PERSONALITY PROFILE
INSTRUCTIONS
1. For answering questions 1 – 8, please divide ten points in the following manner:
Give 6 points for the answer that best describes your preferred style (or your most comfortable
response to the situation)
Give 3 points for the answer that best describes your second choice
Give 1 point for the answer that describes your third choice
Give 0 points for the answer that describes your least like choice of behavior
2. For answering questions 9 – 16, distribute 5 points (anyway that you choose) i.e. you may divide
them equally as 2.5 + 2.5, or any amount that you wish, 1 + 4, 2 + 3, or 0 + 5. You must have a
total of 5 points given for each question.
3. After completing the questionnaire, enter the points given for each blank on the attached
scoring sheet. Total the four columns. The largest number indicated is your primary Operating
Style and the second largest number shows your Secondary (back-up) Style.
This personality quiz is intended to sample your opinion on social situations only. It is yours to take
home with you. No one will see your answers unless you show them!
PERSONALITY PROFILE QUIZ
1. When working with another person on a project, I want that person to:
_______A.
Express his/her ideas directly and discuss all the possibilities
_______B.
Be pleasant and sensitive to the importance of establishing a good working
relationship with me.
_______C.
Be systematic in his/her thinking and outline the logical steps of a task
_______D.
Have a results-oriented approach that emphasizes a practical solution
2. In dealing with another person in a face-to-face situation, he or she could see me as:
_______E.
Somewhat reserved and serious
_______F.
Assertive, quick and bright
_______G.
Individualistic, intellectual and smart
_______H.
Energetic, attentive and responsive
3. On those occasions when I am meeting someone for the first time, I prefer to:
_______I.
Be cordial and spend time getting to know the person
_______J.
Put aside job titles and status and just let things happen
_______K.
Get down to business and tell him or her some of my expectations
_______L.
Have goals of what is to be discussed and avoid a lot of small talk
4. When I decide to take a course of action, I expect that:
_______M.
It will have the desired impact and produce fast results
_______N.
It is logical and “in-tune” with the facts
_______O.
Those involved, understand it and agree with it as much as possible
_______P.
It is creative and innovative
5. In a group situation, others are likely to see me as:
_______Q.
Decisive, efficient and goal oriented
_______R.
Creative, stimulating and quick
_______S.
Involved, agreeable and supportive
_______T.
Orderly, accurate and detailed
6. The one characteristic that “turns me off” the most about a person to whom I would directly
report is:
_______U.
The tendency to be pushy, autocratic and demanding
_______V.
A cold and impersonal approach
_______W.
The tendency to be overly cautious and indecisive
_______X.
A sloppy, unstructured and passive approach
7. I like to impress others as:
_______Y.
Easy-going, spontaneous and informal
_______Z.
Creative, expressive and intellectual
_______AA.
Competitive, decisive and pragmatic
_______BB.
Systematic, controlled and deliberate
8. In terms of use of my time, I see myself as:
_______CC.
Dealing in the immediate
_______DD.
Concerned about future implications of today’s actions
_______EE.
Depending upon past personal experience
_______FF.
Checking precedence, current facts, and near term effects in this order
9. _______GG.
_______HH.
I am physically active – a “get things done” person
I am mentally active – an “ideas” person
10. _______II.
_______JJ.
I am systematic and orderly
I am sociable and friendly
11. _______KK.
_______LL.
I am methodical and detailed oriented
I am task oriented and decisive
12. _______MM.
_______NN.
I am informal and friendly
I am broad minded and imaginative
13. _______OO.
_______PP.
I am hard driving and aggressive
I am gentle, considerate and caring
14. _______QQ.
_______RR.
I am cautious and particular
I am independent and philosophical
15. _______SS.
_______TT.
Present the facts objectively in an orderly, systematic fashion
Be personal and relate directly to the other people involved
16. When I want to get a point across to someone, I:
_______UU.
Get to the point quickly and explain what I want
_______VV.
Try to be enthusiastic and innovative
DATA STYLE CHARACTERISTICS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPILING RESULTS:
Enter the number of points for each blank that corresponds to the question of the same letter.
