Big Sky Big Leadership Series: Real Colors Personality Traits
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Big Sky Big Leadership Series: Real Colors Personality Traits
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
This is the second in a series of articles sharing topics from the Big Sky, Big Leadership program. Currently in its third year, this is a nine-month program that helps participants gain leadership skills as well as learn more about issues and resources in the county. This article series explores the history, research and background of Real Colors personality traits.
For centuries, humans have struggled to understand the human mind. One of the first documented attempts to define human behavior into character types was by Hippocrates around 400 BC. Hippocrates, known as the Father of Medicine, concluded that humans could be divided into four distinct character types. His theories were the foundation for personality types for many years.
Fast forward to the 20th century when research on personality or temperament types accelerated. During this time period, many researchers including Carl Jung, Isabel Myers, Katharine Briggs and David Keirsey attempted to further define and understand personality. One of the most well-known instruments was the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) that used a 4-letter indicator for personality type.
In the 1990’s, along came Real Colors, a system designed by the National Career Training Institute. The goal was to design a curriculum and instrument that utilized temperament research and applied it to real life in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Ultimately, they hoped to help people learn to recognize, accept and value the differences in others while improving understanding, empathy and communication. Real Colors has been used as a training tool by countless teams, businesses and organizations and has been highly successful at reaching the goal.
Real Colors uses four colors to represent the various personalities: Gold, Blue, Green and Orange. While everyone has all four colors in us, we generally operate utilizing the strengths, talents and attributes of our top two colors. Each color has a unique meaning.
Golds are often described as practical, organized, punctual, dependable, detailed and hard-working. They are committed to seeing a task through and are known to get things done. They can often point out things that are unrealistic or impractical. They appreciate rules and procedures and have a clear sense of right and wrong. They enjoy planning and are known for making detailed checklists. They thrive in a structured environment and are often uncomfortable in unstructured situations.
Relationships are a primary focus for Blues. They are often described as sincere, sympathetic, insightful, compassionate, empathic, patient and giving. They are naturally nurturing and often choose careers or volunteer opportunities where they can help others. They avoid conflict or confrontation and prefer a peaceful environment. Communication is critical and they enjoy talking to others to better understand feelings. Sending or receiving symbols of love or showing you care is important.
Greens are often described as curious, independent, inventive, logical, analytical and calm. They love to be challenged and will spend considerable time studying possible solutions before making a decision. They do not tend to make decisions quickly. They are not afraid to try something new and get bored with routines. They thrive on acquiring new knowledge and are not afraid of conflict or confrontation. While relationships are important to Greens, and they aren’t overly focused on feelings or emotions.
Oranges are often the life of the party. They are described as spontaneous, competitive, optimistic, flexible, courageous, independent and easy-going. They love to try new things and are easily bored with routine and structure. They want freedom and have a hard time following rules. They learn by experience and are constantly looking for new challenges. They are unbothered by an unexpected change and can easily go with the flow.
Through Real Colors training, participants learn their personal strengths and how to recognize strengths in others. They discover how to build rapport with people and effective methods of communicating with different people. Furthermore, they learn how to apply Real Colors principles to the workplace or personal relationships. The training is fun and dynamic, and a great way to connect with a team or workplace.
For more information about Big Sky Big Leadership or to request a workshop on Real Colors, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or Allison.kosto@montana.edu. Real Colors is a licensed program through the National Career Training Institute and must be taught by a certified Real Colors facilitator.
