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As professional facilitators and trainers, we have many different tools at our disposal that can leave a lasting, and positive impact on the people we work with. Personality Dimensions® happens to be my favourite, and not just because I work for the publisher, CLSR Inc.! If you’ve already obtained your Personality Dimensions® qualification, congratulations! You’re already on the path to personal and professional growth, but if you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to build on what you’ve already learned. (If that doesn’t reveal my personality dimensions, I don’t know what will) There’s lots of things you can do to level up your Personality Dimensions® qualification and unlock your true potential, and these are just a few to think about.
Knowledge is good
While getting your Personality Dimensions® certification is an awesome achievement, it’s just the beginning of your journey. To further enhance your understanding, delve deeper into the framework and explore its intricacies. Read books, articles, and research papers related to personality type and temperament theory. Expand your knowledge by attending workshops, conferences, and webinars conducted by experts in the field. The more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to apply Personality Dimensions® in various contexts.
The more you read, the more things you shall know. The more that you learn, the more places you shall go.
To truly level up your Personality Dimensions® qualification, embrace the concept of lifelong learning. Stay updated with the latest developments and research in the field of personality psychology. Attend advanced training programs and workshops specifically designed for Personality Dimensions® practitioners, or a refresher course with a Master Trainer. We’ve got some additional exciting stuff in the works, so keep an eye out for an announcement. Engaging in continuous learning will not only deepen your understanding but also keep you competitive in the job market or as in independent consultant, and make it easier for you to adapt your practice to the evolving needs of individuals and organizations.
Once you’ve mastered Personality Dimensions® facilitation, consider taking the next step to become a Level II Facilitator Trainer. Level II trainers bring their own unique style and experiences to the curriculum to make a positive impact on the next generation of Level I Personality Dimensions® facilitators. Get in touch with us to find out how you can literally level up!
Practice What You Preach
Personality Dimensions® offers a holistic approach to understanding people’s preferences, communication styles, and motivations. Use this knowledge to develop empathy and flexibility in your interactions with others. Recognize and appreciate the unique qualities that each individual brings to the table. Adapt your communication style to cater to diverse personality types, fostering stronger relationships and creating a more inclusive environment. By practising empathy and flexibility, you’ll enhance your effectiveness as a Personality Dimensions® practitioner and positively impact the lives of those you engage with and make you a better facilitator.
Alright stop, collaborate and listen
Connect with fellow Personality Dimensions® facilitators and professionals in related fields to foster collaboration and share experiences. Join online forums, social media groups, or attend networking events to exchange insights and best practices. Engaging in meaningful discussions will expose you to different perspectives and broaden your understanding of how Personality Dimensions® can be applied in various contexts. Additionally, sharing your own experiences and success stories will not only inspire others, but also reinforce your own learning. The Personality Dimensions® LinkedIn Group is a great place to start.
Your Personality Dimensions® certification is an excellent tool for personal and professional growth. However, to truly level up, it’s important to continuously deepen your knowledge, engage in lifelong learning, practice what you preach, and collaborate with others. By actively applying the principles of Personality Dimensions® in various areas of your life, you can unleash your true potential and become a catalyst for positive change. Remember, the journey to personal and professional development is ongoing, and by embracing it wholeheartedly, you’ll continuously evolve and make a meaningful impact on those around you.
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is a lifelong introvert, and the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners get the right tools to best serve their clients.
As I settle into my new office, and look at the mountain of work I need to catch up on, I started thinking about productivity. What better way to procrastinate from doing the tasks I really don’t want to do, like working on my expense report (sorry Neil) or unpacking those last few boxes from the move, than writing a blog about productivity? It’s no secret that different personalities have different needs when it comes to work and productivity. Since Introversion and Extraversion is all about energy, it’s a good place to start. Whether you’re an Introvert who does their best work with quiet and solitude or an Extravert who thrives on social interaction, there are ways to optimize your productivity.