Total the four columns.
YELLOW
GREEN
BLUE
RED
A. _______
C. _______
B. _______
D. _______
G. _______
E. _______
H. _______
F. _______
K. _______
L. _______
I. _______
J. _______
P. _______
N. _______
O. _______
M. ______
R. _______
T. _______
S. _______
Q. _______
U. _______
X. _______
V. _______
W. _______
Z. _______
BB. ______
Y. _______
AA. ______
DD. ______
FF. _______
EE. ______
CC. ______
HH. ______
II. ________
JJ. _______
GG. ______
NN. ______
KK. _______
MM. _____
LL. _______
RR. ______
QQ. ______
PP. ______
OO. ______
VV. ______
SS. _______
TT. ______
UU. ______
_________
_________
_________
_________
WHAT EACH PERSONALITY MEANS IN A NUTSHELL:
Situation:
A person babysitting three youngsters who refuse to go to sleep:
BLUE person:
Gently and lovingly talks the children into going to bed
YELLOW person:
Talks the BLUE person into talking the children into going to bed
RED person:
Simply demands that the children go to bed
GREEN person:
Tags the first child first, the second child second and the third child third
and methodically puts child one in bed one, child two in bed two and
child three in bed three
BLUE:
A BLUE is always calm and diplomatic. They rarely tell anyone off but
when they do, the other person has a hard time deciding whether to
take offense or not.
Keys: Show visible concern; Stress need for help; Offer personal help
YELLOW:
Show the ability to sell themselves! Expressive personalities can be
magnetic, stimulating and individualistic. Like a cat, they always land
on their feet.
Keys: Praise ideas vision; Ask his/her opinion; Constant follow-up
RED:
Self-motivating personality who will take charge and ask for order!
Interested primarily in RESULTS!
Keys: Talks results; Get to the point; Be specific
GREEN:
A GREEN personality will methodically complete whatever tasks given.
They MUST have order in their lives.
Keys: Logic; Organization; Moderate approach; Detail
OPENNESS AND DIRECTNESS
Let’s begin by classifying a person’s behaviors on two major dimensions: Openness and Directness
OPENNESS is the ease with which a person shows emotions and is accessible to others. It al so
encompasses a person’s readiness to develop new relationships. It determines whether a person jumps
in and gets involved interpersonally or remains aloof. Visualize open behaviors graphically depicted on
a vertical scale with open behaviors on the bottom and self-contained behaviors on the top.
SELF-CONTAINED BEHAVIORS
Self-contained people do not show a lot of facial expression or body language. They do have facial
expression and body language, but it seldom appears very animated. Many self-contained people are
described as being “stoic” or even “hard to read”. Statements such as “poker face” and “plays his cards
close to his chest” are common descriptions of a very self-contained person. Self-contained people also
like to keep a distance. They have a wide space around their body and only invite a few people into
their space. You find that they will tend to stand farther away and sit farther away from other people
in meetings and/or social events.
They are not touchers and they don’t like to be touched unless they have initiated it. They are likely to
use physical barriers to separate themselves from other people, i.e. a desk or a table. It isn’t that they
don’t like people; they just prefer their “personal space” until they get to know other people and learn
to like and respect them. They will also keep their distance mentally. They are more likely to stay on a
formal and proper basis. Sometimes they seem a little harder to get to know. They tend to keep their
feelings private, and share them on a “need to know” basis. They tend to focus their attention on the
issues and the task at hand. They tend to stay on the subject. When you get off the subject, they will
tend to bring you back by saying “where’s all this leading” or “what’s the bottom line”? They will tend
to show less enthusiasm than the average person. They do get excited, they just don’t show it much.
They tend to be guarded and fact-oriented. They make most of their decisions based on logic and
evidence. They are disciplined on how their time is used by others and they prefer following an
established schedule. They are most responsive to realities and FACTS.
