True Colors
• True Colors is an inventory designed to help you better
understand yourself and others.
• True Colors is an activity used to promote individual
differences.
• True Colors is a self-awareness activity enabling individuals
to become aware of personality styles.
• True Colors is a team builder helping members to
understand the preferred styles of their colleagues.
True Colors International - www.true-colors.com
True Colors
Each color is reflective of your personality.
• You will identify a primary and a secondary color.
These are your preferred styles.
• The colors you do not choose will have some
characteristics that are representative of you;
however, it is not your preferred style.
• True colors is valuable for improving your
effectiveness in working with others.
•
Consider This:
• Each person approaches projects and
conversations differently.
• Most people approach professional life
differently than personal life.
• Sometimes, understanding how you may be
perceived can help you understand how to
better communicate.
Green
See Self
Others See
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Superior intellect
98% right
Tough-minded
Efficient, powerful
Original and unique
Rational
Great planner
Calm not emotional
Precise not repetitive
Under control
Able to find flaws objectively
Holding firm to policy
•
•
•
•
Intellectual snob
Arrogant
Afraid to open up
Unappreciative,
stingy with praise
Doesn’t consider people in
plans
Critical, fault-finding
Cool, aloof, unfeeling
Eccentric, weird
Gold
See Self
Others See
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stable
Providing security
Dependable
Firm
Always have a view
Efficient
Realistic
Decisive
Executive type
Good planner
Orderly, neat
Punctual, expect same
Rigid
Controlling, bossy
Dull, boring
Stubborn, pigheaded
Opinionated
System-bound
Unimaginative
Limiting flexibility
Uptight
Sets own agenda
Rigid idea of time
Blue
See Self
Others See
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Warm, caring, compassionate
Likes to please people
Trusting
Romantic
Spiritual
Creative
Idealistic
People person
Willing to work tirelessly for a
cause
• Unselfish
• Empathetic
• Wanting harmony
Overemotional
Groveling, fawning, soft
Too trusting
Mushy
Hopelessly naïve
Too nice
Aloof
Smothering
Manipulative
Ignores policy, create chaos
Talks too much
Illogical, incomprehensive
Orange
See Self
Others See
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fun loving, enjoys life
Spontaneous
Flexible, adaptable
Carefree
Proficient, capable
Hands on person
Practical
Problem solver
Good negotiator
Here and now person
Does many things at once
Eclectic
Irresponsible
Flaky
Wish-washy
Not serious
Spends time on things they enjoy
Not interested in ideas
Disobey rules
Manipulative, not to be trusted
Not able to stay on task
Cluttered
Indecisive
Excellent Problem Solvers
Relate to GREEN by being objective and logical. Listen and be
open to new ideas. Value their abstract thinking.
Famous people include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Carl Jung
John DeLorean
Socrates
Moses
Frank Lloyd Wright
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Edison
Douglas MacArthur
Sherlock Holmes
Dwight Eisenhower
Eleanor Roosevelt
Madame Curie
Natural Leaders
Relate to GOLD by being dependable, responsible, direct,
decisive organized and punctual.
Famous people include:
• Henry Ford
• Harry Truman
• Joan Rivers
• George Washington
• Florence Nightingale
• Gerald Ford
• Mr. Rogers
• Nancy Reagan
• Johnny Carson
• Joe Friday
• Queen Victoria
Excellent Relationship Builders
Relate to BLUE by connecting personally and listening
attentively. Be honest and sincere.
Mother Teresa
Ghandi
Mozart
Pope John XXII
Oprah Winfrey
Sigmund Freud
Jimmy Carter
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Julius Ceasar
Beverly Sills
Brigham Young
Mohammed Ali
President Clinton
Thomas Jefferson
Natural Negotiators
Relate to ORANGE by being spontaneous, playful and humorous.
Provide variety and alternatives – keep things exciting.
Famous People
Lee Iacocca
Amelia Earhart
JFK
George Patton
FDR
Oliver North
Teddy Roosevelt
Lucille Ball
James Dean
Winston Churchill
John Wayne
St. Francis of Assisi
Ernest Hemmingway
True Colors: Conversations
In order to speak to a in a way they will
understand you should …
Green:
Use clear and precise language
Use logic in support of your decision
Get right to the point
Keep the conversation relevant
Ask meaningful questions
Talk about possibilities
Blue:
Relate what you are saying to feelings
Avoid open criticism
Put peoples needs ahead of precedures
Be honest and genuine
Leave room for input and questions
Keep your promises
Gold:
Give straightforward direction
Use references to the past and tradition
Not get sidetracked
Keep conversation in order
Follow an agenda
Talk about responsibility
Orange:
Cut to the heart of a problem
Give them the straight stuff
Be bold and say what is on your mind
Focus on action
Talk about
results
Keep the conversations lively