Leading in Color

Which color brightens when you lead in the workplace? Each dominant color type brings natural gifts and talents to the job. Yet, the color that brightens when you lead may not necessarily be the same as the dominant color in your original spectrum. You may lead a group of fulltime staff or several work study students. You may even lead non-employees (students, parents, visitors) through the ins and outs of the university process. Your responses to the needs of the workplace will differ depending on your leadership characteristics. Can you identify your leadership style?

• I value people in my area and seek to draw out their full potential
• My commitment to others’ personal and professional best generates trust
• As a catalyst, I am comfortable in an unstructured democratic setting

I am a ____________________ leader.

• I am accountable and thorough
• I naturally provide stability, order and clarity when discussing policy
• I value efficiency and well-organized meetings

I am a ____________________ leader.

• I value practicality and will seize an opportunity
• I will quickly and efficiently respond to a crisis
• I verbalize my appreciation to my area easily

I am a ____________________ leader.

• I am system-oriented and will analyze the dynamics of my area
• I am confident when change occurs and address the situation logically
• I will give my all for my area and expect the same from those around me

I am a ____________________ leader.

Being aware and knowing the role of each color when you lead may help eliminate stress with some of the tasks you do. Remember, each leadership color comes to the table with unique strengths and abilities that will continuously push us in a positive direction.

Submitted by —
Donna Edmonson
Academic Affairs Ombudsperson, Lecturer I
Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Support

Source

Keys to Educational Leadership Styles, True Colors International, 2013.

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