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Pamela Walcutt
Professor Dollieslager
14 Dec 2014
My Color Is Red
A current goal of colleges is that their students be prepared for the workplace. The
current work environment in many organizations emphasizes work teams. When we gain
insight into ourselves we function more efficiently in teams. An understanding of what defines
personality aids us in understanding Core Motive. Hartman grouped personality by color. My
color is Red. Understanding our color helps us to gain insight and self awareness. We can
become more effective team players as a result.
There is a current trend for many organizations to restructure their work environment to
place emphasis on work teams. Employer’s desire Soft Skills according to studies done by
Gardner (2007) and Miracle (2003). Soft Skills are interpersonal skills. They involve the ability
to work in teams or groups, interpersonal communication, negotiation and teamwork, It is the
opionion of industry that colleges are not preparing students to function in a team capacity.
It is currently a goal of many university faculty members to improve teamwork skills in college
students (Moore 9).
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Taylor Hartman is a highly skilled speaker, counselor and consultant. He has a Master’s
Degree in psychology and a Doctorate in Corporate Leadership training. He was former
professor at the University of California at Long Beach. Dr. Hartman studies both theory and
practicalities of human behavior. He has thirty years experience coaching businesses and
individual clients.
He offers us insight in coming to know our Core Motives. This begins with an
understanding of what defines personality. This word had many meanings. The word
personality can mean the distinctive qualities of a person considered collectively. It can
refer to the impression we make on others. It can mean the unseen structure and processes that
explain our behavior. It can explain why our behavior remains stable. There are characteristics
central and distinctive to each of us that are consistent from day to day. This personality pattern
is our unique way of thinking, reasoning, feeling and acting (Moor 10).
Every individual is driven by a Core Motive, a personality pattern unique to that person.
Hartman grouped personality by color, the Reds, Whites, Blues, and Yellows. They were each
born with a unique Core Motive. The core motive of the Whites is peace. They foster
an absence of conflict. They are good listeners and peacemakers. They are kind, adaptable,
good listeners and reflective. They are smart reclusive thinkers who do not need approval.
Deal with them by being kind and receptive (10).
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The core motive of the Blue personality is intimacy. Blues are the networkers. Their
natural instinct is connecting with others. They have a tendency to be perfectionist and worry
a lot. They thrive on relationships. Blues are dependable, thoughtful, analytical, and can be
self righteous and moody. Be sincere and appreciative when dealing with them. Yellows have
a core motive of seeking fun. They are charismatic, spontaneous, advantageous, be upbeat
around them (10).
Red is my color. The personality traits of my color seem to fit. The core motive of the
Red personality is power. Reds like to achieve academically, be right, be respected, and receive
selected approval. They learn best on paper but have trouble with hands on learning (10). This is
true for me. I do well with Biology lecture but struggle with the associated lab. I am the
individual in a group who likes to complete a task. It was stated people of my color group
may choose to be ministers. I do volunteer work at Riverside Regional as a Hospital Chaplain.
I have completed one unit of ACPE education under Supervisor Doug Watson. I went through
the verbatim process and learned to give pastoral care to patients. I was motivated to continue
to pursue my education goals.
Gaining insight into myself through the Color Code motivates me to be more
approachable and helpful to others. I was suspicious and reluctant to participate in group
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learning before I did this paper. This is a common reaction of those who are misinformed
concerning the importance of developing soft skills. All our lives competition and individual
achievement is emphasized over collaboration and group achievement a (9).
Major companies use some form of psychological testing. Their goal is to find our
strengths and weaknesses. The current trend in business today is to work in teams. An emphasis
is put on Soft Skills. These are the ability to work in teams, interpersonal communication,
negotiation, and teamwork. Colleges are encourage to train students to become team players
as part of their education. When we understand our Core Motive gain valuable insight into our
personalities. Hartman developed the Color Code Communication in 2003 in order to assist
individuals in to work more efficiently with others (9).
Works Cited
Guenthner, J.F. and L.L. Moore. “Potential Use of Hartman’s Color Code Personality Profile to
Enhance Classroom Group Projects.” NACT Journal. 2008. Print 9-16.