True Colors: Appreciating Differences and Managing Group Dynamics
Agenda Introduction What are your True Colors? Brightening (strengths of each color) Appreciating Differences Valuing Differences Creating Unity Applying the colors to life Closing
True Colors is a model for understanding yourself and others based on your personality type. The colors of Orange, Green, Blue and Gold are used to distinguish between four central personality styles. Identifying your personality and the personalities of others using True Colors provides you with insights into different motivations, actions and communication approaches. Scientific It s a research based personality temperament model. Practical - It s easily understood, applied, retained and integrated. Engaging It s an interactive learning experience that enhances the understanding of self and others. Life Changing It bridges gaps in communication, leading to respect, understanding and compassion which opens the doors to successful relationships, and it creates a climate for effective learning and interaction. After you complete tonight s discussion, you will have powerful and effective tools for helping you succeed with and understand people who have different behavioral and communication styles, within your support group, in your family and in all relationships.
Card Sort What Are My Colors?
Traits of your True Colors NURTURER BLUE Sensitive To Needs Of Others. Sincere. Expresses Appreciation. Cooperative. Collaborative. Creative. Caring. Team Builder And Player. People Person. Engages Others. Artistic. Inspirational. Spiritual. Inclusive. Mediator. Peacemaker. Idealistic. Intuitive. Romantic. Loyal. Seeks Unity And Harmony. Caretaker.
Traits of your True Colors ADVENTUROUS ORANGE "Just Do It" Action Oriented. Quick-witted, Charming, Spontaneous Playful. Injects fun into work. Lives In Here & Now. Risk taker. Creative. Enjoys Diversity, Variety, Competition. Multi-tasker, Cheerful, Energetic. Bold Quick Thinking and Acting. Takes Charge. High Visibility Performer. Accepts Challenges. Enjoys Problem Solving. Negotiator. Performs Well Under Pressure. Resilient.
Traits of your True Colors TRADITIONAL GOLD Respects Authority Rules, Routines, Policies. Allegiant, Faithful, Dependable, Prepared, Efficient. Remembers The Traditions That Work. Values Family. Work Comes Before Play. Practical. Systematic. Orderly. Identifies With Groups. Strives For A Sense Of Security. Thorough, Sensible, Punctual, Conventional, Proper. A Right Way To Do Everything. Evaluates Actions As Right Or Wrong. Stable. Organized. Punctual. Helpful.
Traits of your True Colors VISIONARY GREEN Looks Forward And Sees Impact Of Actions Taken Now. Explores All Facets Before Deciding. Checks for Accuracy. Careful Planner. Systematic. Enlivened By Work. Status Quo Buster. Designer Of Change. Inventive. Systematic. Logical. Theoretical. Self-Sufficient. Often Not In The Mainstream. Persistent. Thorough. Intellectual. Inquisitive. Impartial. Improvement Oriented.
Traits of your True Colors In relationships and in coping with our environment, we tend to use our most natural and preferred styles. It is important for us to recognize that we do possess some capacity to function in all four styles, and it is very important that we understand the degree to which we can function within them.
Appreciating Differences BLUE COMMUNICATION A Blue's world revolves around people, relationships, and fostering growth in themselves and others. When speaking, they first focus their attention on establishing a relationship or reconnecting with the person. The information they wish to convey is woven into this relationshipbuilding endeavor. Friendly Optimistic Expressive with Emotion Fostering or Maintaining Harmony May use metaphors to embellish points TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH BLUES Acknowledge them Show appreciation Include them Have patience Don t bark orders
Appreciating Differences GOLD COMMUNICATION Gold s are generally respectful and responsible. They listen for details so they know what their part is. They usually size up a situation for what would be most appropriate before responding. Purposeful, Plans Ahead Respectful, Appropriate Supportive of Policies and Rules Detail Oriented, Chronological Loyal, Devoted TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH GOLDS Be Prepared, Give Details Stay on Target, be Consistent Show Respect Don t Interrupt Recognize Their Contributions
Appreciating Differences GREEN COMMUNICATION Greens for the most part, communicate for the purpose of gaining or sharing information. During a conversation, their attention is usually focused on the matter at hand, not on the relationship. Logical and Objective Includes Facts and Information Big Picture, Conceptual Questioning, Critiquing Wry Sense of Humor TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH GREENS Allow Them Time to Ponder Skip the Small talk Avoid Redundancy Give Big Picture or Point First, then fill in Details if asked Don t misinterpret their need for info as interrogation
Appreciating Differences ORANGE COMMUNICATION Generally, Oranges want to share their opinion the minute it hits their mind. Interested in taking action and being expedient, they may skip the softeners and go straight for the "punch-line". Casual, Playful Spontaneous, Now Oriented Fast-Paced, Changes Subjects Quickly Straightforward Active, Involved, Mobile TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH ORANGES Use Sound Bites Move with Them While The Multitask Appreciate Their Flair Allow Options and Flexibility Lighten Up
Appreciating Differences Identifying your style and those of others gives you insights to help you improve communication. Instead of trying to get others to change, recognize what you can do. The next time you have an interaction with another person, notice what style is most dominant for them. Remember the suggested tips and experiment with which ones work best with each individual. Like learning to drive, it gets smoother and more automatic with practice.
Appreciating Differences Group Discussion What is the one thing that is most misunderstood about you/your color? You have all four colors in you. Learn how to use them
Valuing Differences Creating Unity GOAL: To bring a level of appreciating differences. PROCESS: Separate into blended groups. Select a leader to record your comments and ideas. In groups discuss: Create an ideal Business/Venture/Activity that utilizes the strengths of each color on the committee and appeals to each color of participant. Report out.
Know Thyself... and learn about those around you With True Colors you can: enable understanding increase communication create harmony