June 2017 – blog.colorcode.com

Three Ideas to Help Whites Become More Motivated

Whites, we truly hope these tips will help you develop habits to find additional motivation you might be missing to milk the most out of your life because we know that the world benefits greatly every time a “Wise White” steps up to the plate.

White Personalities—you may or may not know that one of your natural limitations is being unmotivated. The good news is this isn’t something that can’t be overcome with effort. So, if you think you could possibly use a little more motivation in your life, read on and give the following a try!

1. Make a to-do list

This may seem obvious but it’s amazing what results you can achieve with a to-do list if you are CONSISTENT and COMMITTED. Pick a specific time every day to make your to-do list. You can include as many or as few items as you like but the key is to develop a habit here so don’t overwhelm yourself at first with too much. Start off easy and build from there. Remember, the HABIT itself will become more valuable than what is on the list in the beginning. You could include things like exercising, meal planning, paying bills, spending time getting better at a hobby and cleaning out your car. Again, just make sure that whatever you put on there you can be consistent and committed to. Even if it’s literally doing 1 push up each morning, that’s fine. Just start with easy and go from there. If you do this, you won’t burn out as easily and will build the HABIT that will fuel the fire of motivation in other areas later on.

2. Do something you dread bi-monthly

Many of us tend to procrastinate and put off things we just don’t want to do but White Personalties innately deal with this limitation a little more than the others.

The reason we suggest you do something you dread on a bi-monthly basis is simple: it pushes you but in a manageable way. You can rest comfortably knowing things will get done but not feel the pressure or guilt associated with putting them off or never doing them.

3. Do something enjoyable while you do something productive

We are all blessed to live in a day and age where we can have practically endless entertainment and/or learning options at the touch of a button via the Internet. If you haven’t found a favorite podcast, sweet jams, or discovered Duolingo language learning yet then may we humbly suggest you get on that. 🙂 Why? Again, we are focusing on motivation and if you know you have something to look forward to in combination with the task you NEED to do, you will be more likely to do it. Keep experimenting until you find your “reward” to make the tasks at hand more palatable.

Try these three suggestions above and let us know if they work for you. And, if you’ve found other ways to tackle this natural limitation, please share those in the comments below so others can benefit from what you’ve learned about the personality trait you share. We are cheering for you!

—The Color Code Team

Electronic Messages—Reading Between the Lines

We live in an age where a large percentage of our communications are done via email and texts. It is convenient, and for some, a great time saver. The problem is, how are your messages interpreted?

“Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own.”

-Carol Burnett

(Editor’s Note: This post was previously published on the blog May 11, 2015, but the author felt it was even more important today.)

We live in an age where a large percentage of our communications are done via email and texts. It is convenient, and for some, a great time saver.

The problem is, how are your messages interpreted?

Without body language to provide insight into the delivery, a misinterpreted written communication might leave the recipient feeling slighted, criticized or belittled. An unanswered email or text might make a person feel that they are being ignored, or worse, that the recipient is angry over the content of the message. All of this can cause stress and no little resentment … to the detriment of a positive and productive relationship.

As students of the Color Code, we know that all personalities are different. Each driving core motive has needs. We are all motivated differently and conversely, we motivate differently. When receiving electronic missives, it is important for us to know the difference—and react accordingly.

Reds’ emails and texts are often interpreted as curt, unfeeling, and, let’s face it, critical. When a Red sends an email or text it is normally a “just the facts, ma’am” missive. They don’t do smiley faces, emoticons or LOLs. Rarely will they ask personal questions or offer any insight into their own feelings. A Red will not respond to a text or email that doesn’t require a specific response. Don’t expect an email that simply says, “Thanks” or “Got it.”

When you can’t see a Red’s face in the delivery, the sarcasm they are famous for just seems downright mean. It might interest you to know that Reds will seem confounded if you express offense at the emails they send, because (in most cases) offense was not their intention.

When sending a Red a text or an email—especially in a business setting—keep to the facts (preferably in bullet form). If responding to a Red’s bulleted email, try putting your answers directly below the bullet points he or she sent you. That way, you’ll know you’ve answered all questions or requests succinctly rather than in a rambling response. If a Red asks for a confirmation that you received the email, send one, but don’t otherwise waste his or her time with a “thanks” response.

Blues are quite different from Reds in electronic communication. Unlike Reds, “less is more” does not apply. Blues are thorough and detail-conscious. You will likely receive not only an answer, but the thought process involved in coming up with the answer. They might start off with a personal note before getting to the meat of the missive—but meat there will be.

