So, the news is out

I like to live a quiet life. Do my job and try be unnoticed. My quiet life is now not so quiet. Every year our HR department has awards for select individuals to keep employee morale up, yadda, yadda, yadda. This year I was selected for basically "Best Employee" in my area. There are 24 awards given throughout the university, but only 1 given in the area I am in. A big deal (and a nice award) with the potential of being 1 of 6 named the equivalent of "Employee of the Year" (an even nicer award).

I found out a bit ago that I had won and yesterday the announcement was made. It was fun to read the incredibly kind letters that people wrote, but I would really rather be hiding. Today I have been inundated with email and reporters wanting to interview me about my accomplishments since graduation, career goals, and "how I feel about receiving this award." Ugh, not questions I like to think about, let alone want to answer to a reporter. I just want to go about doing my job unnoticed and have peace and quiet again!

Old technology v new technology

So this whole Color Code/People Code thing has been quite facsinating. I think people in general are just interesting. God must sit on his cloud and just be thoroughly entertained at what losers his children are. Technology may change and the way people accomplish things may change, but in reality, I think people and their personalities haven't changed much from the time that man got kicked out of the garden.

Speaking of technology advances, I work in the Ivory Tower. People wander about facinated with their books and "old stuff", but it is also buzzing with innovation, creativity and advancement. The office I work in is all about advancement - paperless, two computer screens at every station, time effeciency, etc., etc. Well, with all of this technology, the Accounting Department is still using carbon copies of checks. While some of their procedures are done electronically, I still have to write checks by hand - three times (because there are two carbon copies), so it is easier to walk over to the typewriter and write checks to our government in a matter of seconds (because yeah, I type that fast).

So this morning I was preparing some checks for our Department of Homeland Security and our summer intern asks "What is that machine?" I was completely baffled. "You mean the TYPEWRITER?!" "Oh" she responds, "I've never seen one before." Suddenly I felt like the most ancient person on the planet. How can you not know what a typewriter is? I can understand not using one - we are surrounded by computers, but come on, watch an old movie or TV show and you'll see one - Hello, "9 to 5" or "Working Girl". I remember 8th Grade Word Processing we had to spend half the term learning to type on the typewriter and then the remaining half using "Word Processors" (yeah, they weren't even called computers yet.) I guess if someone showed me their square rule I wouldn't know what to do with it either. I'm not as old as some people.

Last but hardly least

So the last color to review in The People Code is Yellow. A Yellow person would be upset that they are last. They want to be the center of attention and generally are. Yellow people are the one's who make life fun. As much as a yellow may frustrate the other colors with their negative traits, they are so charismatic that it is nearly impossible to let go of a yellow.

Dr. Hartman identifies yellows with the following traits:

• Fun-loving


• Self-centered and uncommitted


• Happy


• Irresponsible


• Enthusiastic & carefree


• Chatterboxes


• Naive & trusting


• Charistmatic & popular


• Superficial


• Disorganized & incomplete


• Optimistic


• Impulsive & undisciplined


• Playful & exciting

There are 3 attorneys in the OGC who are yellow, but none as yellow as The Lawyer is yellow - I don't think she had much of any other color at all. She was surprised that she was yellow and yet it was so obvious to everyone else. Being a person who has no yellow at all I admire many of her qualities, but am incredibly frustrated by the limitations. The People Code has helped me to be more understanding of where The Lawyer is coming from and forgiving of her weaknesses; however, as an unforgiving blue perfectionist I still get frustrated by the perceived irresponsibility.

Other yellow people:

• Bill Clinton
• Ronald Reagan
• Elvis Presley
• Julia Roberts
• Will Farrell
• Jessica Simpson
• Goldie Hawn
• Will Smith
• Mel Gibson
• Cameron Diaz
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Matthew McConaughey
• George Clooney
• I'm guessing Carlos Boozer is yellow as well (or at least has yellow as a secondary color).
  

You're so White!

Toad is almost 30% White, but he has a splash of Red - does that mean he is Pink?! :) There are a lot of nice things about being white. Dr. Hartman says that "White's perspective is invaluable". They enjoy their own company and are completely content to be by themselves. (Hence the love of the cave.)

White's don't understand why people get so worked up over petty disagreements. They are all about peace and calm. Because White's don't like to rock the boat, they are also the most difficult to read. White's are very insecure and unassertive. They struggle with self-doubt and a general unwillingness to confront others. White's have an unusually high emotional and physical pain threshold. (Probably because white's don't want to complain).