If you’re an Introvert, you probably find social interactions draining and prefer to work alone. That’s totally okay! In fact, research shows that Introverts tend to be more on the creative side and self-sufficient than Extraverts. Here are some tips to boost your productivity:
If you’re an Extravert, you thrive on social interaction and live collaboration. Here are some tips to boost your productivity:
Whether you’re more Introverted or more Extraverted, remember that there’s no “right” way to be productive. It’s all about understanding your own needs and working with them to achieve your goals. So, use these tips as a starting point and experiment with different approaches until you find what works best for you. Happy productivity!
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is a lifelong introvert, and the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners get the right tools to best serve their clients.
If you haven’t already heard, CLSR Inc., publisher of Personality Dimensions®, has gotten itself an awesome new office with lots of natural light and open spaces for collaboration. With the move coming up quickly, it got me thinking about the strengths that each of the dimensions bring to the massive project ahead.
Organized Golds can really shine when it’s time to move; they’re called organized for a reason, and it really is their superpower. From the time the decision has been made to relocate, until the last box is unpacked, they will keep things in order and on-time. Some say that Excel was created for Organized Golds, others say it was created by them; either way, rely on them to build a spreadsheet that keeps things in check, lists all the “to-do” tasks, and assigns them to everyone involved. Count on the Organized Golds to label your boxes with what’s inside them, and the room they’re going into.
Resourceful Oranges are action-oriented, and tackling challenges head-first is their superpower. When the others are still making decisions on how and when to get started, they are the ones who have already started packing things up, and seeing what needs to be done next. Their time to shine really comes through on moving day. When they see the massive stack of boxes and furniture that need to be loaded or unloaded to or from the truck, they just dive in and get going. They want to get it done so everyone can sit down at the end of the day and enjoy some well-deserved drinks and pizza with the rest of the team.
Authentic Blues are the glue that holds everyone together during stressful times. Packing up and relocating is more difficult for some than it is others; their superpower is making sure that everyone is supported and functioning their best during this time. Their artistic tendencies make them the go-to for picking out paint colours and finishes for your new space; taking into consideration the needs and wants of everyone involved. They’re also natural referees that can step in and make sure everyone’s voice is heard when there are different ideas about how the new space is utilized, or how space is allocated.
Inquiring Greens were thinking about the move before it was even announced. They’re big picture thinkers who are always considering different ideas and possibilities, but their superpower really comes in the form of their research abilities. Before anything is packed, they’ll have looked at the floor plans, taken measurements, and have figured out where everything is going to go in the new space. They’ll also research the best options for packing materials, moving companies, and the size and quantities of boxes/containers that you’ll need to make it happen.
Moving is a daunting task, with lots of moving parts, sometimes difficult decisions, and lots of emotions. There are two things that stand out for me that make for a successful move: one, that nobody gets (seriously) injured, and two, that only one thing gets broken that isn’t sentimental. A few scrapes and bruises get a pass, and no one is going to be disappointed when that that ugly, framed print that no one actually liked takes a dive. With our team coming together, and playing off of each other’s strengths, I know we will have a successful move.
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is the Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners get the right tools to best serve their clients.
It’s time again for another instalment of Personality Dimensions® on TV! Superstore is a popular American sitcom that aired on NBC from 2015 to 2021, and gained even greater popularity after it started streaming on Netflix. The show revolves around a group of employees working at Cloud 9, a fictional big-box store in St. Louis, Missouri. Here’s my take on the Personality Dimensions of the main characters in Superstore.
Amy – Organized Gold
Amy is the store manager at Cloud 9, and she takes her job very seriously. She is highly organized, efficient, and always has a plan in place. Her Organized Gold personality is seen in her attention to detail, her love of structure, and her ability to stick to a schedule. Amy is a practical, no-nonsense person who values tradition, loyalty, and hard work.
