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

Time management

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