In writing, a Blue may come off as a bit sanctimonious, and the recipient may feel as if they are being judged, or worse, not given credit. Blues need to feel appreciated and might fail to see their self-righteous tone as offensive—so don’t take offense.

When sending a Blue an email, it is important to fulfill their need for detailed information. Be sure your message includes the what, where, when and how, or you will be peppered with more emails asking about the missing information. Your communications should be well-written and respectful.

Whites, like Reds, are logical and to the point. Unlike Reds, they are more thoughtful in their communications. While not motivated by emotion, they will go to great lengths to be kind and not create conflict. You may need to read between the lines to get the real message. Whites are more inclined to communicate via email or texting rather than face-to-face interaction.

Some Whites procrastinate and will put off answering your email right away. In fact, some of them should have the old adage, “If you ignore it, it will go away” on a needlepoint sampler gracing their office wall. Gentle reminders will get them going again.

When sending an email to a White, be kind, objective and present all arguments. Whites have a great skill of seeing all sides and forming a logical conclusion. Unless you have already won a White’s trust, don’t get personal or jokey in the text.

Yellows are probably the most dynamic of the colors when it comes to email. Count on them to send you the latest joke one minute and an insightful and persuasive communication the next. A Yellow is most likely to use emoticons and exclamation points. Even in the most serious of emails, they will make an appearance.

Yellows may not return your email in a timely manner—or at all. This is not a personal slight, but an indication that they have moved on to other things they deem more important or interesting. A reminder that you are awaiting a reply should bring you back to the top of the list.

When sending an email to a Yellow, be specific about what you want and possibly more important, when you want it. Be upbeat, positive, but firm and always emphasize that you appreciate their contribution.

Before you jump to conclusions while reading messages, remember we all have different methods of communication. Without a smile, a wink, or even a scowl, we don’t have the benefit of facial expressions or body language to help us interpret the emotion behind a message. The best thing to do, for the receiver and the sender, is to take into account the possibility that we all have different methods of sending and receiving messages, both literally and emotionally. Think it through before you let a simple misunderstanding ruin an otherwise healthy relationship.

Teresa Glenn has been working with the Color Code since 2006, where her main focus is product development. She has been in the publishing and product development field for over 20 years. Teresa is a core Red with a strong Yellow secondary.

Advice for Meeting a Blue’s Needs

If you can master fulfilling the needs of your Blue friends, they will be happy campers indeed.

Who doesn’t want their needs to be met? Each personality color comes with its own set of needs, but many people are likely not meeting these needs due to not being aware of what they are. If each of us knew the needs that came with each personality color, we would surely be better equipped to care for our loved ones. Today, we are going to address the needs of the Blue personality and help those who know and love Blues understand how they can meet their needs so the Blues will feel happier and more loved.

Blues need to be good morally

If you have a Blue friend who seems like a goody two-shoes, and it annoys you, this will be a good need for you to recognize. Blues aren’t trying to bug you. It’s just that they were born with this innate need to be good morally. They may not be the friend who wants to wedding crash with you or who lies to get you out of trouble. But instead of giving them a hard time, help them feel comfortable approaching you with their hesitations to do something they don’t feel OK with. Show them admiration for holding fast to their convictions instead of making them feel like a bad friend.

Blues need to be understood

Blues have a lot of emotions and they like to talk them out. You may not understand all their emotions all the time, but knowing they need to be understood can hopefully help you be a better listener for your Blue friends. Sometimes, they may just need some validation for feeling the things they’re feeling. Other times, they may need you to relate to them and share a personal experience from your own life.

Blues need to be appreciated

Blues are great at serving others, but they need to be appreciated when they do. Even if your Blue loved ones are constantly serving you to the point you get used to it, don’t forget to acknowledge their service.

Blues need to be accepted

Because Blues WANT to reveal their insecurities, it’s likely that your Blue loved ones will be vulnerable in front of you. It’s your job to love and accept them and help them feel loved. Relationships mean so much to them, and it would help them feel loved if they felt those they care about so much accepted them into their lives and didn’t show signs of neglecting their friendship.

If you can master fulfilling the needs of your Blue friends, they will be happy campers indeed. For the Blues who are reading this article, are your friends good at meeting your needs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

—The Color Code Team

Four Tips for Embracing More of the Yellow Personality

We know these changes may not happen overnight, but they will be worthwhile if you feel they are changes you need to make to be happier and less stressed.