Jonah – Authentic Blue
Jonah is a sales associate at Cloud 9, and he is known for his creativity, innovation, and outside-the-box thinking. He is always looking for ways to improve the customer experience, and his Authentic Blue personality is evident in his ability to see possibilities where others only see limitations. Jonah is a highly imaginative, passionate person who values personal growth, human connection, and self-expression.
Cheyenne – Resourceful Orange
Cheyenne is a customer service representative at Cloud 9 who ends up working in different departments. She is outgoing, spontaneous, and not afraid to speak her mind. Her Resourceful Orange personality is seen through her love of socializing, her tendency to act on impulse, and her ability to make friends quickly. Cheyenne is a fun-loving, energetic person who values living in the moment, enjoying life, and being true to herself.
Mateo – Resourceful Orange
Mateo is another customer service representative at Cloud 9 who ends up working in different departments 9. He is constantly pushing back against the store’s policies and rules, and is not afraid to speak his mind. His Resourceful Orange personality is seen in his love of adventure, his tendency to take risks, and his ability to think on his feet. Mateo is a practical, pragmatic person who values freedom, spontaneity, and living life to the fullest.
Garrett – Inquiring Green
Garrett is a sales associate at Cloud 9 who is always making jokes and using humour to cope with the stresses of working at the store. He is highly sarcastic, witty, and always has a comeback ready. His Inquiring Green personality is evident in his love of analyzing ideas, his tendency to question authority, and his ability to solve complex problems. Garrett is an independent, curious person who values intellectual stimulation, creativity, and rationality.
Sandra – Authentic Blue
Sandra is a customer service representative at Cloud 9 who is highly sensitive, empathetic, and often the mediator in conflicts between colleagues. Her Authentic Blue personality type is seen in her love of helping others, and her tendency to avoid conflict. Sandra is deeply committed to her work and always looking for ways to improve the customer experience. She can be overly passive at times, but is highly creative and imaginative.
Dina – Organized Gold
Dina is a floor supervisor at Cloud 9 who is highly organized and efficient, but also deeply caring and empathetic to the people in her life. Her Organized Gold personality is seen in her love of practical solutions, her strong sense of duty, and deep committed to her work and employer. Dina is a no-nonsense, straightforward person who values honesty, fairness, and respect.
Glenn – Authentic Blue
Glenn is the affable manager at Cloud 9 who is always willing to lend a listening ear and offer a shoulder to cry on. His Authentic Blue personality is seen through his love of connecting with others, his tendency to put the needs of others before his own, and how he goes out of his way to avoid conflict. Glenn is deeply committed to creating a positive work environment and values teamwork above all else. He can be highly emotional at times, but is deeply committed to his work.
What’s your take? Is my Personality Radar dialed in accurately? What about some of the other secondary characters? Myrtle, Jerry, Jerusha, and Marcus all have well-developed personalities. Let me know in the comments below what you think.
Brad Whitehorn – BA, CCDP is an Associate Director at CLSR Inc. He was thrown into the career development field headfirst after completing a Communications degree in 2005, and hasn’t looked back! Since then, Brad has worked on the development, implementation and certification for various career and personality assessments (including Personality Dimensions®), making sure that Career Development Practitioners get the right tools to best serve their clients
Every Personality Dimensions® Facilitator Has A Story
We all have a past and a present that points to a preferred future. That story becomes the lens by which Personality Dimensions®, and other assessments are focused. The primary focus when I use Personality Dimensions®, both personally, as a career consultant or in my Leadership & Team training is ‘Alignment’.
I’ve been a Personality Dimensions® facilitator from its launch in 2003 and used another similar tool prior to that. Before being trained as a career counsellor, I went through the process of being counselled as a key part of my career transition. This temperament or behavioural study became the tipping point, the fulcrum of my life before and after my transition.
