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 BLUE
Setting the tone
Outline Expectations clearly
Be frank but friendly
Feedback Techniques
Use ‘feeling’ language
Minimize negative criticism
Physical/personal contact (e.g. pat on back, touch on shoulder)
Praise for
Creativity
Depth of feeling
Personal achievements, traits
Honesty, sincerity
Energy, enthusiasm
Contributions to team, organization
Rewards
Recognition of contributions
Individualized incentives
Rewards for team & individuals
Values
Authenticity – being true to self
Honest, sincerity, integrity
Confidentially, trust
Close relationships, concern for others
Harmony, peace, love, spiritually
Living a life of significance
Compassion
Teamwork
Preferred Environments
Open, interactive atmosphere
Seating in groups, e.g. tables
Discussion, shared decisions
People – oriented environment
Long-lasting relationships
Room for creative self-expression
Attractive, comfortable ambience
Music, plants, flowers
Inspirational posters, quotes, art
Team Building
Inspiring, enthusiastic catalysts and mediators
Foster democratic relationships
Express appreciation
Encourage creativity
Allow time to discuss ideas
Trust their intuition
Collaborate on problem-solving
Allow for latitude, help to focus
Regularly discuss deadlines
Focus on how they’re helping
Learning Styles
Open, interactive atmosphere
People-oriented environment
Relaxed, flexible, creative style
Personalized instruction
Caring instructors
Supportive feedback, praise
Discussions and experiments
Cooperative, team-learning
Characteristics
People-oriented, empathic, cooperative
Creative, dramatic, sensitive, romantic
Imaginative, inspirational
Cultivate potential in self, others
Self-searching, individual, unique
Vivacious, enthusiastic, entertaining
Share feelings, warm, gentle
Optimistic, dedicated
Democratic, unselfish
Skills
Communication, speaking, writing
Facilitating human potential
Establishing rapport, team building
Creating a favourable impression
Acting as a catalyst, motivating
Creativity
Guiding, mentoring, mediating
Teaching, counseling, training
Persuading, leading, influencing
Interests
Helping people, friendships
Social settings, emotional events
Music, fine arts, drama
Inspirational speeches
Group spirit, teams, family atmosphere
Variety & Uniqueness
Leadership Style
Expects others to express views
Nurturing, empathic, leads with feelings
Fosters a family spirit
Democratic, unstructured
Catalyst to develop potential of individuals
Encourages change, but people come first
Expects staff to continue to grow
Idealistic, charismatic, dramatic
Rewards and Motivators
An open, interactive atmosphere
People-oriented environment
Approval, encouragement, acceptance
Empathy, understanding, support
Discussions, experiments
Attention, affection, friendship
Popularity, recognition of abilities
Validation of personal worth
Stressors
Conflict, aggression
Disharmony, lying
Authoritarian behaviour, censorship
Impersonal treatment, isolation, rejection
Insensitivity, insincerity
Negative criticism, discouraging remarks
Competition
Time limits, pressure to decide quickly
Routine work, paper before people
“Out of Esteem” Behaviours
(or what others might see when you’re having a bad day)
Attention-getting misbehaviour
Lying to save face, making excuses
Withdrawal
Fantasizing, trancing-out, daydreaming
Crying, depressions
Lack of self-confidence
Passive resistance, inertia
Emotional outbursts, yelling, screaming
At Work
Likes to help people
Need variety, can do almost anything if it’s of interest
At ease with colleagues
Inspire group spirit, teams
Lose interest with routines
Prefer family-like atmosphere
Dislike detail and follow-up
Offer unique contributions
Careers – Professional
Human resources, personnel
Psychologists, counselor, therapist
Social worker, interviewer
Minister, rabbi
Editor, reporter, journalist
Actor, playwright, creative writer
Advertising specialist, PR
Teacher, trainer, educational consultant
Fundraiser
Careers – Vocational
Recreation leader
Host, hostess
Tour guide
Sales
Flight Attendant
Travel agent
Receptionist
Actor