If you’re a Red, Blue or White personality, have you ever been curious about what it’s like to be inside a Yellow’s skin? The cool thing about Color Code, is that while you’re always going to be the same core color, you can learn to adopt strengths from other colors. So if you’re looking to be a little more like a Yellow, follow these four tips:

Shelf Your Worries—Yellows are carefree like children. If you’re feeling overly worried about something you shouldn’t, become more Yellow by shelving your worries and telling yourself it’ll all work out.
Let Go of Unnecessary Responsibilities—Yes, Yellows could learn to be more responsible, but for those who place too many responsibilities on their plates, learn from the Yellow and let them go. If you don’t HAVE to bake cookies for your children after school while juggling PTA duties and supermom lessons, let it go!
Turn Pessimistic Thoughts into Optimistic Thoughts—Yellows are optimistic, which is truly an amazing gift they have. Optimism can be hard to come by in today’s world. If you’re feeling bogged down by negative thoughts about yourself or your circumstance, think about how you can change those thoughts into positive ones and don’t allow yourself to go back into the same negative thinking.
Start the Fun—Yellows are so good at starting the fun, others may not feel it is necessary to instigate the good times. But if you’re wanting to be more Yellow, don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and start the fun. If you want to party, throw it! If you want to hang out with friends, text them with a brilliant idea.

Are you feeling more Yellow already? We know these changes may not happen overnight, but they will be worthwhile if you feel they are changes you need to make to be happier and less stressed. After all, who is happier and more stress-free than a Yellow? If you try any of these tips, let us know how it goes in the comments below!

—The Color Code Team

How the Color Code is Integrated into a Work Setting

Strong working relationships translate into improved productivity, a strong culture and greater alignment with hospital goals.

How does a small, critical access hospital with approximately 400 employees, use Color Code? We use it to sustain the bedrock of our organizational culture. The principles of Color Code—“know thyself” and “100% responsibility” perfectly align with the cultural traits of Pullman Regional Hospital that were laid more than 25 years ago and continue to be cultivated to this day.

At Pullman Regional Hospital, we have been teaching Color Code as part of our new employee orientation every month since 1995. Since that time, approximately 2,600 employees who were oriented to the hospital were introduced to Color Code.

Our CEO spends half a day with all new employees addressing organizational values such as personal change precedes organizational change, teamwork and personal accountability (holding yourself 100% responsible for your actions and the quality of a relationship). A 3-hour workshop on Color Code follows the presentation on our cultural values. Employees are asked to take the online assessment and bring their comprehensive analysis to the first day of orientation. From there, we go over not only the strengths, limitations, wants and needs of each color, but Color Code’s significant role in our hospital’s culture and how it is a common language. It is stressed that as a tool, Color Code helps us understand how we can work well with each other to achieve organizational goals.

After orientation, once the new employees have learned about their color, this new information works well as an icebreaker with their new co-workers. “What color are you?” is often asked during their first day of departmental training and starts a natural conversation with colleagues.

We have three trained Color Code facilitators. As facilitators, we are careful to stress that revealing your color is for the purpose of understanding yourself and others. It is not to be used as a label or an excuse for why you cannot work with another color. It is your responsibility to understand the strengths and limitations of your primary color, how to work out of the strengths of other colors and how to communicate with people with different primary colors.

In addition to new employee orientation, Leadership uses Color Code as a tool in peer coaching and as a springboard for discussion in conflict resolution. Starting a conversation by saying, “I’m a Blue” or “I’m a Yellow” can diffuse a difficult interaction by creating an instant recognition of, “so my perspective and actions are emotion-based.” A Red or White personality can understand that their logic-based perspective is inherently at odds with the Blue or Yellow. From there, both personalities can adjust their communication styles and tap into the strengths of the other color for a more successful outcome.

Color Code is the most popular part of new employee orientation, and it continues to be requested by Leadership and staff for ongoing education. The Leadership Development Team is now working on presenting an updated curriculum for department directors, which will include Color Code “nuggets,” for example, “How to talk to a Red” and “Environmental filters that can impact your behavior.”

From a community outreach perspective, we are marketing our Color Code services to outside groups and have secured workshops with about a dozen businesses and educational institutions, some as paying clients but most of them are conducted on a pro bono basis (except for online access to assessment). These serve as great community engagement and marketing opportunities for Pullman Regional Hospital.

Today, Color Code is embedded in Pullman Regional Hospital’s culture and continues to serve as a valuable tool in facilitating strong working relationships. It truly is a personal gift we give to employees so they can understand their core motives. They can then take the next step to work from their strengths and take 100% responsibility for the quality of their relationships. Strong working relationships translate into improved productivity, a strong culture and greater alignment with hospital goals.

