True Communication With True Colors

"I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant." Have you ever tried to communicate something and it just didn't come out right? Or perhaps you thought it came out right but the other person took it wrong? Why is it that communication flows so smoothly with some, while with others it can be bumpy and frustrating? Of course the mood you are in, your relationship with the person (boss to subordinate, spouse, best friend), and your background, such as education or expertise in an area, will have an influence on the way you communicate--but there is something more. The way you communicate with others has a great deal to do with your basic personality. We all have a blend of characteristics that make up our personality. These characteristics have an effect on the way we communicate. Although there are numerous systems for explaining our behaviors and the origins of our personalities, the communication model explained in the book "Showing Our True Colors"is one of the easiest to remember and most fun to apply. Following are brief descriptions of the communication preferences of each of the four Color Styles. Read over the descriptions and determine which one is closest to your particular style. BLUE COMMUNICATION STYLE A Blue's world revolves around people, relationships, and fostering growth in themselves and others. When speaking, they first focus their attention on establishing a relationship or reconnecting with the person. The information they wish to convey is woven into this relationship-building endeavor. Friendly, Helpful, Empathetic Optimistic Expressive with Emotion Fostering or Maintaining Harmony May use metaphors to embellish points Tips for Communicating with Blues: Acknowledge Them Show Appreciation Include them Have patience Don't "bark" orders GOLD COMMUNICATION STYLE Golds are generally respectful and responsible. They listen for details so they know what their part is. They usually size up a situation for what would be most appropriate before responding. Purposeful, Plans Ahead Respectful, Appropriate Supportive of Policies and Rules Detail Oriented, Chronological Loyal, Devoted Tips for Communicating with Golds: Be Prepared, Give Details Stay on Target, be Consistent Show Respect Don't Interrupt Recognize Their Contributions GREEN COMMUNICATION STYLE For the most part, Greens communicate for the purpose of gaining or sharing information. During a conversation, their attention is usually focused on the matter at hand, not on the relationship. Logical and Objective Includes Facts and Information Big Picture, Conceptual Questioning, Critiquing Wry Sense of Humor Tips for Communicating with Greens: Allow Them Time to Ponder Skip the "small talk" Avoid Redundancy Give Big Picture or Point first, then fill in details if asked Don't misinterpret their need for info as interrogation ORANGE COMMUNICATION STYLE Generally, Oranges want to share their opinion the minute it hits their mind. Interested in taking action and being expedient, they may skip the softeners and go straight for the "punch-line." Casual, Playful Spontaneous, Now Oriented Fast-Paced, Changes Subjects Quickly Straightforward Active, Involved, Mobile Tips for Communicating with Oranges: Use "Sound Bites" Move with Them While They Multitask Appreciate Their Flair Allow Options and Flexibility Lighten Up Identifying your Color Style and those of others gives you insights to help you improve communication. Instead of trying to get others to change, recognize what you can do. The next time you have an interaction with another person, notice what style is most dominant for them. Remember the suggested tips and experiment with which ones work best with each individual. Like learning to drive, communication gets smoother and more automatic with practice. Remember to let your True Colors show!