Want to learn more about the Orange leadership style in a short, quick format? Here are some common attributes that come naturally to the temperament:

Energy

Confidence

Fun/Entertain

Action-oriented

Risk-taker

Needs change and variety

Act on moment’s notice

Quick-witted

Adventurous

Has a flair for the aesthetic (i.e., knows what looks good)

Orange Personality Celebrities

I don’t know for sure if these celebrities are truly Orange, but they strike me as such:

Do you often find yourself daydreaming about faraway places? Are you fixated on great explorations and the thrill of the unknown?

If so, you may have an adventurous personality type.

The defining characteristics of this personality type are the desire for active exploration, a risk-taking attitude, and a willingness to embrace change.

How about “looking” for the thrill?

I think one of the main characteristics of someone with an Orange personality type is the necessity to seek out thrilling and exciting experiences.

Remember, True Colors is not about boxing people into a set of behaviors.

Sure, the Orange personality can derive satisfaction from slow, careful exploration over a long period of time, but they will often prefer activities that involve risk-taking, adrenaline rushes, and personal growth.

Skydiving, bungee jumping, or other forms of extreme sports can be attractive to them.

Are you quick to take that risk?

People with an Orange leadership personality type won’t let fear stop them from doing what they want.

Nope!

Since they are more likely to take risks when it comes to their pursuits, they press on even if it means facing their own fears and uncertainties.

A fear of heights can’t keep them from wanting to see the world from a mountaintop, and a fear of water probably won’t prevent them from wanting to sail around the world.

Everyone is different, but in my experience, this is true.

To be clear: taking risks is not done recklessly but with calculated consideration of the consequences.

Playing it safe in leadership…that’s not for you!

The Orange leadership style typically shows a preference for the new and unfamiliar over the safe and predictable.

They will likely push their teams in just that direction in my experience working with them.

Personally, they enjoy exposing themselves to different cultures, landscapes, and customs.

The thrill of discovery is something that uplifts their spirit and makes them come alive.

Hence why Orange leaders are often found roaming off the beaten path of what “has always been” and pushing for something new and inventive.

“Let’s be positive; not negative”

An Orange personality type often displays traits of impulsivity and optimism.

I find telling them why innovative things won’t work will only serve to frustrate them.

They are capable of making decisions with limited information or no plan in place, as they trust that things will generally work out for the best.

Rather than becoming anxious due to the lack of structure and stability, they embrace it as a thrilling challenge and feel inspired by their newfound opportunity.

Orange Personality Weaknesses

As with any personality type, you have strengths and you have weaknesses.

In my experience, the Orange temperament might have the following weaknesses to contend with:

• Leaping before [thorougly] looking.
• Becoming bored quickly and moving on a bit too fast.
• Making decisions without considering those who may need a slower pace.
• Might be a little too direct in communicating and leading.
• Too independent; may leave the team in the “dust”.
• Have difficulty accepting criticism or taking advice.
• May have a difficult time planning or lack the desire to do so.
• Your ambition to be the best and for your team to be the best can create a toxic team atmosphere.

A few more considerations for the Orange Leader

For many, having an Orange Leadership personality is seen as a strength and can lead to exciting new opportunities and experiences.

However, those with this type of personality may also struggle to stay focused on their goals and find themselves drawn towards higher-than-normal risks and potentially dangerous situations.

Squirrel and fleeting attention!

Just like a curious pup easily distracted by a squirrel running past him, an Orange person might find it difficult to focus on one thing for very long.

This personality likely finds some difficulty committing to projects.

It is common to embrace new adventures and experiences a bit too quickly This type of risk-taking behavior often leaves them feeling restless and ungrounded situation.

As a result, they may find it difficult to dedicate themselves to a company, organization, or project.

An Orange personality can often be accompanied by the lack of focus needed to stay committed to a single goal. Remember, I mentioned they could be easily bored?

Indeed, the willingness to take risks and seek out new adventures may mean shifting between tasks quickly, leaving some incomplete while they jump on to the next adventure.

This can be especially problematic if they are unwilling to finish something just as important as it was when they began it, thus leading them away from achieving their goals.

I often advise the Oranges in my life to avoid this propensity.

Again, these insights are based on my experience as a trainer and training manager.

They are not designed to encompass all of who you are as a person.

As I have said in my over 20 years facilitating these modules, “you’re too complex for that.” Read more about the Orange Leader here.