OPEN BEHAVIORS
Open people tend to be much more dramatic and animated. When you tell them something exciting,
they get excited and show it! When you tell them something upsetting, they get upset. They wear their
heart on their sleeve, and they can usually be read like a book. They show and share their feelings
freely. They like getting close to other people, both physically and emotionally. They are usually very
easy to get to know. They shake hands in a warm and friendly manner, and they are most likely to
touch during communication, especially to touch someone’s arm. They will be the one who will put
their arm around you to comfort or congratulate you. They quite often will initiate contact and they
enjoy it. They also want to get close mentally. They need to get on a first name basis immediately.
They are much less formal and proper. They have a hard time staying on the subject. They are much
more flexible as to how their time is used and who uses it. They feel cramped by schedules. They make
most of their decisions based on how they feel rather than logic. They are more susceptible to dreams
and concepts, or “the big picture”.
DIRECTNESS
Directness is the amount of control and forcefulness a person attempts to exercise over situations and
other people. It is also how people go about making decisions and approach risk or change. Direct
behavior can be visualized on a horizontal left to right scale, with direct behavior on the extreme right
and indirect behavior on the extreme left.
INDIRECT PEOPLE
Indirect people approach decisions, risk or change very slowly and cautiously. They make infrequent
contributions to group conversations and infrequent use of gestures and voice intonations when
emphasizing points. They often make qualifying statements during conversations, such as, “according
to my sources” or “this is only my opinion”. They tend to reserve their expression of their opinion. They
will come across as patient, diplomatic, and cooperative. They will tend not to argue if they don’t agree
unless they feel very strongly about something. They will appear to be understated and very reserved.
They will not have a lot of eye contact at social gatherings and are more likely to wait for someone else
to make the first move and speak first. They usually will have a gentle handshake. They love to follow
established rules and regulations. They tend to ask permission before doing something that isn’t
spelled out, because they don’t want to make a mistake or ruffle anyone’s feathers. They are slower
paced and low key people. If they become stressed out or face conflict, they will take flight and not
usually fight. They will not usually “take the bull by the horns” and they will want to get away from
tension, conflict or stress.
DIRECT PEOPLE
The other side of the coin is the direct people. Direct people seem more forceful; they come on
stronger. They approach decision, risk or change quickly and spontaneously as long as it is logical. They
will be frequent contributors to group conversations and often make emphatic statements, such as “this
is so” or “this is the way it is”. They will express their opinion whether you want to hear it or not. They
will appear to be less patient, very competitive, more confronting and more controlling. They have a
tendency to argue more when not in agreement. They are intense and assertive. They will have good
steady eye contact and they are sometimes overwhelming. In social gatherings, they will probably take
the first step to introduce themselves, rather than wait for someone to walk up to them. They usually
have a firm handshake. They believe that rules are guidelines and they interpret those rules according
to the spirit of their own interpretation. They enjoy bending or breaking established rules. They see
“gray areas” as windows of opportunity and they love it. Their motto is “it’s easier to get forgiveness
rather than permission”. For that reason, many will just go off and do what they want and hope that
they don’t get caught.
BLUE PERSONALITIES
Also called Stabilizer, Amiable and Relater
Blue people are open and indirect. They are relatively unassertive, warm, quiet, steady, orderly,
methodical, family-oriented, supportive and reliable. They can be viewed by others as compliant, and
soft-hearted. They need safety and security and are slow in making decisions. Their procrastination
stems from their desire not to take risks in unknown situations. It will be important for them to have
others people’s input before they take action or make a decision. They are very people-oriented, and
they will want to be on a first-name basis and view you as a friend. They will want to know you
personally, right away. They dislike impersonal conflicts so much that sometimes they will say what
they think you want to hear, rather than what they really think. They don’t like to “rock the boat”.
