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