I’m not big on recommending things to people unless they have made a tremendous impact on my life. I’m very excited to share something in this post that has really transformed my life this year.

I used to get frustrated with people who were “slow” and tune out when people would give me too much information and I thought everyone worked well with a “fire under their butt.” I used to think we were “all the same,” that we all processed information the same way. I feel so totally different about this now and I’m so enthralled by the result.

Recently I was introduced to a personality training called “True Colors.” The idea is that there are four colors (Blue, Green, Orange, Gold) and each color has a series of the traits; i.e. the way we interact with the world, process information etc. We all have a little of every color in us and we also have one dominant color type.

When I learned my color spectrum I also learned the color type of some people very close to me in my life. We began talking about how (I am Orange) I make decisions quickly and I don’t need tons of detail or research to know what I want to do, I like to keep my options open, I need to be kept engaged so don’t expect a lot from me if I’m in a 3+ hour meeting about details oh and I don’t mind “jumping in” feet first just because I like a challenge, etc. The person I was sharing this with (she is Green) needs time to process information, so don’t put them on the spot and expect a QUICK answer when they need time to think about it, weigh the options and make the best decision.

I’ve learned SO much about myself and the people around me. I understand why I was always so impatient in my life, wanting things now, and why I used to “tune out” in school and get in trouble as a result of this. I began to see these things in the world around me; largely my work life. I began to understand that others process information differently, that they need certain things. So I decided to bring this training to the Animation Mentor staff!

I wanted us all to understand our color type, how we process information, how we can better interact with each other, how to handle conflicts easily, how to prepare for meetings with people in relation to what they need in their color type. We’re all talking about our color type now at work and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface in terms of how we can use this stuff in our lives. For me it started with my personal life and has now become an OUTSTANDING communication tool at work. It’s something that I’m very passionate about and wanted to share here with you.

If you’re in a relationship I can’t say enough good stuff about true colors. It’s given me a language and mutual understanding of my partner that brings her and I so much closer together. It’s been pivotal in my life and I feel it’s made me a better partner and a better business leader.

If you know me you know I am crazy about personal development and this is something I wanted to share with those who are interested as I have no affiliation with them other than to say I think it is incredible.

Ps. I’ve done the Myer’s Briggs Type Indicator which is also very good. I feel that True Colors is much more accessible and easy to understand. It’s also fantastic when it comes to character development.