White's are vulnerable to making others the core of their existence, for example, "some white's become so attached ot one individual that they refuse to develop outside intests or make any commitments that would separate them from that relationship." White's don't trust easily and don't communicate feelings easily.

White's can be boring. They just passively let life happen to them. They can be boring and noncontributive when it comes to social and emotional interactions. They prefer to be alone or have someone engage them. They miss many of the potentially wonderful moments in life because they look to others to create excitement and relevence in life rather than look to themselves.

White's are timid. Many White's are guilty of taking the easy road rather than fighting for themselves in the corporate world. They accept less pay and lower positions for a myriad of reasons, the most common being they are uncomfortable placing themselves in potential conflict. It is often the partner of the Whtie who challenges a spouse to speak u about the job situation or seek other employment. (Great, make me the bad guy.)

I wonder if Toad's mother agrees that "White children are truly gifts from heaven. They are so simple and undemanding. They are usually the easiest babies. " However, they are stubborn. Dr. Hartman shares a story of a boy who would come home and do his homework, but his grades continued to fall. He hated the assignments, so even though he did them he wouldn't turn them in for the credit. (Coke boy did this - I can see him being white. Didn't Toad do this too?)

Whites are very contented and agreeable individuals who easily accommodate others in life. They complement every personality regardless of differences in style.

The synopsis of White's strengths:

As an individual: White's are quiet, reflective & peaceful, sincere, genuine, appear to accept life comfortably, patient with self and others, enjoy life's simplicity, compatible with others, kind to animals and people, blends into all situations.

As a communicator: receptive to others input, negotiator and mediator on issues, listens superbly, strong ability to see both sides of every issue (I agree).

As a goal setter: receptive to suggestions, appreciates exposure ot many possiblities, recognizes the value of goal setting, accommodating in many different environments, independent.

As a career person: accommodates others easily, handles bureaucratic environments well, calm under pressure, prefers slow pace and "think time", negotiates well, nonconformist.

As a parent: flows well with crisis, takes time to enjoy each child, agreeable with difficult children, appreciated by children for gentle manner and style, slower to react with anger, supportive and considerate, accepts companion's decision - demonstrates unity, pateint with deviant and innappropriate behavior (good thing - I'm blue and I don't think I'm like that)., accepts differences and values diversity.

As a child: very agreeable to established traditions and boundaries, undemanding, willing to accommodate siblings and parents, plays well by self, accepts life without drama, peacekeeper.

As a committed companion: tolderant of others' tardiness (whatever, I'm always waiting for you!), can entertain self easily, appreciates leadership qualities in others, quietly committed to relationship, willing to accept beliefs and values of companion, accommodating.

White Limitations
Appear detached and uninvolved
Passive approach to life
Unresponsive or not openly excited about experiences
Has problems becoming intimate
Bashful and unsure of self
Easily manipulated into changing plans
Ambivalent about direction and goals to pursue
Often lazy and unwilling to take responsiblity for self
Resists making commitments


Five things Whites should do before Age 30:

1. Initiate and carry on a legitimate conversation with a stranger.
2. React from an emotional perspective. Risk with your heart.
3. Break a Blue's heart. (No - that will make me sad) See how manipulative of me that is :)
4. Spontaneously do something - anything - at least 3 times.
5. Keep your subtle witty comments flowing at all times and with everyone.



Two things Whites need to do before they die:

1. Connect verbally on a deep, intimate level with another adult.
2. Passionately stand up for something you believe in or right some wrong in the world.

People who appear White:

Albert Einstein
Yoda
Diane Keaton
Johnny Depp
Gwyneth Paltrow
Michael Jackson
Queen Elizabeth
Nicole Kidman
Jimmy Carter
Britney Spears
George Bush, Sr.
Gwen Stefani
Lance Armstrong
Toad
Coke Boy



te is perplexed by battles over petty disagreements.

I'm Blue

So, I'm 70% Blue. Many people I know are blue. Dr. Hartman refers to Blue as "people in this world who are just good: good-hearted, of good conscience, good citizens." However, all this "goodness" can drive other colors mad. While blues are committed and loyal (a Blue will never forget a birthday) (e.g., I still remember most of my friend's phone numbers from childhood, but can I pick up a phone now? No, besides now all the numbers are on speed-dial and I don't have to remember them.)

