Look at all the boxes in the first row [A, B, C, D]. Read the words and decide which of the four boxes is most like you. Give that box a “4”. Rank order the next three boxes from 3 – 1 in descending preference. You will end up with a row of four boxes ranked from “4” [most like you] to “1” [least like you]. Now do the next row [E, F, G, H] and use the same process [4 - 1]. Continue with all the rows, and tally your score as directed on the bottom of the page.
Total the scores for these boxes [A, H, K, N, S]
Total the scores for these boxes [B, G, I, M, T]
Total the scores for these boxes [C, F, J, O, R]
Total the scores for these boxes [D, E, L, P, Q]
ORANGE
GOLD
BLUE
GREEN
PBIS Indiana Center on Education & Lifelong Learning and The Equity Project Indiana University 2010
{True Color Adjective} Page | 1
Check out these True Colors links for training, materials and other resources http://www.truecolors.org/FAQ/ or http://www.career-lifeskills.com/products_services/atpr/truecol/
Career/LifeSkills Resources Inc. offers the following professional training programs and workshops for True Colors®:
Level I Training - enables trainer to deliver introductory and end-user programs
Level II Training - enables trainer to deliver introductory and end-user as well as Level I programs
For more information: 1-877-680-0200
PBIS Indiana Center on Education & Lifelong Learning and The Equity Project Indiana University 2010
{True Color Adjective} Page | 2
Values
Needs
Characteristic VALUES of the NFBlues :
Self-actualization
Autonomy
Cooperation, harmony
Meaning and authenticity
Honesty
Personal relationships
Sensitivity, compassion
Integrity and sincerity
Sharing thoughts and feelings
Confidentiality and trust
Human potential
Uniqueness and personal differences
Inspiration
Dedication
Imagination and creativity
Sympathy and empathy
Peacefulness and tranquility
Intimacy
Characteristic NEEDS of tNFBlues :
Attention
Understanding
Acceptance
Personal approval
Unconditional support
Popularity
Encouragement and reassurance
Interaction with people
Freedom from control and detail
Public recognition of abilities
Freedom of expression
Affection
Validation of personal worth
Harmony, Collaboration
PBIS Indiana
Strengths Joys
Center on Education & Lifelong Learning and The Equity Project
Stresses
Characteristic STRENGTHS of NF-
Blues :
Ability to persuade and cooperate
Team builders, team players
Communicates empathy
Sees possibilities of institutions and people
Expresses appreciation and approval
Perceptive in understanding nonverbal communication
Expresses thoughts and feelings with sincerity
Creativity (possibility thinking or options thinking)
Encourages other (supportiveness)
Optimism, enthusiasm
Intuition/imagination
Establishes rapport (engages others)
Authenticity
Sincerity
Dedication to people issues
Being inspirational
Fosters harmony
Facilitates development
Mediates and resolves conflict
Characteristic JOYS of the NFBlues :
Friendships
Social groups
Music and fine arts
Personal validation
Social acceptance
Developing others’ talents and potential
Using imagination
Inspirational speeches
Emotional events
Teamwork (synergy)
Social settings
Meeting new people
Being dramatic or colorful
Entertaining others
Influencing others
Nature, aesthetics, beauty
Self-searching and self-help
Affection and sensitive gestures
Intimate relationships
Characteristic STRESSES of the NF-
Blues :
Disharmony
Insensitivity
Insincerity
Time limits and pressure to decide quickly
Impersonal treatment
Personal criticism
Unresolved conflict
Routine work
Competition
Personal disapproval
Personal rejection and social exclusion
Being ignored
Non-supportive behavior
Discouraging remarks
Isolation
Detailed paperwork and forms before people
Censorship
Lack of warmth
Aggressive or abusive behavior
Being yelled at
Dishonesty or being lied to
Rigid (non-flexible) or authoritarian behavior
Negative criticism
Aggression
Conflict
Indiana University 2010
{True Color Adjective} Page | 3
Values
Needs
Characteristic VALUES of the NFGreen :
Technical know-how, Quality consciousness
Product-process integrity, Global view
Knowledge and wisdom
Quiet time for thinking
Intellectual achievement
Complexity, Principles
Original thought
Creativity and innovation
Rational relationships
Fairness, Improvement of products and processes
Comprehensiveness and clarity
Logic, Subject matter expertise
Attention to detail when it fits the big picture
Living and working by their standards
Precaution for value
Development of mental capabilities
Characteristic NEEDS of the NF Green :
Intellectual competence
Clear quality standards
Precision and accuracy
Product and process improvement
Creative mental challenge
Personal autonomy
Opportunity for careful planning
Freedom to ask “why” questions
Opportunity to present recommendations,
Recognition for ideas, Acknowledgment for competence and intellectual potential
Quiet time to think & process information
Big picture understanding and much information
PBIS Indiana
Strengths Joys
Characteristic STRENGTHS of
NF Green :
Analytical ability
Conceptual skills
Global and strategic thinking
Big picture analysis
Absorbing and storing knowledge
Using a systematic and logical approach to situations
Establishing quality and performance standards
Seeking comprehensive information
Determination
Concentrating on key details
Persistence-Checking for accuracy
Applying subject matter expertise
Using ingenuity
Drawing insightful conclusions
Precise use of language and clarity of thought
Contributing optimum effort
Utilizing maximum self-control
Developing multiple competencies
Characteristic JOYS of the NF Green :
Improving products
Discovering new possibilities
Designing conceptual systems
Developing models
Creating strategies
Exploring the unknown
