41 The Gold Worker/Employee At work, I provide stability and can maintain organization. My ability to handle details and to work hard makes me the backbone of many organizations. I believe that work comes before play, even if I must work overtime to complete the job. The Worker/Employee Key Is Structure Gold employees perform best when their duties are structured and clearly defined. Abstract ideas and concepts are secondary until the foundations are plainly presented. They always want to know when they are on the right track. Rules and direction are required. They feel others should share in the responsibilities and duties at work. They are characterized as: Emphasizing Punctuality and Dependability Respecting Rules Thinks Problems Through Before Making a Decision Thriving on Routine and Orderliness Having a Strong Sense of Right and Wrong They respond best when you: Are honest and sincere Specifically mention what they have actually accomplished Note accuracy, efficiency, and thoroughness in their performance Acknowledge their sense of responsibility Note how their completed task affects the well-being of others Recognize how their effort makes a significant contribution to the organization 35

42 GREEN You Are a Visionary Strategically-Centered You are very aware of the intricacies of systems and organizations. You like to design systems which improve the functioning of the organization, and find it difficult to be repetitive once any system is functioning. You can be somewhat impatient with personal interactions that seem irrelevant. You feel your greatest organizational contributions are your ideas, and your ability to solve problems. You are Subject-Oriented You are most proficient in performing in your job when you are free to do the job competently. You think it is wise to create new procedures, reflecting the advances made in technology and culture. You enjoy giving co-workers new insights and knowledge gathered from your experience and research. Your favored organizational techniques are meetings, projects, reports, and seminars. You take a logical approach in resolving conflict. You enjoy inspiring those with whom you come in contact to stretch their intellect. Your concept of success emphasizes knowledge, logic, self-control, clarity, intelligence, and principle. EQ AT WORK 36

43 The Green Worker/Employee At work, I am conceptual and an independent thinker. For me, work is play. I am drawn to constant challenge in careers, and like to develop models, explore ideas, or build systems to satisfy my need to deal with the innovative. Once I have perfected an idea, I prefer to move on, leaving the project to be maintained and supported by others. The Worker/Employee Key Is...Intellectual Green employees perform best when exposed to the driving force or overall theory behind their role with the organization. They prefer to work independently. New ideas and concepts arouse their curiosity, and they enjoy interpreting them before adding them to their knowledge bank. They are gratified by probing abstract concepts, responding positively to the recognition and appreciation of their competence in a subject. They are characterized as: Logical and Independent Driven to Understand Learning Independently Needing to be Challenged Curious and Conceptualizing They respond best when you: Acknowledge their ideas and competency with sincerity and appreciation Recognize their specific knowledge, especially in dealing with abstractions Note their creativity and ingenuity Only give deserved positive feedback Request they design a new way of doing an operational task Reward a well done job by giving more opportunities to exhibit competence 37

44 BLUE You are a Nurturer People Centered You value people and seek to draw out their full potential. Your commitment to people attaining the best in their work life and personal lives generates loyalty. Co-workers often feel like an extension of your family. As an applicator, you work toward and react to the best in others. Having a gift for language, you are an enthusiastic spokesperson. As a catalyst, you are comfortable in an unstructured, democratic setting. You are Communication-Oriented Nurturing and supporting the growth of co-workers is fulfilling to you. You thrive on being a part of the development of your co-workers social and organizational awareness. Your compassion for others makes it a joy for you to work with people. You lead best by creating a rapport with people. You feel good when co-workers learn and grow from their experiences and activities. You go out of your way to involve co-workers in the decision-making process. Your concept of success emphasizes self-actualization, harmony, personal relationships, authenticity, cooperation, and uniqueness. EQ AT WORK 38

45 The Blue Worker/Employee At work, I have a strong desire to influence others so they may lead more significant lives. I often work in the arts, communications, education, and the helping professions. I am adept at motivating and interacting with others. The Worker/Employee Key is Personal Blue employees feel best in an open, interactive atmosphere. They feel they bring a personal touch to the organization, and like those in charge to really care about them. They appreciate feedback and thrive in humanistic, people-oriented environments. They turn-off when conflicts arise but flourish in an atmosphere of cooperation. It is important to them that others value and respect their feelings. They are characterized as: Working Best in a Group Setting Needing to be Valued and Reassured Being Sensitive to Rejection and Conflict Verbal and Good with Language Imaginative and Abstract They respond best when you: Tell them how good you feel about their achievements and contributions Frequently acknowledge their unique personal characteristics Demonstrate that you care how they feel Clarify their importance to the work of the organization Respond to their honesty and sincerity in a like manner Openly reflect their participation in successful group sessions 39

46 EQ AT WORK 40

47 Training Activities 41

48 Polar Opposites Directions: Fill in the blanks for each color's characteristics and their polar opposite. Gold Is on time. rules. Orange time. Doesn t care for rules. Blue feelings. Is a social butterfly. Green Keeps feelings in. alone time. EQ AT WORK 42

49 Feeling Good Directions: See how well you know the colors. Choose the best descriptions from the box below and write them in the correct color box. There are 4 descriptions per color. Gold (4) Green (4) Finishing tasks Problem solving Blue (4) Having meaningful relationships Orange (4) Making people laugh Key Characteristics Having meaningful relationships Making a difference New ideas to old problems Finishing tasks Being appreciated for a job well done Helping someone in need Bringing order to chaos Doing things, staying busy Problem solving Being right Learning new things Making people laugh Check lists Bringing out the best in someone Spending money on nice things Winning 43

50 Stress and Tension Directions: Draw a line from the color to the things that stress out each color. Disorganization When people do not follow through Too much to do / too little time Bossy people No fun Desk jobs Analysis paralysis Whiners Orange Green Blue Gold Redundancy Others who aren t open to new ideas Emotional outbursts Rushing decisions Disharmony Fighting Insincerity Emotionally unavailable people EQ AT WORK 44

51 Reframing Your Color Directions: Match the statements in How You View Yourself to Others See You As. Write the letter in the Answer column. See example. Orange How You View Yourself: Others See You As: Answers 1. Flexible, easy-going 2. Having a playful attitude 3. Exploring possibilities 4. Clever, good negotiator 5. Open to change A. Untrustworthy B. Goofing off too much C. Irresponsible D. Manipulative E. Disregarding rules 1. C Gold Blue How You View Yourself: Others See You As: Answers 1. Consistent A.System bound 1. D 2. Providing structure B. Controlling, bossy Goal-oriented C. Resistant to change Firm or traditional D. Rigid, inflexible Loyal to organization E. Too serious 5. How You View Yourself: Others See You As: Answers 1. Having feelings 2. Compassionate 3. Romantic 4. Idealistic 5. Empathetic A. Overly sensitive B. Mushy C. Very emotional D. Easily persuaded E. Too tender-hearted 1. C Green How You View Yourself: Others See You As: Answers 1. Confident 2. Mentally tough, strong 3. Logical, rational 4. Visionary, inventive 5. Self-controlled A. Arrogant, know it all B. Head in the clouds C. Cold, hard D. Cool, aloof, unfeeling E. Insensitive 1. A

52 Brightening Your outlook brightening a Blue brightening an Orange Have meaningful talks Recognize their need to contribute Express your feelings Be open and responsive Recognize their need for freedom Value their playfulness Be a little spontaneous Praise their skills Respond to their generosity brightening a Green brightening a Gold Recognize their need for independence Allow them to be self-critical Praise their competence/knowledge Praise with ingenuity Recognize their need for security Do some planning Praise responsible actions Respond to important dates EQ AT WORK 46

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54 Notes: EQ AT WORK 48

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