Snapshots Announcements Spotlight UTSA Athletics

April 2016, Issue 4

True Colors
True Colors logo

Leadership Styles

We may often arrive places with a preconceived idea of what a leader is and how they should behave. Some people prefer a decisive leader who informs people of decision. Others may prefer a leader who involves them in the decision making process. How often do we host a dialogue with our colleagues about leadership styles? Do you know the True Colors spectrum of your supervisor? Do the people you lead know yours? How does the True Colors spectrum impact leadership style?

The examples below may provide insight into how each color may behave when leading others. Use the information below to host a dialogue with your supervisor. Additionally, use the language below to help you express your leadership style to those you lead.

Orange

  • Expects quick action
  • Assumes flexibility
  • Works in the here and now
  • Performance oriented
  • Flexible approach
  • Welcomes change
  • Institutes change quickly
  • Expects people to "make it fun"

Blue

  • Expects others to express views
  • Assumes "family spirit"
  • Works to develop other’s potential
  • Individual oriented
  • Democratic, unstructured approach
  • Encourages change via human potential
  • Change time allows for sense of security
  • Expects people to develop their potential

Gold

  • Expects punctuality, order, loyalty
  • Assumes "right" way to do things
  • Seldom questions tradition
  • Rules oriented
  • Detailed/thorough approach
  • Finds change difficult
  • Prolonged time to initiate change
  • Expects people to play their roles

Green

  • Expects intelligence and competence
  • Assumes task relevance
  • Seeks way to improve systems
  • Visionary
  • Analytical
  • Encourages change for improvement
  • Constantly in process of change
  • Expects people to follow through

Submitted by —
Victoria R. Lopez-Herrera
Associate Director, Student Development
Campus Recreation


Has your color spectrum changed over the years? How?

Describe those changes to your colleagues. Remember True Colors is a tool to understanding others and ourselves. It is a common language because we talk about it and use it to articulate our perspectives to each other. Keep it going.



True Colors Training

Training Schedule for Student Affairs STAFF (SD 410) — Spring 2016  (Download PDF)

Training Schedule for Student Workers (SD 417) — Spring 2016  (Download PDF)

Any questions or comments? Please send us an email at VPSA@utsa.edu.