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