True Colors^® is a fun, easy, systematic way of quickly determining personality types. The study of personality types dates back to the ancient Greeks. More modern research has been done by Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI) and David Kiersey (Kiersey Temperament Sorter). True Colors synthesizes a huge body of research into a simple method of grouping personality characteristics into four basic types and assigning a representative color to each type.

We all have all four colors in our individual personality makeup, but in each person’s True Colors profile, certain colors are more, or less, prominent. Each color contains strengths and weaknesses. There is no "good" or "bad" color or profile. In fact, the various profiles are all needed to complement and balance each other and to fulfill the needs of society.

The four colors are: BLUE (which represents serenity and "true blue" authenticity), ORANGE (a vibrant color, representing an energetic, exciting personality), GREEN (in art, the most complex color, representing a complex thinker), and GOLD (which represents a solid, "good as gold" personality), Here are some of the basic characteristics associated with each of the colors: (Keep in mind that no one is 100% of any color and no one totally lacks a color.)

COLOR CHARACTERISTICS

Blues are kind-hearted, loving, compassionate, and sympathetic. They are easy going and flexible. Natural peacemakers, Blues like to please people and are not likely to "rock the boat" unless they feel compelled to make a stand for what is right. They are authentic ("to thine own self be true"), spiritual, and altruistic. Because they are so sensitive and sympathetic, Blues may find it difficult to be strong disciplinarians or to take an unpopular stand. They tend to expect sympathy and compassion in return. They don’t tolerate teasing very well and can be easily moved to tears when stressed or emotionally overwhelmed. Blues are romantic. They can be given to daydreaming and are easily distracted.

People who don’t accommodate Blues very well may accuse them of being overly sentimental, wishy-washy, unrealistic, melodramatic, or "tree-huggers."

You will likely find bright Blues in the helping professions (counseling, teaching, nursing, social work); volunteering for worthy causes (usually centered around compassion); artistic endeavors such as literature, music, and theater. They are good team players and function very well in supportive positions, such as an assistant to an executive. When they take a leadership position, it is typically as a collaborator rather than as a selfish ruler.

Famous Blues: Maya Angelou, John Lennon, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Mahatma M. Gandhi, the fictional Anne of Green Gables.

Oranges are dynamic, spontaneous, witty, and fun-loving. The "spice of life," they are naturally gregarious, energetic, and entertaining ("Eat, drink and be merry...."). Oranges live in the moment. They tend to have short attention spans, need constant stimulation, and become bored easily. They love physical activity and hands-on learning. Because they are impulsive and enjoy lots of material things, they sometimes do not manage their finances prudently. But they generally counter that with an easy-come-easy-go attitude, so it doesn’t seem to bother them. Somewhat impatient, Oranges are not likely to "stop and smell the roses" and find it difficult to sit still for long periods or focus on mundane tasks. Oranges are generous and can always be counted on to "let the good times roll."

People who don’t accommodate Oranges very well may accuse them of being childish, rude, obnoxious, shallow, "flaky," or "party animals."

You will likely find bright Oranges in any field which requires people contact, playfulness, physical energy or risk-taking, and lots of variety (sales, entertainment, sports, working with youth, fire and rescue).

Famous Oranges: Chef Emeril Lagasse, comedians Robin Williams and Chris Rock, stunt rider Evil Knievel.

Greens are complex, interesting, and enigmatic. Highly intelligent, they are often creative visionaries who "think outside the box." They are focused and inquisitive, and usually are voracious readers. Greens also love sharing the knowledge they’ve gained, and sometimes explain more than others want to hear. They love mental challenge and enjoy verbal sparring. Greens often take pride in being unconventional or even quirky. Greens may be impatient with those who are less intelligent. They don’t care much for small talk and may feel uncomfortable in social situations, preferring to spend time alone or engaged with other Greens.

People who don’t accommodate Greens very well may accuse them of being cold, calculating, snobbish, weird, "know-it-alls," "nerds," or "egg-heads."

