Have you wondered: What is True Colors in Kansas City?
Simply put, True Colors is a great take on temperament research. You’ll find it to be very similar to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®), but instead of letters, it associates colors with temperaments. I’m a training facilitator in Kansas City, so that’s why I entitled this post “What is True Colors in Kansas City?” 🙂
I’ll tell you, temperament research, in general, has had a HUGE influence on how I build and maintain relationships. Not in a creepy or hokey way. I’m saying it has provided me with insight into others’ needs and helps me to meet them in one way or another.
Far too often, we enter interpersonal encounters with a “what’s in it for me” mentality.
It’s not necessarily because we are “bad” people; it has more to do with our primal nature to take care of ourselves. Have you noticed how children must be taught to share and be considerate of others? It’s because it is primal to think of oneself first. Just because it’s primal doesn’t mean we should not mature past it in my opinion.
True Colors(tm) can help people advance past selfish motivations toward considering the other person’s needs. Sure, it takes intention on our part, but if one wants to, one can learn to be more attentive to the needs of those around them.
A page from my own life.
I often give the example of my husband. His GreenGold temperament (see below) means he’s always moving and shaking. Seriously, his ideal communication style is quick and concise. Since I know this about Greens, I communicate [most of the time] in a very speedy format. The more specific, the better. I also know to prepare for lots of questions. He will always have several what, when, and how questions.
Being an Orange with a short attention span makes for very “special” conversations. Yeah, special is the word I’ll use. Ha!
How I was introduced to True Colors.
Years ago, I received my certification in this research, and I’ve never looked back! Since then, it’s become part of my life, really. It empowers me to communicate my needs in ways people can receive it.
Let me tell ya, the certification process was intense. It lasted several days. The facilitators were a married couple – both with Ph.Ds.
I know there are others out there…
I like Myers-Briggs, DISC, and a few other bodies of data, but True Colors is my absolute favorite. It is the only module people actually seem to “get” and remember for years and years.
I kid you not, I can be walking through the grocery store and hear someone say, “Hey, I remember you! I’m Green!!!” It happens often!
Are you wondering what my evaluations say? I can assure you my post-training assessments confirm people LOVE learning about True Colors in Kansas City and are even excited to incorporate it into other parts of their lives.
Why I like True Colors best.
While Myers Briggs and DISC are great tools, I think they are too abstract. To be clear, I’m certified in both.
However, I find people cannot associate those other modules with any emotions or the world in general. We seem to remember and internalize what corresponds to our feelings.
How do I know? Almost every True Colors workshop includes me opening with “How many people have taken MBTI?”
Undoubtedly, several hands always swiftly lift to the sky! Then I ask: “Who can tell me what their 4 letters are?”
Most of the time, 99% of the hands go down.
Generically speaking, colors, in themselves, are such a massive part of our culture and psyche.
Indeed, we even choose specific colors to communicate sentiments (i.e., “true blue,” “good as gold,” etc). and to boost our moods! Have you ever worn a bright color because you felt “blah”?
Yeah, we respond to colors. On the other hand, it’s a little difficult to respond to letters or abstract words that same way.
How I roll with True Colors …
Another benefit is the way I facilitate my training modules.
I tend to synthesize a variety of trainings (of which I am certified) into my True Colors workshops.
Fusing data renders a richer, more profound learning experience and a fresh look at temperament research.
True Colors has been around for quite a while; I am happy to add my own elements to refresh it a bit.
What are the colors, and what do they mean?
Now is an excellent time to explain some of the color jargon I typically use on my blog and in my real life.
– When I say “Blue,” I’m referring to the temperament that tends to be warm and relationship-oriented. These people find joy in authenticity, harmony, and peaceful environments. Think about it: the color blue is calming, just as an ocean is soothing. Similarly, Blues are reassuring people and usually embrace tranquility.
Gold – Gold people are structured, organized and typically enjoy the “tried and true” elements of life. Gold is a durable earth element and mineral. It lasts and lasts. Not unlike the Gold personality! You can expect them to finish and complete any projects they take on. They tend to be reliable and consistent by nature.
Green – the Green temperament is logical, cognitive, and often analytical. Green is the color of life and growth. It represents renewal, just as this temperament always seeks new challenges and fresh ways to innovate. The Green temperament loves to invent, create, and design new things and tackle fresh challenges.
Orange – these are the fun-seekers (and fun-bringers) of the world. They are often exceptionally energetic and enjoy frequent change. Electric. Invigoration. That’s the color Orange. I need not say more. You can read a complete profile about the Orange personality type on my blog here.
No, they will not ALL apply…
As I share in my workshop, these descriptions are not boxes in which we all neatly fit. We’re too complex to fit into any category! I select words like “often” and “usually” to describe temperaments in my workshops.
Instead of imposing limitations, think of True Colors – and any temperament research – as an emotional “peephole” into the needs, strengths, and comfort levels of others. Use it to help you socially navigate your relationships.
Never think of it as a crystal ball to predict behaviors. Again, human beings are entirely too complicated for such foolishness.
Anyway, I love this research, and I hope I have adequately conveyed my passion for it in this blog post. I tell you, having a clear understanding of these colors helps me forge meaningful relationships with people I meet and work with.
Now, you know what I’m talking about when I reference “colors.”
As a Kansas City
True Colors trainer,
here is what I do:
Leveraging the four personality styles to help you when working with different personalities in the workplace. I also often discuss how business personalities affect how you approach work and manage work personalities. I also answer the question” “how does personality influence communication at work?” Your temperament plays a role in everything. I love talking about it and exploring exactly how!