numero uno

When I first moved to Washington I realized something about the people I was living and interacting with on a daily basis. I had noticed that certain people in this new place reminded me of old friends I had grown up with in Minnesota. I came to this realization that people fit into archetypes, which at first scared me because I had liked to think that we were all somehow "unique snowflakes". Now there is some truth to that age old quote, in fact there is no one other person that is exactly like me. Although, I believe we all fall into a subgroup, which can be easily defined by our behaviors. More importantly, these behaviors are not simply measurable by themselves, but rather need to be in context with their environment around them.


 When I was working at camp this summer we had a training in color communication. It was supposed to help us better understand the other people we will be working with and the participants we will be teaching. It was similar in the fact that it placed people in four basic categories. These four "primary" colors are defined extremely similar to Bolton's four main people styles. Analyticals, Amiables, Expressives, and Drivers all are explained as different colors and how they react to the other colors or people styles. I found it interesting that in color communication they also incorporated "secondary" colors to better hone in on your individual style. I liked the provoked visual of having your own place among the endless color spectrum. This correlates with Bolton's theory of backup styles, showing the complexity of people's behavior with one another. I believe both Bolton's Theory and the Color Communication theory play on similar aspects of behavior and in society.


 I also looked into the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, which showed another similar theory, but even more complex and pointed. At the basis of these studies I believe they are all showing a common message. By understanding how we operate and especially how we operate in groups can only help us succeed in our endeavors.

Since learning about Color Communication this summer and now reading Bolton's Theory I have started to see these things playing out in my life. I hope to better recognize the styles of people I am working with and how I can best use my specific gifts to help the individuals succeed as a whole.


 Miscisin, M. (2010). True Communication With True Colors. Self Growth. Retrieved on January 23, 2015, from http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/true_communication_with_true_colors.

 Pearman, R. (2014). Myers Briggs Test. Personality Pathways. Retrieved on January 23, 2015, from  http://www.personalitypathways.com/type_inventory.html.