Membership

We had an exercise at the September meeting where we had sheets of paper (color-coded) that described one of four colors. As you read through each color you had to decide which one fit you best. In case you forgot or weren’t there, here it is again.

When you find yourself with a person who seems to be competitive, risk-taking and impulsive, you may well be talking to someone whose primary color is RED. REDs are spontaneous, love to get attention, may dress boldly or daringly and will be action-oriented. It’s hard for them to sit still very long and it will help to get to the point quickly.

You may want to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that they are willing to spend the time with you and listen to what you are presenting. Emphasize the action in what you are proposing. Go directly to the summation and then go back and fill in whatever details may be absolutely necessary. Going on and on about something will cause the RED to leave – either physically or mentally.

Humor, clever expressions, even puns will be good communicating tools.

Talk about immediate benefits. Make the outcome of a decision clear and vibrant. You will keep the RED’s attention by talking about adventures, new ideas, exciting stories, sports and creative approaches.

Your first impression may be that RED is rather bored or nonchalant. As your conversation begins they may not participate much, but as they see value in what you’re saying you’ll sense a very authentic enthusiasm and interest. And if there is a sense of urgency, the interest will be further heightened.

RED’s seek action, immediate results and participation. They tend to be implosive, competitive and enjoy physical activity. They welcome the opportunity to be “on stage”.

If you want to sell an idea to a RED, make it entertaining, playful, experimental and FUN. Talk about the immediate benefits.

When you’re with someone whose dominant color is YELLOW you will get an impression of the industriousness, respect for the work ethic and a serious concern for rules, policies and traditions. The YELLOW will usually be quite conservative, eager to maintain the status quo. YELLOWs are proud to be reliable, responsible and helpful.

To establish a good communication link it will help to be a part of an establishment or an organizational structure. Be very clear and direct. Use precise terminology and businesslike approach. The YELLOW wants to be sure that what you are saying is right, proper, and according to the rules.

Discuss past successes, how your idea has been validated over the years. Relate your proposal to the bottom line.

References and referrals will be impressive to the YELLOW personality, with all the appropriate formalities. Be sure you have organized your thoughts and present them in orderly fashion. And, by all means, keep the appointment you’ve made and be on time.

YELLOWs will want to think things though to be sure they are doing the right thing. Is it honest? Will it provide status and respect? Does it support our policies and mission? Is the idea financially sound and feasible on the basis of established procedure?

Avoid abstractions and generalities until the solid foundation has been presented. Rules and guidelines help. And be sure to reaffirm the wisdom of YELLOW’s decision once it’s been made.

When you encounter someone who is filled with questions, wants to know more about almost everything, chances are you’re with a GREEN personality. The GREEN will have a seemingly insatiable curiosity.

They may seem cool or aloof, emotionally arms-length. But if you will move from the heart to the brain you’ll find a stimulating conversationalist. The GREEN may be skeptical. “Why?” is the important question. Spends a lot of time reading, mostly technical information (or Science Fiction). This person will be focused on the future, on the possibilities, on the vision. Quite content to be on their own, do things their own way and proceed independently toward the solving of a problem.

Talk about theories, models, paradigms and you’ll keep the GREEN’s attention. Suggest the possibility of a learning experience, an advance in knowledge or wisdom. Above all, be logical and factual. Be ready to validate and prove your assertions. The “global” implications will be important to a GREEN personality. If possible, show how you can help the person further develop knowledge and understanding.

Never mind the “small talk” or idle conversation. Discuss concepts, abstractions, new ideas and plans that will impact the future. Offer a logical solution to clear problems and puzzles. Challenge the GREEN to help find the solution. Be creative, innovative, not outlandish. Things need to make sense.

You may find yourself in a debate – friendly, but be ready to defend your position. The GREEN personality will have questions and must respect you before trusting your answers. Convey the “driving force” or theory which underlies your ideas and proposal. This thinking person will want to consider, interpret, and probe. That’s the fun in life.

You’ll establish rapport by appreciating the GREEN’s competence. Show how your idea meshes with their vision. Show a model or discuss the philosophical appeal.

Remember – GREENs want to be sure that anything they do makes sense!

BLUEs are very flexible, adaptable – almost chameleon-like in their ability to adjust to a group or a situation. That makes them a little more difficult to identify.

Friendship and acceptance is very important to the BLUE personality. They are not inclined to compete, but are very good at encouraging others to do so. Empathy comes easily, and whether you have a success or a tragedy, the BLUE will share your emotions sympathetically.

Here is a person who wants to make the world a better place, may be involved in causes, and easily and enthusiastically verbalizes convictions.

An interactive, “Let’s Win” climate is a natural for the BLUE. Working things out, resolving conflicts, and finding a way we can cooperate are second nature. Warmth, caring, nurturing, and openness will establish a rapport with this person.

The BLUE is authentic and unique – whatever you do that acknowledges those attributes will create a bond. Eye contact is important. Keep an open body posture. Physical touch will usually be accepted and reciprocated as a signal of a valued relationship.

BLUEs tend to be good with words and may dramatize their ideas and opinions. There’s no reluctance to talk about personal issues or relationships and the conversation may well get rather emotional.

It will be important for your ideas to be people-related and that they will make a difference. If that is clear, you will have a good listener who responds to your appreciation with appreciation.

There may be laughter, anger, or even tears. If your ideas will help people, bring out their best, and develop cooperation, teamwork, and self-esteem, the BLUE will hang on your every word. Conflicts or rejection will turn off the switches. Maintain a positive, warm, open atmosphere that encourages a rich exchange of opinions and ideas.

Great. That was a lot of information. What am I supposed to do with that?

It helps to talk about this in a group setting. We sat down in groups according to our color. Each color has strengths that they can bring to the group at large. Each color also has expectations and will be comfortable doing a specific task. For instance, yellows may prefer behind-the-scene tasks while reds want the spotlight. It is not only important for you to know which color you are, but to know the other colors and know that to be successful we need to understand and embrace each other’s differences.

We hope that you will use this as a tool in a committee, for a fund raiser, at an event and in the group as a whole. We are all unique and we all bring something to Quota that is valuable.