Blues have excellent counselling skills and are extremely supportive of others. They are also incredibly
“active” listeners. Blue people make you feel good just being with them. Their focus will be on building
trust and getting acquainted. Their major irritation is with pushy, aggressive people. Blue will usually
dress conservatively and have a quiet demeanor. They are generally slow decision makers who will
investigate everything, and probably have a meeting to discuss it with their family or a committee to
see what they think, before making any decision.
They are incredible team players and support specialists. They are very cooperative and want to see
the task to an end. Their theme is “notice how well-liked I am”. They accept change slowly and
reluctantly. Their primary strengths are listening, understanding, caring and loving. Their primary
weaknesses are that they are somewhat unassertive, and at times overly sensitive and are easily
bullied. Blues like others to be courteous, friendly, genuine and sharing. They dislike hurting someone
else’s feelings. If Blues were an animal, they would probably be something lovable such as a lamb, bear
cub, puppy or a deer. Their ideal car might be an American Motors station wagon or van with factory
recommended tires and beige in color, and preferably have nine seats (the more the merrier). They
would not need a horn, as they would not use it anyway as they might hurt someone’s feelings or upset
someone.
The songs that best reflect their personality would be “Feelings”, “People”, “Getting to Know You”, or
“You’ve Got a Friend”. To increase flexibility, the Blues need to learn to say “No” occasionally. They
need to be less sensitive. They need to learn to reach beyond their comfort zone and set goals that
require some stretch and risk. They also need to delegate more often to others. Their desks might
contain family pictures and their homes will be decorated in a very warm, friendly and relaxed
atmosphere. They steer clear of loud talking people, as they see them as “pushy” and aggressive. They
probably would not sit separated from you, but would come around and sit next to you in order to build
a warm and friendly atmosphere.
YELLOW PERSONALITIES
Also called Influencer, Expressive or Socializer
Yellows are high in directness and openness. They are animated intuitive and lively. They are idea
people, dreamers, but can be viewed as manipulative, excitable and a driving force. They are fast paced
people who make quick decisions that are most open spontaneous. They are not concerned about facts
or details. They seldom let facts and figures get in the way of a good story. High yellows are warm,
outgoing, enthusiastic, trusting to a fault and optimistic. They thrive on involvement with people and
will work quickly and enthusiastically with others. They have good persuasive skills and can easily catch
you up in their dreams and fantasies. They need approval and recognition for their achievements.
Yellows are entertainers. They are action oriented and creative people who have the ability to think
quickly on their feet. Their motto might be “When you are as good as we are, it is hard to be humble”.
Their wall will be full of awards and certificates…if they don’t lose them before they get home. Time is
no object…people are more important than money. A weakness might be that they sometimes shoot
before they take aim or leap before they look. They tend to be risk takers and LOVE to talk. They hate
boring tasks, being alone, and not having a telephone. Sometimes they get too involved in too many
projects, and since they tend to have a short attention span, this can make them impatient. Their ideal
car would be a sports car, probably a convertible, and their favorite color would probably be red. The
song that might best describe their personality would be “Celebration” or “Let the Good Times Roll”, or
maybe “All Night Long”. If they were animals, Yellows would probably be one that is playful like a
chimp, otter, porpoise or an alley cat. To increase flexibility, Yellows need to learn to control their
emotions and their time. They need to think before they take action and concentrate on the task at
hand. They need to be more organized and learn to check facts and figures. Their desk will be a mess
and totally disorganized, but they will know where everything is. Next to their awards will be
stimulating posters and notes. Their environment will be decorated in an open, airy and friendly
manner. They would sit next to you with nothing in-between. Remember, they need to have contact
with you, and enjoy closeness.
RED PERSONALITIES
Also called Dominator, Drivers and Directors
Red personalities are self-contained and at the same time, direct. They will ask very direct questions
and expect direct answers. They will exhibit firmness in their relationships with others and are goal and
task-oriented. They will want “bottom-line” results YESTERDAY. They will appear to be stubborn,
impatient and tactless. They tend to take control over other people and their time for their own use.