Here’s my story in a nutshell
I’m a Preacher’s Kid, and before I was eight years of age, my mother suddenly passed away. This caused me to cling to dad, my surviving parent. I, too, chose to be in the ministry. Being so young, I both watched and listened to my father closely, so I could be like him, a very loved pastor. I desired the same outcome. The problem was that we were very different people. What he taught me was his way of doing things…on my part, learned behaviour. It wasn’t bad or wrong, just different from who I really was. Unfortunately, he taught me how to live as a workaholic because that was how he dealt with the loss of his beloved wife. Yes, I was successful in ministry but there always seemed to be a level of discomfort. After 25 years, I hit a wall and really wasn’t certain what to do with my future. The transition process was slow, ten years slow. It wasn’t one I ever thought I’d go through, but I cautiously decided to check out another world. This brought me face-to-face with temperament, type, and interest studies.
When You Are Successful
Though I did things the way my father did, in retrospect, my most successful ventures in ministry were the ones that I did out of who I really was. This happens when the real you, subconsciously, kicks in. This became evident during my counselling process when we discussed past successes. Getting a grasp of the Patterns of Human Behaviours, which Personality Dimensions® does, was a great awakening for me…a series of Ah-ha moments which introduced a process I call ‘Life or Personal Realignment’. As important as ‘understanding who you are is’, equally important is ‘understanding who you are not’. If you’re living too much of life in the latter, Personality Dimensions® is my tool of choice for ‘Life Alignment’. This happens when you bring what you do in line with who you are, your hardwiring. Not once did I have to comply with the Personality Dimensions® result. I saw the pattern it presented and ‘there I was’. I released the dominance of well learned behaviours (which I still use), and fully embraced the real Murray that was quietly working in behind them.
One Thing That Always Amazes Me
When I was in my mid to late teens two things happened. Someone introduced me to the book, Transformed Temperaments by Tim LaHaye. It fascinated me. I always wanted to know what made people tick so I could impact their lives. In Grade 10, I had to write an essay on a topic of my choice. I wrote it on, How to Find a Career. Thirty years later, I became an ‘Assessment based Career Development Practitioner’. When I realized this, it blew me away. Do I regret those 25 years in ministry? Not in the least. Those years provided me with all the illustrations that make the concept of Personality Dimensions® a reality. What really stands out is the consistency of how I have lived life. Whether the teen years, the ministry or the years since transition, the attitude and way that I do things, while tweaking on the fly, has remained constant.
Personality Dimensions® Plays Out This Way In Me
Within me is a deep NEED to make a difference…an Impact. I call it my helium balloon that does what is natural…Goes Up! There is my Introverted Resourceful Orange. That has never changed. Pointing back to this is the way I COMMUNICATE, by sharing with others what I know, not only with academics, but with the wealth of what I have learned in life experience. That is my Extroverted Inquiring Green. That is what people see, but not what really drives me. What my dad taught me well was the Organized Gold factor of how to work well within organizations, the ENVIRONMENT in which I work. And finally, he taught me how to treat people with respect, dignity, and compassion, because PEOPLE ARE IMPORTANT…Yep, my Authentic Blue. There is ‘My Plaid’. Whatever I do, that is the way my pattern of human behaviour has always played out, and there is no reason to think that will change.
Have you taken a deep dive into your pattern? It is MORE than worth the effort. (Reach out if you out need help)
Murray is a husband to Heather for 46 years with 2 adult children, a Papa to 4 Boys, Personality Dimensions® Level 2 Trainer, Career Consultant, Leadership & Team Developer since 2001, and loves life. He is the creator of CareerFitForYou.com online video training, and owner of LifeConcepts.ca and LifeConceptMinistries.com.
It seems like everyone is busier than ever these days, and have less time to spend on doing something for yourself. Audiobooks are great for busy people who really want to enjoy a good book, and have the best intentions to learn new things, but don’t have the time to sit down and read. You can easily listen to an audiobook while still doing your other day-to-day activities like exercising, commuting, or doing household chores. It really is an easy way to get most of your time and fit reading into your daily life.
We are thrilled to announce the release of one of our bestsellers in this format. Your Personality Unlocked, by Anne Bulstrode and Susan Geary will give you an understanding of who you are and the differences between you and other people, in all aspects of your life. Based on the popular Personality Dimensions® assessment, the authors take you through a journey of self-awareness.