Megan Guido is the Chief Marketing & Community Relations Officer at Pullman Regional Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital located in eastern Washington. She is also a certified Color Code trainer and has been teaching and facilitating Color Code workshops for more than eight years.

Three Tips for Reds to Maintain Better Friendships

Since Reds are so dominant and can be intense, some people can be overwhelmed by them. But we’re here to promote the camaraderie of every personality color. So today, we want to give the Reds a few tips on how to maintain friendships without too many hurt feelings or drama.

Our world would be a very, very different place without the Red personality. We would miss out on some really amazing leaders, phenomenal businesses and a whole lot of awesome, no-nonsense people. Reds are essential to the fabric or our society, there is no doubt about that. However, just like each of the other colors, Reds have some characteristics that turn some people off.

Tip 1: Know that you’re not always right

Ouch, we know that’s hard to hear and that you may not even believe us right now. But just know this: nobody is right all the time and people don’t like to be called out. We know you need to be right, but if you can think about the depth of your need to be right and how frustrating it is when people say you’re wrong, just remember that may be how others feel when you tell them they’re wrong. Even if you know in your heart that you’re right, it’s not necessarily worth arguing over. It’s better to have other people think you’re wrong than to hurt friendships.

Tip 2: Let other people have a say

Reds, you can be bossy and controlling. And while you’re a great leader with great ideas, other people can have great ideas, too. Whether you’re in a work setting or just trying to plan a trip with some friends, make sure you hear their ideas too and don’t immediately disregard them as worse than your own ideas. We’re sure your ideas will be heard too, as you are great at asserting yourself, so don’t worry too much about that.

Tip 3: Think of others

A natural limitation of the Red personality is selfishness. Of course, you have a lot of great strengths, but it’s important to work on the limitations, and this is definitely a limitation worth working on. You’re very decisive people (which is a great natural strength), so make sure the decisions you’re making don’t impact others negatively. Give your friends a chance to choose the movie on movie night, or take some time out of your weekend to help your grandma with some yard work before you go on that boating trip. You don’t have to ignore your own needs and happiness—that would not be good—but make sure to consider how others may be feeling, too.

Reds, we know with your determined, competent, competitive natures, you can surely dominate overcoming these limitations. Make a challenge out of it and try to work on these at least twice a week. Don’t forget to let us know how it goes in the comments below.

—The Color Code Team

Three Strengths Whites Can Use to Resolve Conflict

Although Whites don’t like conflict, we as humans actually really need them to engage in it with us. Why? Because some of the White strengths are actually really beneficial during conflict.

It’s common Color Code knowledge that Whites dislike conflict and confrontation. Whites are motivated by peace and since peace isn’t exactly the root of conflict, you can see why it could make Whites cringe. Although Whites don’t like conflict, we as humans actually really need them to engage in it with us. Why? Because some of the White strengths are actually really beneficial during conflict. Whites, keep reading to discover how some of your strengths can be assets during conflict and confrontation.

Whites are kind

Other personalities may get so caught up in the heat and emotion of conflict that they forget to be kind. How many times have we all seen people place blame on the other person instead of owning it themselves? But Whites are naturally kind. If a White were to engage in conflict, their kind nature would turn the conflict into positive communication. Whites, stand strong against your natural tendency to be timid and confront conflict with boldness, yet kindness.

Whites are diplomatic

The conflict won’t always be between you and another group or individual. It may be between two friends, two relatives or two or more of your kids. Remember, you are diplomatic and the voice of reason. We need you to speak up and to play mediator between two sides, because your kind, diplomatic way of handling arguments may bring a better resolution to the situation at hand.

Whites are even-tempered

While other personalities are getting all riled up, you are as cool as a cucumber. If you are in conflict with someone else, it’ll be harder for them to escalate the argument if your emotions of anger are not fueling theirs. As you keep your head, hopefully they will be able to come down a level and the two of you will be able to communicate better.

Whites, even though you may not like it, we challenge you to face conflict more. It may be uncomfortable for you, but it will sure benefit the rest of us. For those of you Whites who have used your strengths to help resolve conflict, how did it go? Let us know in the comments below!

— The Color Code Team

Arming Secondary Students With SEL

Wouldn’t it be fantastic for youths to understand themselves inside and out? To recognize their own strengths early on and be able to reach their potential? To identify their limitations and take action to correct unhealthy behavior?

Historically both elementary and secondary schools have existed primarily to support analytical intelligence commonly referred to as “book smarts.” And, while this is a very good thing, more and more studies are finding that this is not the entire recipe for a well-rounded and intelligent individual. Enter Social and Emotional Learning (or SEL for short).