They are decisive in both their actions and decisions. They like to move at an extremely fast pace and
have no patience with delays, especially ones they have no control over. If you can’t keep up with their
speed, they might view you as incompetent. Their motto is “I want it done right and done NOW!” They
are achievers and make things happen. They are action oriented, hard driving, energetic, practical and
tend to be money-making people. They are not interested in details, just results. They can appear
restless, impatient, assertive, pioneering (risk takers) and demanding. Avoid telling them what to do.
Many doctors believe that Reds are in the high risk category for getting ulcers; the truth is that they
GIVE ulcers, not get them. The theme for Red is “notice my accomplishments”. Remember that they
want to be in control and are very strong willed. They will appear to be cool and independent of others.
Their strengths are the ability to “get things done”, their leadership and decision making abilities. But,
their primary weaknesses are their inflexibility, their impatience, their poor listening habits, and their
inability to “take time to smell the flowers”. Even when they do take time to smell the flowers, they
are so competitive, they will come back and say “I smelled 15 flowers; how many did you smell?” They
would make a good drill sergeant or a monarch. In a social environment, they want others to be
congenial, assertive and witty. The theme song of a Red would probably be “I did it my way”. Their
ideal car would be a big car like a Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, or maybe something like a tank. The animal
that best reflects a Red’s style would be an eagle, German Shepherd, lion, bull or a shark. To increase
their flexibility, Reds need to practice active listening, learn how to pace themselves, and project a more
relaxed image. They typically need to develop patience, humility and be more sensitive. They need to
learn how to show concern for others, use more caution, verbalize the reasons for their conclusions,
identify as a team player, and be aware of existing sanctions. Their desks will appear busy, lots of work,
lots of projects and materials separated into piles. The wall of their homes may contain achievement
awards and large planning calendars and it will decorated to suggest power and control. The Red person
will choose a seating pattern that is closed and formal with no contact to be positioned for power.
GREEN PERSONALTIES
Also call Analytical, Calculator, Thinkers
Greens are both direct and self-contained. They are serious, orderly, precise, analytical, cautious,
persistent and are systematic problem solvers. They can also be seen as aloof, cool, policy and
procedure-oriented, and conservative people. They are often viewed as critical. They are very security
conscious and have a high need to be right. This can lead them to have an over-reliance on data
collection. In their quest for data, they tend to ask many questions about little details that most of us
view as unimportant. Their actions and decisions tend to be extremely cautious. They work slowly and
precisely, by themselves and prefer to work in an intellectual environment that is organized and
structured. They sometime appear negative before positive and need to see things in writing. They
have a “show me” attitude. They are great problem solvers, and given enough time, they can be good
decision makers when they finally make a decision. They will focus on details and the process and are
irritated by surprises or unpredictability, even if the surprise is a good one. Their fear is if you can spring
a good surprise on them, then you can also spring a bad surprise on them. Their theme is “notice my
efficiency”. They are very interested in specifics like the quality of a product or service.
Greens like organization and structure and dislike too much involvement with other people. They are
time disciplined. They like to work under controlled circumstances. Greens primary strengths are their
accuracy, their dependability, independence, and their follow-through and organization skills. The
Greens’ primary weaknesses are their procrastination, conservative nature and their over-cautiousness.
They make good accountants, engineers and systems-analysts. They like cars that are functional and
built for efficiency, like a Volvo or a Saab. They usually like muted colors like, gray, brown or blue. If
they were animals, they would probably be owls, beavers or foxes. Their theme song would be some
kind of classical or patriotic song. Greens want others to be credible, sincere and courteous. To increase
flexibility, Greens need to openly show concern for and the appreciation of others. They need to
occasionally try short cuts and time-savers, and try to adjust more readily to change and
disorganization. They need to work on timely decision-making. They need to learn policies as
guidelines ONLY. Their desk will be organized and neat and probably clear. Their wall may contain
exhibits and pictures that are pertinent to their life. The seating arrangement that they are most
comfortable with will suggest formality and non-contact.