You will likely find bright Greens in any field which requires specialized knowledge or technical expertise (research; science; medical; industrial technology), areas which require a larger vision (strategic planning; consulting), or running organizations or their own businesses.

Famous Greens: computer mogul Bill Gates, chess champion Bobby Fischer, astronomer Carl Sagan ("Cosmos" author), the fictional Sherlock Holmes, TV’s Cliff Claven of "Cheers" ("It’s a little known fact....").

GOLD:

Golds are the backbone of society. "Good as gold," they are loyal, hard working, responsible, and dependable. They are clean, neat, well organized, and punctual. They take pride in their families, their homes, civic duties, work, and upholding traditions. They keep good records, pay their bills on time, and are financially prudent ("A penny saved is a penny earned."). Golds are natural leaders. Because they are so conventional, Golds may become rigid, habit-bound, and set in their ways. They don’t like sudden change, mess, or confusion, and become agitated with other people’s tardiness or sloppiness. Golds may find it difficult not to judge others harshly and they sometimes take life, and themselves, too seriously.

People who don’t accommodate Golds very well may accuse them of being boring, stuck in a rut, uncompromising, critical, or "control freaks."

You will likely find bright Golds in professions which require responsibility, precision, and order (military, law, accounting, engineering, record keeping), or volunteering in traditional organizations such as scouting or youth sports. They enjoy running things and often take management roles, where they will give their utmost and tend to every detail.

Famous Golds: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Colin Powell, country singer Clint Black, the fictional Mr. Banks in "Mary Poppins," TV’s Judge Judy.

ELLY'S "TRUE COLORS" WORKSHOPS

"True Colors" Personality Types.  Are you a sensitive Blue? A curious Green? A practical Gold? A spontaneous Orange? Based on a massive body of personality research, True Colors is a quick, fun, and easy way to systematically determine personality types. This interactive seminar covers the color profile and applies the information to various aspects of personal interactions. 2 to 3 hours.

"True Colors" and Relationships.  Are you in a serious relationship? Just ended one? Looking for a partner? Knowledge of True Colors can answer many questions about relationships. It explains the logic behind couplings that work well, as well as those that have fallen apart. Whether you attend alone or with a friend, whether you’re married or single, you’re bound to gain tremendous insight into the wonders of couplings at this fun and interactive workshop.  (Note: Longer presentation time allows for deeper dynamics, including conflicts.) 3 to 6 hours.

"True Colors" for Youth. True Colors can be adapted to the needs and interests of children ages 10 and up. Knowledge of the colors can be applied to such areas as teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, etc. Great learning activity for school clubs, church camps, service organizations. 1.5 to 3 hours (can be divided into 2 or more sessions to accommodate meeting format and/or attention span).

"True Colors" in the Classroom.  By the time children reach school age, their True Colors tendencies are already evident. This fun presentation covers the True Colors basics and then applies them to the classroom environment, including classroom management, conflict resolution, teaching and learning styles, parent-teacher conferences, and more. 3 to 4 hours.

"True Colors" for School Administrators. Part of your job as an administrator is to deal with the various personalities among your faculty, support staff, students, parents, and community leaders. "True Colors" provides an outstanding management tool for quickly sizing up personality strengths and challenges, and for using personality combinations to best advantage. This lively interactive workshop will help you develop teamwork and cohesion within your school. It will provide easy strategies for dealing with conflicts. And it will help you understand and define your own management style. 3 to 6 hours.

"True Colors:" Knowledge of Personality Types Can Boost Your Business.  Stop wasting time on pitches your customers can’t relate to! Based on the True Colors personality types described above, this fun seminar will help you understand your own personality and work-style, as well as the buying styles of your customers and clients. With this knowledge you’ll be able to quickly "size up" a client to determine how best to present your business or product for instant appeal. Ideal for business owners, sales professionals, and anyone who stands to gain from an understanding of how people purchase goods and services. 3 to 4 hours.