Probing the future
Receiving recognition for ideas or original systems
Being acknowledged by professional colleagues
Thinking systematically
Solving problems
Understanding and explaining complexity
Demonstrating technical expertise
Developing new competencies
Center on Education & Lifelong Learning and The Equity Project
Stresses
Characteristic STRESSES of the NF-
Green :
Incompetence
Unclear mission
Unclear expectations
Little time to analyze
Making quick decisions
Rules that block strategy
Lack of a system
Unfairness
Time deadlines
Schedules that make little sense
Routine work or projects
Restrictions and/or limitations
Too many projects or details
Repetition or redundancy
Errors or oversights
Ignored recommendations
Emotional outbursts
Failure to support systems
Interpersonal conflicts
Execution and follow-through
Challenge incorrect information
Pointing out errors and mistakes quickly
Improving on ideas shared in conversation
Irritated if asked to rephrase or repeat
Indiana University 2010
{True Color Adjective} Page | 4
Values
Needs
Characteristic VALUES of the NFGolds :
Cooperation —Everyone does his/her part
Commitment —Follow-through on responsibility
Integrity —Walk the talk
Loyalty —Faithful to the class and school
Dependability —one less thing for teachers to worry about
Accountability —The buck stops here
Responsibility —It’s my duty and obligation
Practicality —Good old common sense
Diligence —Steady, earnest and energetic application of effort
Fairness —Everyone receives equal treatment
Traditional institutions —Preserves home, family and traditions of school
Standard operating procedures —Insures stability
Characteristic NEEDS of the NF Golds :
Security, Stability, Order
Having a plan
Rules, procedures and standards to follow
Time to complete tasks, Consistency
Awareness of organizational structure
Correctness, Productivity
Knowledge of specific requirements
A sense of belonging in the company
Recognition of efforts, Usefulness
A sense of permanence
Closure
Strengths
Characteristic STRENGTHS of NF-
Golds :
Stick-to-itiveness
Steadiness
Honors timelines
Follows through
Provides and maintains order
Establishes and maintains policies, procedures and schedules
Guided by sense of right and wrong
Cooperative (willing to do what needs to be done)
Focus on productivity (quality and quantity)
Shows concern and attention to detail
Caretaker for group maintenance
Preserves organizational values, history and traditions
Looks for practical effects of decisions
Trustworthy
Organizational and planning skills
Commitment to studies and school
Consistency
Prepared
Punctual (on time and on schedule)
Stabilizer in the school
Keeps others well informed
Possesses common sense
Weighs consequences before acting
Communicates stand on issues
Seeks closure
Joys
Characteristic JOYS of the NF-
Golds :
Satisfaction from task completion
A sense of order
Identification with a group or unit
Serving others
Being prepared
Tangible rewards
Time for family
Home
Establishing routines
The stabilizing process
Reaching closure
PBIS Indiana Center on Education & Lifelong Learning and The Equity Project
Stresses
Characteristic STRESSES of the NF-
Golds :
Lack of structure
Frequent changes in policies, procedures, etc.
Disloyalty
Ambiguity
Chaos (out of control)
Inconsistency
Irresponsibility
Lack of time to do a good job
Acceptance of poorly performed tasks
Unclear rules and procedures
Insufficient information
Ignored timelines or deadlines
Lack of direction or leadership
Waiting unnecessarily
Unclear expectations
Surprises (unexpected or unplanned events)
Lack of group cooperation
Carrying the workload of others
Not feeling appreciated for a job well done
Disregard for family time or commitments
Indecision
Lack of closure
Waste
Indiana University 2010
{True Color Adjective} Page | 5
Values
Needs
Characteristic VALUES of the NF-
Oranges :
Courage and boldness
Performance skills
Physical movement
Practicality and resourcefulness
Expediency
Opportunities, options, choices
Artistic expression
Light-heartedness
Spontaneity
Openness (non-judgmental)
Characteristic NEEDS of the NF-
Oranges :
Independence
Opportunity to perform
Hands-on and physical activity
Recognition for performance and skill
Challenge
Freedom of expression and humor
Excitement
PBIS Indiana
Strengths
Characteristic STRENGTHS of NF-
Oranges :
Self-confidence and risk-taking
Realistic and practical
Decisive and quick-to-act
Determination and drive
Instinct for opportunity
Performance skills
Getting things done with others’ help
Being direct and straight forward
Flexibility and adaptability
Brave and bold
Takes action and provides direction
Promotes spontaneity
Can manage multiple priorities
Injects light-hearted humor
Positive and resilient
Efficient
Tends not to worry or be anxious
Freedom to act quickly
Results and immediate feedback
Action
Prestige or spotlight
Joys
Characteristic JOYS of the NF-
Oranges :
Variety
Celebrating results
Being in charge
Performing, hands-on activities
Competition, contests
Taking risks and testing limits
Dealing with realistic problems and crises
Being recognized for results and performance
“Putting out fires”
Being witty and entertaining
Center on Education & Lifelong Learning and The Equity Project
Stresses
Characteristic STRESSES of the NF-
Oranges :
Personal restrictions and lack of freedom
Unnecessary routine
Waiting
Lack of resources
Being bogged down with rules
Being told how to work (structured jobs)
Details and detail work
Inactivity
Repetition or rehearsal
Activities which lack challenge
Slow pace or slow decision-making
Inflexibility (lack of options, choices)
Discussions of theory, concepts, philosophy
Rigid (non-flexible) or authoritarian behavior
Rigid timelines.
Indiana University 2010
{True Color Adjective} Page | 6