True Colors – GREEN

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 GREEN

Setting the tone

Clear expectations re outcome

Feedback Techniques

Sincere recognition when earned

No “hoopla”

Praise for

Intelligence, knowledge

Competence, quality of work

Independent initiatives

Ingenuity, capabilities

Analytical abilities

Logical, precise explanations

 

Rewards

Freedom to determine process to accomplish project goals

Projects involving designing new models, innovation

Values

Autonomy, independence

Objectivity, rationality

Creativity (design, planning, problem-solving, implementation)

Truth, fairness, perfection, accuracy

Intelligence, wisdom, knowledge

Competency, efficiency, answers

Quite time for thinking

Complexity, global view

Expertise in subject matter

Preferred Environments

Unstructured and creative

Quiet, private space for thinking

Minimal noise or intrusions

Highly creative colleagues

Teams of scientists, engineers, technicians working together

Reference area, lab, large tables

State-of-the-art technology

Team Building

Visionaries – insightful, strategic thinkers and problem-solvers

Answer the “why”, give rationales

Share concern for quality

Request system designs that will “mistake-proof” the process

Acknowledge problem-solving strengths, capabilities

Allow thinking time

Reduce time constraints

Coach re conflict resolution

Learning Styles

Independent, self-directed

Quiet, uninterrupted study time

Interested in theory, concepts

Likes logical, lecture-style presentations

Wants recognition for competence

Thrives on challenge

Likes to explore, extend new info

Needs relevant tasks

Characteristics

Cool, calm, and collected, self-controlled

Feel emotions, don’t express them

Future-oriented, theoretical, ingenious

Variety of interests

Strategic problem-solver, pragmatic

Perfectionist, determined, persistent

Use precise technical language

Intellectual

Explore all facets before deciding

Contribute optimum effort

 

Skills

Researching, designing, inventing

Handling complexity, developing models

Applying subject matter expertise

Analyzing, problem-solving

Diagnosing, exploring ideas

Concentrating on key details

Planning, strategizing, being systematic

Abstract reasoning, logical thinking

Checking for accuracy

Drawing insightful conclusions

Interests

Ideas, insights, improvements

Technology, innovations

Probing for future

Efficiency (max output, minimum waste)

Entrepreneurial pursuits

Learning, developing new competencies

Philosophy, debating

Leadership Style

Expects intelligence, competence

Sets high standards and expectations

Seeks ways to improve systems

Encourages change which leads to improvements

Visionary, analytical

Expects competent follow-through

 

Rewards and Motivators

Independence, autonomy

Understanding the big picture

Quite time to think and process info

Recognition for competence and idea

Likes to explore, extend new info

Relevant tasks

High achievement, challenge

Stressors

Incompetence, errors, oversights

Routine, tradition, busy work, redundancy

Unclear mission or expectations

Lack of system or system support

Rules that block strategy, restrictions

Deadlines, unreasonable schedules

Quick decisions with little time to analyze

Too many projects or details

Interpersonal conflicts, unfairness

Having input challenged or ignored

Small talk, social situations, outbursts

Project implementations and follow-up

 

 

“Out of Esteem” Behaviours

(or what others might see when you’re having a bad day)

Indecisiveness, confusion

Refusal to comply or cooperate

Withdrawal, extreme aloofness

The Silent Treatment

Snobbish, put-down remarks, sarcasm

Perfectionism, due to performance anxiety

Highly critical attitude toward self and others

 

At Work

Interested in ideas, insights

Pragmatic, ingenious, strategic

Interested in technology, entrepreneurial

Strive for more output, less waste

Dislikes routine, tradition, busywork, redundancy

 

Careers – Professional

Attorney, criminologist, FBI agent

Actor, TV broadcaster, critic

Journalist, editor, writer, ad exec

Engineer, industrial designer, researcher

Marine biologist, vet, geophysicist

Computer systems analyst, programmer

Physician, psychologist

Architect, urban planner

Professor, anthropologist

 

Careers – Vocational

Technician

Technologist

Legal assistant

Medical assistant

Photographer