Social and Emotional Learning, defined as life skills which include how to interact with others and manage one’s own emotions, is slowly finding its way into classrooms across the world and making a BIG impact as mentioned, for example, in an article¹ by Daniel Goleman:

“The data show that SEL programs yielded a strong benefit in academic accomplishment, as demonstrated in achievement test results and grade-point averages. In participating schools, up to 50 percent of children showed improved achievement scores and up to 38 percent improved their grade-point averages. SEL programs also made schools safer: incidents of misbehavior dropped by an average of 28 percent; suspensions by 44 percent; and other disciplinary actions by 27 percent. At the same time, attendance rates rose, while 63 percent of students demonstrated significantly more positive behavior. In the world of social science research, these remarkable results for any program promoting behavioral change, SEL had delivered on its promise.”

This is exciting news for us at the Color Code. As you can imagine, we are huge proponents of Social and Emotional Learning. This is largely because, more and more, we have been privileged to witness what the application of motive-based learning (our contribution to SEL) is doing for the lives of so many individuals, marriages, and companies. And now, students as we’ve slowly been rolling out our “Getting It!” Program for Secondary Schools to be introduced to the Color Code.

If you don’t already know about “Getting It!”, it’s a fantastic resource for both teachers and students to help them apply Color Code insights into the classroom and student/peer/parent/teacher dynamics.

It is our hope that this program will help in bringing additional effective SEL tools into classrooms across the nation. We’ve experienced that the sooner a youth can recognize his or her own needs, wants, strengths, and limitations, as well as identify those of others and take action accordingly, the better chance they will have to be able to reach their full potential — or at the very least get through high school and life a little easier.

If you’re a parent, maybe you can think of some ways to encourage SEL at home? Maybe you could share your ideas in the comments so other parents could benefit?

Or, if you know a teacher or school who you think would be interested in bringing Color Code into its curriculum, make sure to pass this article along to them so they can get in touch with us if they want.

And, for bonus points, what benefits do YOU think students could receive if they are introduced to the principles of Color Code early on? Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you to all the wonderful educators out there trying to make a difference in the lives of our youth. We sincerely hope these tools will help and look forward to your feedback and ideas at making the program better each year.

—The Color Code Team

¹ http://www.danielgoleman.info/topics/emotional-intelligence/

Blues Need a Break — Three Tips That Will Lead to a Happier Life

Blues, you need a break. We are here to offer some advice to help you go a little easier on yourselves until your overall relationship with yourself is much more positive.

Life can be hard when you’re a Blue. You’re overly sensitive, you invest your whole heart into relationships, and people are inevitably disappointing at times. You’re worry-prone and guilt comes very easy to you. Your mind is probably going a million miles a minute, and you’re not necessarily thinking about rainbows and butterflies. It’s no wonder Blues are so hard on themselves!

Blues, you need a break. We are here to offer some advice to help you go a little easier on yourselves until your overall relationship with yourself is much more positive. Keep reading to learn what you can do to ease your burden, and hopefully life will improve for you!

Confide in that one friend

As a Blue, you probably have a network of close friends, but we all know friends listen differently. Pick just one friend you can really trust and set aside time regularly to confide in him and listen in return. Hopefully by talking to him, you can take what’s in your head and get it out so it can help you feel heard and understood. After all, as a Blue, you NEED to be understood! Obviously you don’t want to be the friend who complains all the time or who drives your friend away, but if you find someone who will happily take some time a couple times a month to sit and talk with you, take advantage of that opportunity!

Stop ruminating

Do you find yourself running over the same situations in your head all the time and wondering if you should have done or said something different? Stop. Unless you highly offended someone or need to correct a big error, don’t allow yourself to continue to sweat the small stuff. You’ve got enough to worry about and get done in life without allowing your head to explode over whether or not you offended your neighbor by not eating her dessert when you had dinner together. It may not come naturally to let this kind of thing go, but you need to put your mental health as a priority, and this will surely help!

Do something fun

Take your mind off your worries, your guilt and your perfectionism and just do something fun that makes you happy. Don’t worry too much about budget or time or practicality, just do something because it sounds wonderful. Go get tacos in the middle of the week, go to a water park, enjoy a carnival, plan a vacation–just do something a Yellow would do! Let your mind relax.

Blues, don’t just read this list and move on, use it! You deserve a break. Print this list off and tape it to your mirror so it can serve as a good reminder. If you’ve implemented any other tips that have helped you go easier on yourself, share them with the other readers in the comments!

—The Color Code Team