In his book, Life on the Mississippi, (1883) Mark Twain wrote, “Plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities.” Rubbing my chin… I smile. Yep, I like simple things.

I was first introduced to the field of mind development while coaching employees in my first professional career. After graduating from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Human Resource Management, I worked in H.R. and used several different tools to help develop and build leadership, interpersonal skills and individual performance in our employees. Some of the tools we used to try to help people improve were behavioral profiles.

One of the challenges we encountered with the behavioral tools was implementation. That is, how do we keep our people using, learning and applying the information they learned once they returned to real life? Talk about frustrating! It was my own dissatisfaction with behavioral profiles that led me to The Color Code.

I finally came across a video of Dr. Taylor Hartman (developer and author of The Color Code) talking with a local news reporter about The Color Code.  The video only lasted maybe 3 or 4 minutes, but during the course of the segment I was able to capture the essence of the Color Code and each of the 4 colors. It was very simple to understand.

I immediately ordered Dr. Hartman’s book online (now called The People Code), read it several times and started sharing what I learned about the 4 Driving Core Motives with my family and friends. It wasn’t long before I knew I should look for a way to go deeper.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing The Color Code material with many groups and individuals over the past few years. I find it thrilling to see people experience breakthroughs in their lives when they learn what drives them and others to do what they do. They get it, and understand how to apply it. By keeping it simple, Dr. Hartman created a tool that can be used by everyone.

Over the years, I’ve heard others criticize Dr. Hartman and the Color Code specifically for its simplicity. Critics argue anything as simple as a 4 color-system cannot be valid or accurate to help know one ’s self better. They say it’s too simple. Well, as Albert Einstein (the genius many once thought a simpleton) wrote… “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Hey! Now that would make a great slogan…

The Color Code: As simple as possible… not simpler.

Guest author, Michael Hancock shares his discovery and use of the Color Code. He is a presenter, master inquirer and neo-Renaissance man. He has held numerous leadership positions in both for-profit and non-profit organizations, with professional experience in the worlds of media, business, politics and technology. Michael currently owns and operates Creative Dynamics, and conducts training, coaching and consulting using the Color Code interpersonal skills program. Michael enjoys change, change management and asking “Why?” Michael values fun, family, freedom and fellowship. He enjoys learning, trying new things, seeing new places and meeting new friends. An outstanding speaker/presenter, Michael is a natural “info-tainer” whether in front of an audience delivering a speech or leading a GOLF (Great Opportunity for Learning and Fun).

Michael is married with 2 children, lives in sunny Florida and is (what else?) a Color Code Yellow.