Blues are perfectionists. We are highly critical of ourselves and others. "They have such unrealistic expectations that they struggle to satisfy themselves or find satisfaction in others' performances."

"Blues want others to be like them. They don't necessarily say what they want, but magically believe that everyone thinks the way they do and will produce the same results." Yeah, that doesn't work out so much. Blues don't delegate well (true). Blues are highly intuitive and highly opinionated (really?!). They are also emotional, moody, and can be guilted into almost anything. (hmmm, see how blue I am!) Blues are insecure & self-righteous.

As I mentioned with Red, there are good and bad things about each color.

The strengths of Blues ... As an individual: Blue sees life as a serious endeavor. Appreciates beauty & detail. Stable & dependable (sounds like a really old & ugly car). Sincere and emotionally deep. Analytically oriented (concerned with why one behaves as s/he does) - hence my fascination with everyone's "color". As a committed companion: gives the relationship priority over other activities. Values intimacy and places high priority over it. Considers spouse first in decision making. Responsible for making ongoing contribution to relationship.

The not-so-nice side of a Blue:

As an individual: Highly emotional. Smug & self-righteous. Controlling and/or envious of others' success when too easily obtained. Perfectionists. Verbally self-abusive. As a communicator: has strong opinions on many issues. Tends to lecture & overdiscuss issues. Rigid with principles and unwilling to negotiate. Strong expectations for others to be sensitive and deep. Expects others to read her mind and know her feelings. As a committed companion: demands affection & intimacy. Demands time and attention of partner. Highly manipulative in seeking support or understanding. Suspicious of others' motives. Unforgiving. Clingy.

Here's what you should NOT do when dealing with a Blue:

1. Make them feel guilty. (we can do this all by ourselves)
2. Be rude or abrupt. (That's just rude).
3. Promote too much change.
4. Expect spontaneity
5. Abandon them.
6. Expect them to bounce back easily or quickly from depression.
7. Demand perfection (We already do that)
8. Push them too quickly into making decisions.
9. Expect them to forgive quickly.
10. Demand immediate action or quick verbal bantering. (see no fighting!)

People who appear Blue:
Steven Spielberg
Walt Disney
Oprah Winfrey
Diane Sawyer
Harrison Ford
Faith Hill
Brad Pitt
Kate Winslet
Elton John
Renee Zellweger
Prince William
Beyonce Knowles
Matt Damon

Seeing Red

In his book, The People Code, Dr. Hartman points out that there are good and bad characteristics about each color. He refers to "Reds" as the people who get things done. Iguess Reds get a bad wrap for appearing harsh and being the most mean, but they are just looking for ways to be the most productive & efficient. They are the most dominant and intimidating of all the personalities.

Here's the 411 on Reds:

Reds are: 1. Visionary. They rarely make a hasty decision. They weigh every decision carefully. 2. Insensitive & selfish. 3. Demanding & critical; while not as perfectionistic as blues they do expect a job to be done right. 4. Competitive & Bold. 5. Manipulative. 6. Assertive & Detemined. 7. Disagreeable. 8. Poor listeners. 9. Resourceful & Self-reliant. 10. Relentless. 11. Impatient. 12. Calculating

So now that I have made my Red friends feel insecure - something they work very hard to hide. Here are some strengths Reds provide to society:
As an individual Red excels with logical thinking; commitment to a productive lifestyle; dynamic & direct; thrive on independence; natural leaders; highly resourceful & a survivor.

As a career person Red: thrives in leadership positions and being responsible; comfortable withpower (as long as s/he has it or access to it); always things in the future; delegates effectively; self-motivated; strong decision maker; thrives on competition; dynamic & assertive; highly task-oriented & efficient; high self-confidence in ability to achieve; trusts own business instincts.

As a child, Red communicates what s/he is thinking; highly articulate & persuasive; strong sense of independence; willing to risk & try new experiences; takes charge of situations where parents are gone; capable of bouncing back from negative environments; refuses to be "held hostage" by inadequate childhood; self-confident in ability to perform.

Limitations of Red:

As an individual, Red generally seek to serve self-first; promotes turmoil & conflict for a personal goal to be gained; out of touch with own feelings; privately rationalizes and publicly denies own failings; always has to be right; cannot relax and feel comfortable unless producing something; often arrogant and defiant of authority; inconsiderate of others' feelings; won't present self as vulnerable for fear of losing power & control.

