KIERSEY’S COLOR TEMPERAMENTS

GOLD

ORANGE

GREEN

BLUE

COMMUNICATION and ACTION

According to psychologist David Kiersey, all of our behaviors are determined by how we communicate and how we act.

COMMUNICATION: Concrete v. Abstract

ACTION: Utilitarian v. Cooperative

COMMUNICATION

Concrete communication is talking about everyday reality: facts and figures, work and play, home and family, news, sports and weather etc.

Abstract communication is talking about the world of ideas: theories and conjectures, dreams and philosophies, beliefs and fantasies – the what if’s and what might be’s of life.

ACTION

Utilitarian action is acting to get results, doing whatever achieves objectives as effectively or efficiently as possible AND THEN checking to see if the rules are being observed.

Cooperative action is trying to do the right thing, keeping within agreed upon social rules and codes of conduct AND THEN be concerned with the effectiveness of the actions.

As Concrete Cooperators, Guardians speak mostly of their duties and responsibilities, of what they can keep an eye on and take good care of, and they're careful to obey the laws, follow the rules, and respect the rights of others. Their color is GOLD

As Abstract Cooperators, Idealists speak mostly of what they hope for and imagine might be possible for people, and they want to act in good conscience, always trying to reach their goals without compromising their personal code of ethics. Their color is BLUE.

As Concrete Utilitarians, Artisans speak mostly about what they see right in front of them, about what they can get their hands on, and they will do whatever works, whatever gives them a quick, effective payoff, even if they have to bend the rules. Their color is ORANGE.

As Abstract Utilitarians, Rationals speak mostly of what new problems intrigue them and what new solutions they envision, and always pragmatic, they act as efficiently as possible to achieve their objectives, ignoring arbitrary rules and conventions if need be. Their color is GREEN

GOLDCONCRETE COMMUNICATION

s

J(THE GUARDIAN)

COOPERATIVE ACTION

35-40% of the population is gold (M = 50% F = 50%)

ORANGECONCRETE COMMUNICATION

s

P

(THE ARTISAN)

UTILITARIAN ACTION

35-40% of the population is orange (M = 50% F = 50%)

BLUEABSTRACT COMMUNICATION

n

F

(THE IDEALIST)

COOPERATIVE ACTION

10 – 15% of the population is blue (M = 30% F = 70%)

GREENABSTRACT COMMUNICATION

(THE RATIONALIST)

UTILITARIAN ACTION

8-12% of the population is green (M = 70% F = 30%)

MOTIVATORS PER TEMPERAMENT

GOLD Dependable standards Structured social groups Organized/structured activities Conservative in nature Recognition for being on task Humor-Family oriented/situational Sense of security (little risk) Specific feedback about desired outcome Detailed rules (clear and concise)

MOTIVATORS PER TEMPERAMENT

ORANGE Hands-on Adventure Spontaneity Competition Experiential Physical activity Problem solving Immediate results Broad-based humor Generosity

MOTIVATORS PER TEMPERAMENT

BLUE Eye contact Gentle humor Harmonious relations Personal achievement Nurturing activities Demonstrated appreciation Philosophical discussions Dramatic/expressive outlets Positive/immediate feedback Imaginative and creative assignments Recognition of individual uniqueness

MOTIVATORS PER TEMPERAMENT

GREEN Problem analysis Individual intellectual achievement Creative assignments Specific praise for intellect Ideas/concepts Time to perfect Debate issues Individual work Subtle humor Logic Global perspectives