We have come a long way from Hippocrates’ introduction of temperament in 460 B.C. with the theory that personality types and behaviors were based on the level of four bodily fluids; choleric, melancholic, sanguine and phlegmatic (Mullin, 2018). Although this concept has evolved over the centuries, it remains a powerful reminder that we are all different and our differences are what make us unique.
To lead effectively, having a clear understanding of intercultural communication is key. As a certified facilitator, I have the opportunity to share the True Colors personality philosophy with the organization I serve. The True Colors philosophy takes into consideration the theories of Hippocrates, Jung, Keirsey and Myers-Briggs and offers a way to easily identify the different values, needs, stressors, etc. for each personality type using four colors (Gold, Orange, Blue and Green) to “offers insights into different motivations, actions, and communication approaches” (True Colors Int., 2018). Don Lowry, the creator of the True Colors philosophy is quoted as saying “Successful people know who they are and what their True Colors are… when you know what your core values and needs are and feel good about them, you can perform at your highest potential in every area of life. And when you share a working, mutual understanding of other’ core values and needs, you have the basis to communicate, motivate, and achieve common goals with utmost dignity, efficacy, and mutual respect.” (True Colors Int., 2018).
Egocentrism or the “inability to take on other people’s perspectives” (PSU, 2018) is a challenge that can significantly impact a leaders ability to effectively communicate and can hinder their ability to “motivate, and achieve common goals with utmost dignity, efficacy, and mutual respect.” (True Colors, Int., 2018). Highlighting the impact of conscious and/or unconscious bias in the workplace is one of the objectives when delivering the True Colors workshop. This portion of the workshop is one where as a facilitator I see the most ‘ah ha’ moments. As we begin to retrain our brains to look at others as they see themselves, we can begin to understand the power of bias and the effect it has on our everyday interactions with others. For example, my True Color is Orange. As an Orange I value freedom and view myself as bold, confident and adaptable to change (True Colors, Int., 2018). At times in my career these characteristics have been mistaken for being disorganized, scattered and unwilling to follow rules. These misperceptions have created communication challenges and strained relationships.
In conclusion, by taking time to understand others through workshops like True Colors, MBTI and DiSC we have the ability to focus on the importance of appreciating differences and can begin to develop an awareness of our own unconscious bias. Taking the time to understand others can help reduce the potential for errors in communication exchanges between those on your team and those you interact with locally and globally.
References:
Mullin, G., & Bunker Hill Community College. (n.d.). Introduction to Psychology. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-bhcc-intropsych/chapter/what-is-personality/
What is True Colors? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://truecolorsintl.com/about-us/what-is-true-colors/
Pennsylvania State University (2018). Introduction to Leadership in a Global Context. Errors in Communication. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1942644/modules/items/24935382
amh297 says
Greetings, Ana!
I appreciate your response to this post and thoroughly enjoyed your commentary aligning the True Colors methodology with different global cultures!
To answer your question regarding the potential for bias from boxing groups into specific colors, I want to highlight the importance of understanding that individuals and cultures are made up of all of the True Colors, creating a color spectrum. Although I am considered a primary Orange, I also have levels of Blue, Green and Gold. When considering both individuals and cultures it is important to remember that “although one Color is identified as the primary color in our spectrum, the secondary color supports and influences our primary type. True Colors personality styles are driven, in sizeable part, by a combination of our primary and secondary colors.” (True Colors, 2018).
Once again, I appreciate your thoughts on this topic!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Amanda
Reference:
The Four Color Personalities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://truecolorsintl.com/the-four-color-personalities/
Ana Varinia Esquivel says
There is no denying the fact that speaking to one another, whichever mode one uses is tricky. We usually tend to view communication as just speaking words, how fascinating that it is so much more. It is our facial expression, the tone we use, how we position our bodies, even the speed at which we move our hands, these are just some of the modes we use when communicating face-to-face. At times a slight comment or an off-handed gesture can cause a negative interpretation by another person. For most situations, one can usually “rely on some basic shared assumptions about what the interaction should look like,” (Hahn & Molinsky, 2016) based on cultural similarities. When lucky, all that is needed to make amends is a sincere apology, and acknowledging that we made a mistake is enough to clear the air. However, without understanding the cultural commonality that provides a common personality trait, we might continue to be challenged and may continue to make unconscious faux –pax.
The divergent personalities of each person or persons affect the way they receive and digest information. We seem to get on with certain people depending on their temperament. Personality psychologist is starting to study the relationship between one’s personality and their cultural background. They beg the question if personality traits are similar across cultures or are their distinct dissimilarities. (Lumen Learning, n.d.). “Culture is transmitted to people through language as well as through the modeling of culturally acceptable and nonacceptable behaviors that are either rewarded or punished,” (Triandis & Suh, 2002, via. Lumen Learning). Cultural personality can be understanding by reviewing the theory of Individualism and Collectivism cultures.
In the True Color Mythology, you make mention that each personality trait is represented by color codes, being Orange, Gold, Blue or Green. Each color identifies the natural strengths and limitations that people may demonstrate. It is interesting to apply these characteristics to particular cultures based on Color characteristic. Societies which are interdependent, the prioritize the achievement of goals, I view as having a primary color of Gold. Gold are those who are punctual and organized, and methodic in the way they conduct themselves, (True Colors International, 2018). I would associate Indo-European cultures, such as Germans, Swiss, and Scandinavian. Counties who cultural values regard relationships as a high priority, will, when resolving a conflict, will choose to preserve the relationship rather than destroy it, might be viewed with a primary color of Blue. I qualify Latin cultures, like Blue, specifically Latin American or Italian cultures, as they are romantic, overly emotional, and empathetic. Green types of cultures are problem solvers, they see the big picture and can understand complex subjects while applying a logical and systematic approach, (True Colors International, 2018). I see Asian cultures as green, specifically the Japanese. Green personalities are also innovative and independent, which to me characterizes, in a basic form, the Japanese culture. Societies who are adaptable, confident, spontaneous and who like to be in charge, have a primary color of Orange. I view many Anglo nations as displaying these types of personalities. I would associate the United States, as a culture which embodies the traits mentioned above.
Now that we might identify particular qualities of particular cultures, I wonder if communication is earlier? I wonder if you believe my analysis of the True Color Mythology fits with your research? I think having an understanding of basic personalities will enable us to avoid communication errors. The downside is that boxing groups of people might lead to stereotyping. So while this theory is reasonable, we should not rely too much on it, to avoid building biases.
Hahn, M. & Molinsky, A. (2016, Marc 25). Having a difficult conversation with someone from a different culture: cross-cultural management. The Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2016/03/having-a-difficult-conversation-with-someone-from-a-different-culture.
Lumen Learning. (n.d.) Cultural understandings of personality: introduction to psychology. OpenStax College. retrieved from: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wsu-sandbox/chapter/cultural-understandings-of-personality/.
True Color International. (2018). What is True Colors? Retrieved from https://truecolorsintl.com/about-us/what-is-true-colors/.