"True Colors" and Substance Abuse. There is no color or color profile that is guaranteed to be at risk for, or protected from, substance abuse. This fascinating workshop delves into how the tendencies toward various addictive substances are expressed in terms of "True Colors" personality types. Perfect for staff development, parent education, or anyone interested in the dynamics of personality and at-risk behavior. 1.5 to 3 hours.

Elly Darwin, M.Ed., NCC, is a certified (Level III) TRUE COLORS presenter. To schedule a TRUE COLORS workshop for your group, click here: Elly@ClearheartCommunications.com

FEEDBACK FROM WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

The following are some anonymous, voluntary remarks drawn from evaluation forms filled out by participants at Elly's TRUE COLORS Workshops:

"The True Colors training was GREAT! It was fun and interesting and, as a Green, a learning experience."

"Elly was wonderful. Very exciting and knows what she is talking about.
A lot of fun and helped me learn a lot about myself and my husband."

"It was well presented, interesting and fun." 

"Very enlightening. Thank you!"

"Excellent! Super job!"

"I will use the information to improve my relationships."

"A+++ Great! I loved it!"

"Interesting, entertaining, and fun!"

"You are a great communicator and kept us interested. Good job!"

"I learned quite a bit about myself and the motivations of others."

"... being conscious of my students’ True Colors and how my teaching style (which is affected by my personality) may engage or disengage some of the kids I teach."

"Fantastic!"

"I learned so much about myself and the nature of my personal/professional relationships."

"I learned how to use True Colors for administration purposes."

"Thanks for making it fun and helpful."

"I learned how the Colors work together or against one another and how to help myself and others work together to compromise in order to meet the requirements of our jobs."

"Great workshop. Very well put together, great speaker, and enjoyable time."

"Great, enthusiastic speaker."

"This presentation was superior...."

"Because of this workshop, I will be more tolerant and compromising with others."

"I will use this info in my own marriage and with my children."

"It will allow me to better understand my friends and family."

"Excellent job! The students loved it!"

"I would love for you to come back."

ELLY’S "TRUE COLORS" PROFILE

My brightest color is BLUE. I love teaching, counseling, and writing and all those endeavors are geared toward helping people to feel better about themselves and deal more effectively with their lives. Personal authenticity is important to Blues. The name of my business, Clearheart Communications, reflects that. At the top of my website it states, "My personal mission is to be clear with my own heart– that is, to maintain a humble openness to what my heart is communicating to me and to express myself clearly from my heart in all my endeavors. The mission of Clearheart Communications is to help others do the same." How Blue is that?!

Right behind Blue is GOLD. I enjoy boiling things down to a simple order (which is why I love TRUE COLORS so much!). As a group counselor in a drug clinic, I treated my clients with unconditional positive regard and would do whatever I could to help them with their recovery. But I also had strict expectations and didn’t take any guff. The experienced ones would warn the newcomers, "Elly will do anything for you, but you’d better not mess with her rules!" I kept my client reports impeccably and designed some simple forms for tracking clients’ progress.

In my profile, my top two colors are fairly prominent and my bottom two colors are almost a tie.

My third color is GREEN. I respect the value of research, but I don’t have the desire to delve into hard research. I’d rather spend my time devoted to Blue- or Gold-related endeavors. However, since my profession brings me intensely into contact with people–sometimes on very deep levels–the Green part of me needs to pull away to achieve balance. Therefore, I enjoy the quiet time I spend reading, writing, contemplating, or just hanging out at home. That refreshes and regenerates me.

Right behind Green is ORANGE. I enjoy fun activities, but I get burned out on too much Orange energy. As an easy-going Blue, I can blend well with virtually anyone, but being around a lot of Oranges seems too frenzied, so I don’t attend parties very often. One of the reasons I love presenting TRUE COLORS workshops, however, is that it brings out the Orange in me: I get very animated and really love the fun interactions. Driving my red sports car with the top down is another way I express my Orangeness (but the Gold part of me is careful not to get crazy!).

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the TRUE COLORS^® organization, click here: www.true-colors.com