True Colors – GOLD
Assessments : So Many Choices
by Cindy Stradling
There are hundreds of assessment tools in the market today and depending on the results you are looking for there is one that can provide participants and managers with a better understanding of each other’s person communication style, strengths, areas for growth and preferences. One of my favourites is still True Colors when you are looking for an easy to administer and fun way to learn about yourself and others on your team. For the month of May I have decided to provide details about each of the four colors Blue, Orange, Gold and Green. As you read through the details each color, identify what is most like you and least like you. Have fun!
Communication with a GOLD
Setting the tone
Clear expectations, short & long-term goals, specific action plans
Hierarchical structure, clear roles
Feedback Techniques
Specific measures of performance, achievements
Clear, specific feedback re accomplishments, contributions
Regular, consistent “pats on back”
Praise for
Accomplishments
Thoroughness, responsibility
Contributions to growth of organization
Rewards
Tangible
Traditions, rituals, ceremonies
Values
Orderliness, organization, structure
Stability, traditions, loyalty, commitment
Reliability, dependability, diligence
Accountability, efficiency
Accuracy, perfection
Dignity, culture, heritage, tradition
Fairness, honest, integrity
Doing things for others
Home, family
Assets, wealth, security
Preferred Environments
Structure, efficiency
Clearly defined personal space
Sufficient storage, well-organized
Permanence, stability
Clocks, notice boards, schedules
Rewards for accomplishments
Recognition for work ethic
Message, communication systems
Team Building
Co-operative team player – completer, great planner and time manager
Establish orderly environment
Be on time
Give frequent, specific feedback
Offer examples and facts
Provide sufficient resources
Avoid infringing on home life
Provide leadership, clear direction
Gradually introduce changes
Learning Styles
Prefers structure, rules, routine
Quiet, orderly, uninterrupted environment
Traditional directed instruction
Worksheets, textbooks, charts
Likes to share in responsibility
Step-by-step: needs the basics first
Wants to “do it right”
Prefers regular, ongoing feedback
Evaluation via tests, quizzes
Recognition for being on task
Content, not theory, is key
Characteristics
Generous, parental, responsible
Realistic, pragmatic, practical, decisive
Predictable, steadfast, concerned
Reserved, usually calm, patient
Trustworthy, punctual
Playful, organized, always prepared
Maintain “status quo”, dependable
Practice the “work ethic”
Conscientious, accurate, thorough, neat
Procedural, orderly
Skills
Following procedures and rules
Project implementation, follow-through
Supervising, coordinating
Guarding, caretaking, securing
Handling detail, doing routine work
Accounting, collecting data
Dispatching
Interests
Providing service
Results-oriented
Practical application
Groups, association, institutions, teams
Collecting, organizing data and things
Cultural events, traditional celebrations
Leadership Style
Expects punctuality, order
Expects staff to stick to job descriptions
Fosters loyalty, tradition
Seldom questions traditional standards
Rules-oriented
Minimal conflict
Threatened by change
Rewards and Motivators
Rewards based on loyalty and hard work
Security (job, family), time for home, family
Structure, rules, routine
Clearly defined expectations, step-by-step
Traditional directed instruction
Shared responsibility, serving others
Being prepared, doing it right
Recognition for being on task
Content, not theory is key
Stressors
Non-conformity, disobedience
Unpredictability, ambiguity, chaos
Incomplete tasks, ignored deadlines
Insufficient time to complete tasks
People who don’t follow through
Lack of closure, structure, direction
Irresponsibility of others, disloyalty
Haphazard attitudes, surprises
Acceptance of poorly performed tasks
Too many questions, insufficient info
Disorganization, waste, inefficiency
“Out of Esteem” Behaviours
(or what others might see when you’re having a bad day)
Complaining, self-pity
“Victim” attitude
Anxiety, worry, depression
Fatigue
Psychosomatic problems
Malicious judgments about self, others
Herd mentalityà blindly following leader
Authoritarianism, phobic relations
Refusing to co-operate, withdrawal
At Work
Accurate, thorough, neat
Procedural, orderly
Pragmatic, service-provider
Results oriented, responsible
Establish and organize institutions
Want rewards based on loyalty and hard work
Careers – Professional
Accountant, auditor, banker
School counselor, teacher
Librarian, archivist, curator
Doctor, dentist, nurse, chiropractor
Therapist (occupational, physio)
Administrator, manager
Lawyer, judge
Computer programmer
Careers – Vocational
Clerk (stats, payroll, claims)
Receptionist, secretary, reservations
Data entry, telephone operator
Police, court reporter
Bank teller, cashier, bookkeeper
Agent, broker (real estate, insurance)
Dental hygienist, radiology technician
Recreational therapist
Air traffic controller