Imagine the people you interact with throughout your workday… do you notice some individuals may be noticeably organized and conscientious, others distracted and looking for adventure, some seem quite sensitive and involved with their family, friends, and community, while others are more private and independent in nature. We all have our own style, preference, and ways of operating. With such a variety of personalities, what can we do to appreciate unique differences so everyone can fulfill their particular goals in mutually satisfying, collaborative ways?

True Colors is a simple method for understanding behavior and what makes people tick. Using its concepts, the first step to fostering successful working relationships is to identify the dominant color style of yourself and others. When a person is “shining” brightly, they are using their skills, talents and natural preferences in positive resourceful ways. They have a sense of worth and self-respect, often referred to as positive self-esteem. When our inherent needs are being met, our behavior is positive and contributes to an overall productive work environment. Does your work fulfill your inherent needs? How can you make sure it does? What do you notice about others and the way they operate?
 

ORANGES Oranges “squeeze the juice” out of each moment. Opportunistic, their driving force is freedom.  If they feel they do not have choices, they may just create some. Natural risk-takers, rules seem to be guidelines to aim for and are often flexible and negotiable.
	Attributes When Shining Active Take Charge Competitive Negotiator Spontaneous Performer (entertaining) Multi-tasks	Values Freedom to express Practical application Hands-on activities Variety, choices Attention Stimulation, excitement Fun and play

BLUES Blues are “True Blue troopers”, their driving force is relationship.  Before Blues make a decision, they check to determine how it will affect the people involved. They will go the extra mile, often putting the needs of others before their own.
Attributes When Shining Friendly Helpful Compassionate, considerate Cooperative Emotional, expressive Imaginative, creative Affectionate	Values Being included Affirmation Compassion, warmth Being heard, to share Outlet to help others Acceptance Friendship, connection

GOLDS Golds regularly “set the gold standard” and strive to be as “good as gold.” Their driving force is responsibility.  Conscientious, dependable individuals, they want to do the right thing, following established standards.
	Attributes When Shining Prepared Reliable On-time Appropriate Follows rules Detail Oriented Organized	Values Knowing the Plan Consistency Structure, Rules Organization Responsibility Recognition Security

GREENS The driving force for Greens is competency. Naturally curious, they thirst for knowledge and information and like to come up with solutions and systems for solving problems and inventing a better future. Preferring to keep their emotions to themselves they approach situations objectively. Remember “Keen Green.”
Attributes When Shining Problem-solvers Independent Tenacious Self-assured Witty sense of humor Logical, Analytical Creative, Ingenious	Values Competency Information, Research Time to think & plan Efficiency Success Intellectual challenge Innovation, creative outlet

For the next few weeks or so, see how well you can determine the color styles of others. Recognize the values or needs they have in common with you, and especially those they don’t. Get curious, get creative. What resourceful methods can you come up with to make sure your working environment and approach includes ways to embrace the needs of all four of the True Colors styles?

Share True Colors with everyone! The more people around you that know the concepts, the easier it is to communicate, understand behavior and solve conflicts. Have Fun!
 

Mary Miscisin is the author of SHOWING OUR TRUE COLORS, A Fun, Easy Guide for Understanding and Appreciating Yourself and Others.

(c) 2005 Mary Miscisin, All Rights Reserved www.PositivelyMary.com
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