True Colors – Orange

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 ORANGE

Setting the tone

Short-term, outcome-based goals

High, challenging expectations

Feedback Techniques

Focus on performance vs product

Clear outcome measures

Praise for

Impact of performance on org.

Cleverness, skill, versatility

Quickness, spontaneity, timeliness

 

Rewards

Tangible

Competitive challenges

Freedom to take action

Values

Action, expediency

Freedom for self-expression

Play, excitement, variety

Physical movement

Cleverness, skillfulness

Agility, precision

Spontaneity, immediate rewards

Performance, results

Quick completion of tasks

Preferred Environments

Unstructured, modularized, open

Colourful, innovative, changing

High energy, lots of movement

Lots of equipment, hands-on

Displays of awards, trophies

Freedom to take action

Room to negotiate

 

Team Building

Positive energizing – understand their gifts, strengths and needs

Define “what” needs to be done

Reminders re long-term tasks

Provide brief, specific answers

Allow for creativity and action

Provide challenge

Allow leadership, taking charge

Solicit input before decisions

Focus on bottom-line

Avoid too much analysis or detail

Learning Styles

Hands-on games and activities

Fun, excitement, competition

Finds structure and routine difficult

Prefers variety in instruction

Immediate, real world application

Enjoys simulations, entertainment

Learns by doing, field trips

Content is key

Characteristics

Determined, driven, decisive, efficient

Takes the initiative, direct, straight-forward

Independent, self-confident, positive

Realistic, practical, expeditious

Competitive, great endurance

Spontaneous, fun-loving, charming, witty

Non-judgmental, open, enthusiastic

Risk-taker, courageous

Capable in a crisis, resilient, flexible

Skilful, particularly with hands

Negotiator, entrepreneurial

 

Skills

Managing multiple projects at once

Producing, manufacturing, constructing

Operating tools, repairing

Instinctive finding opportunities

Selling, persuading, negotiating

Public speaking

Competing, manipulating

Responding to emergencies

Interests

Trouble-shooting, problem-solving

Active sports, adventures

Competition

Simulations

High performance

Challenge

FUN!

Leadership Style

Will delegate and follow-up

Expects quick action and flexibility

Works in the present

Performance-oriented

Welcomes change

Quickly institutes change

Expects people to make work fun

Rewards and Motivators

Visible results

Opportunity for creativity

Freedom to take action, being in charge

Challenges, variety, risks

Hands-on games and activities

Fun, excitement, competition

Immediate real world application

Content (not theory or process) is key

Stressors

Personal restrictions, lack of freedom

Unnecessary routine, rigid time lines

Rigidity, authority, close supervision

Slow decisions, criticism

Waiting, inactivity, slow pace

Repetition, rehearsal, redundancy

Lack of resources, insufficient $

Activities that lack challenge, NO FUN

Inflexibility, lack of options

Theoretical, philosophical discussions

“Out of Esteem” Behaviours

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

Rudeness, defiance

Intentionally breaking the rules

Running away, dropping out

Use of stimulants

Lying, cheating

Physical aggressiveness

 

At Work

Flexible

Energetic

Enthusiastic

Esteemed by recognition

Appreciated for creativity

Validated by visible results

Key characteristic is skillfulness

 

Careers – Professional

Advertising, marketing

Public relations, public speaking

Mediator, labour relations

Teaching – dance, PE, trades

Athlete, coach, sports nutritionist

Painter, sculptor, musician, actor

Illustrator, video producer

Careers – Vocational

Mechanic, carpenter, electrician

Broadcast technician, disk jockey

Fashion illustrator, cosmetologist

Interior designer, jewelry maker

Truck driver, sales representative

Paramedic, police, firefighter

Bartender, waitperson

Child-care worker