As a career person, Red can step over others for personal fulfillment; stressful & relentless in driving self & others to perform; can be resentful of authority; may be insensitive of others to get ahead in business; insensitive decision making; more concerned with tasks and completion than with people; demands others' loyalty and obedience without giving it; authoritarian and uncompromising; critical of others & slow to give compliments (Boss #2); lives in the future too much to enjoy the present.

As a child, Red is demanding and manipulative of parents to get their way; often defiant and resists control; highly articulate; critical of parents and feels s/he knows better (hmmm, Sweet Pea?); fights with siblings for control and power; hides insecurities and emotional needs; highly independent; finds intimacy difficult; can be dramatic and often overreacts to pain; expects to be catered to, especially when sick; poor listener.

So how do we non-reds play nice with those who are Red?

Do
1. Do your homework & present issues logically.
2. Demand their attention and respect.
3. Be direct, brief and specific in conversation.
4. Be productive and efficient.
5. Offer them leadership opportunities.
6. Verbalize your feelings.
7. Support their decisive nature.
8. Promote their intelligence where appropriate.
9. Be prepared with facts and figures.
10. Respect their need to make their own decisions their own way.

Don't
1. Embarrass them in front of others.
2. Argue from an emotional perspective.
3. Always use an authoritarian approach.
4. Use physical punishment.
5. Be slow and indecisive.
6. Expect a personal and intimate relationship.
7. Attack them personally.
8. Take their arguments personally.
9. Wait for them to solicit your opinion.
10. Demand constant social interaction (reds need their alone time!)

People who appear to be Red:

Angelina Jolie
Donald Trump
Hillary Clinton
Russell Crowe
Katie Couric
Larry King
Jack Nicholas
Madonna
Al Pacino
Barbara Walters
Boss #2
Sweet Pea

The Wonderful World of Color

So last year at an office retreat our office spent one and a half days under the tutelage of Dr. Taylor Hartman, the creator of The Color Code. Thanks to the high price of gas, I am now forced to take public transportation again, but in my spare time I have finally gotten around to reading his book, The People Code, and have been fascinated by the complexity and simplicity of the “Code”. At the retreat the aim was to help us learn how to interact with people who may view life differently than we do and try to understand each other better. The idea is to gain understanding of yourself and then learn how to interact with others.

As a “pure” BLUE, I find value in relating with others and understanding what makes people tick.

Dr. Hartman gives some sound advice to people married to a BLUE: “Save yourself thousands of dollars on therapy if you are married to a Blue. They need to be appreciated for always going the extra mile. A simple pat on the back will not suffice.... They need to be thanked and specifically remembered for their good deeds and on special occasions. They require sincere gratitude and appropriate attention. Blues are gratified when listened to, which can be difficult because they often wax long and intense before they are done.” (Just like this blog!)

When I took the test for The Toad he was a WHITE with a strong RED . (He’s so white – he wouldn’t even take the test!) Dr. Hartman says, “Red-White combinations are difficult to read because they can be aggressive and determined one minute (Red), then quietly passive the next (White).... [He] is likely to be misunderstood because ... [he doesn’t] easily allow others to figure you out.

The results:
Lady = 76% Blue, 16% White, 4% Red, 4% Yellow
Toad = 60% White, 29% Red, 8% Blue, 4% Yellow

So what are you? Find out at http://www.thecolorcode.com/

Welcome to my story

So, here’s my first blog entry. Wa-hoo. Look at me fiddling with technology. Anyway, with the help of my Prince Charming I have named by place on the web. Inspired by my fairy tale life and a conversation I had yesterday with a soon-to-be retiring school teacher. We were talking about fairy tales and how unfamiliar people are with these tales that teach morals and life-lessons. When I was young one of my favorite books to have read to me was from The Story Hour. This yellow volume had nursery rhymes and fairy tales and The Little Old Woman and Her Pig. (Hooray for piggy!)

Growing up with Disney, I was also persuaded to believe in Fairy Tales and that Prince Charming would come on his white horse and we’d live happily ever after .... And I have to say, I’ve been pretty lucky because that’s pretty much the case. So welcome to my Magic Kingdom where Lady is Queen. Maybe one day I’ll even share the Tale of The Lady and The Toad.
Growing up with Disney, I was also persuaded to believe in Fairy Tales and that Prince Charming would come on his white horse and we’d live happily ever after .... And I have to say, I’ve been pretty lucky because that’s pretty much the case. So welcome to my Magic Kingdom where Lady is Queen. Maybe one day I’ll even share the Tale of The Lady and The Toad.