Behavioural Drives for Each Colour

We note that behavioural preferences appear to fit into four distinct and observable areas that is easily identified, understood and remembered. We use RED, YELLOW, GREEN and BLUE as our metaphor to describe the behavioural characteristics of each.

RED

Their main drive is to look for possibilities in everything they do and then to apply creative ways of getting things done in a way that others admire.

Therefore when they use their colour effectively...

  • They are able to be creative and suggest innovative solutions.
  • They just love getting involved in new interesting projects.
  • Wherever they are they bring energy and fun along with a sense of adventure.
  • When asked a question they are seldom stuck for an answer and usually first to enthusiastically express their opinion.
  • However, there are occasions when they are not so effective and this is when...

  • They can be impulsive and sometimes appear to be an unguided missile.
  • They sometimes keep noisily interrupting and won't stop talking.
  • On occasions they can become very emotional with tantrums and be very thoughtlessly mischievous.
  • They want to be noticed and this can make them somewhat obsessive about their appearance.
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    YELLOW

    Their main drive is to develop relationships in a way that enables them to be part of the team.

    Therefore when they use their colour effectively...

  • They are open, approachable and attempt to relate to everyone they meet.
  • They enjoy working in an harmonious team.
  • They handle interactions with others in a non-threatening manner and make certain that everything they do is OK with others.
  • They are a good listener and very patient.
  • However, there are occasions when they are not so effective and this is when...

  • They tend to become hesitant and compliant.
  • They often suffer from increasing anxiety about maintaining relationships because they tend to avoid conflict with others.
  • They will wait to express their opinions until they have heard what others have to say because they are concerned at being rejected by the team.
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    GREEN

    Their main drive is to be knowledgeable on everything they need to do and therefore they take great care to ensure all the information they use is accurate.

    Therefore when they use their colour effectively...

  • They have a drive for accuracy, efficiency and certainty in everything they do.
  • They like detail and can analyse complex information.
  • They must be fully informed on each important issue and will carefully research each issue before starting an activity.
  • They have a drive for perfection and they are keen to conserve resources.
  • However, there are occasions when they are not so effective and this is when...

  • They can be stubborn and hold tenaciously on to their view which can slow everything down.
  • When uncertain about their facts they can be drawn into ‘analysis paralysis’.
  • They can disengage from conversations and withdraw into themselves.
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    BLUE

    Their main drive is to achieve results as quickly as possible.

    Therefore when they use their colour effectively...

  • They have a very strong drive to achieve and normally want to be the leader of their team.
  • They are very focused on the task in hand and know precisely what they want to do.
  • When they communicate they do it with a sense of urgency.
  • However, there are occasions when they are not so effective and this is when...

  • They can be blunt, opinionated and in-your-face.
  • To get their way they sometimes use force and this means that they often dismiss others contribution because they constantly interrupt what they are saying.
  • Overall they can be obsessive about achieving and are inclined to have a myopic view of what needs to be done.
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