Narrated by a professional voice actor, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone looking to learn more about themselves and the important people in their lives. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply a curious individual, “Your Personality Unlocked” is a valuable addition to your audiobook library.
Available now on Audible, Apple Books, and other major audiobook platforms, Your Personality Unlocked is sure to engage and enlighten listeners. Don’t miss out on this insightful and practical guide to self-awareness.
People are an organization’s most valuable asset. After all, how would anything get done without people? While it’s true that AI has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, the workforce hasn’t yet been overthrown by an army of sentient machines. For now, at least, it’s people that make things happen. The job market has changed drastically, and priorities have shifted. A recent survey showed that the number one reason why people want to leave their current jobs has to do with company culture.
Organizational culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, and practices that define a workplace, while personality is the unique set of traits and characteristics that define an individual’s needs, wants, and behaviours. Whether you are in a position of leadership that can make decisions on how an organization’s culture unfolds, or you’re an employee looking for your best fit, it’s important to understand how each of the four personality dimensions thrive or struggle in certain organizational cultures.
CLSR founder, and director, Denise Hughes has long said that someone’s preference towards Introversion or Extraversion is the first thing you can tell about their personality. When thinking about workplace culture, this is the place to start. Extraverted personalities thrive in environments that are social and collaborative. They thrive in open-plan office spaces, or worksites that require consistent teamwork. They are energized by interaction, and do their best work when they can bounce their ideas off each other. On the other hand, Introverted personalities thrive in environments that are independent and reflective. They need space to work so they can stay focused and pay attention to the details. Introverts do their best work when they conceptualize, and create, on their own, then share their work with the workgroup. The four personality dimensions all have their own preferences for Introversion and Extraversion; how that looks will be different for each of them.
Authentic Blues tend to excel in supportive organizational cultures that emphasize collaboration, empathy, and harmony. They are often sensitive, empathetic, and caring, which can help them build strong relationships with coworkers and clients. In a supportive organizational culture, Authentic Blues can use their emotional intelligence to navigate conflicts and build a positive work environment.
Inquiring Greens tend to excel in competitive organizational cultures that emphasize innovation, risk-taking, and strategic thinking. They are often logical, rational, and analytical, which can help them excel in a culture that is future focused. In a competitive organizational culture, Inquiring Greens can use their strategic thinking skills to find new solutions and help the organization stay ahead of the competition.
Resourceful Oranges tend to thrive in dynamic organizational cultures that emphasize innovation, creativity, and adaptability. They are often, flexible, spontaneous, and go-with-the-flow, which can help them in dynamic environments. In a fast-paced organizational culture, Resourceful Oranges can use their comfort with uncertainty to respond quickly to changing circumstances.
Organized Golds tend to thrive in structured organizational cultures that emphasize efficiency, organization, and predictability. They are often decisive, organized, and goal-oriented, which can help them succeed in a culture with strong traditions. In a structured organizational culture, Organized Golds can use their planning and organizational skills to help the organization achieve its goals.
We humans are pretty complex, and understanding the relationship between personality type and organizational culture can help us find a workplace where we can thrive. By understanding our own personality, and the characteristics of different organizational cultures, we can make informed decisions about where to work and how to navigate the workplace. But just as important, individuals in leadership positions can use this knowledge to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees can use their unique strengths and skills to contribute to the success of the organization.
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and you don’t want to leave it until the last minute to get your special someone the perfect gift. While you can get some surprisingly nice flowers and chocolate from your local gas station, it may not be what your partner will appreciate the most. Whether you have been with them for decades or only a few months, having a little inside knowledge (of their personality) will help you find the perfect way to surprise them on the day.
You can easily say that Valentine’s Day was created for the Authentic Blues of the world. They are, after all, Hallmark’s best customers. Authentic Blues are known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves, and showing great concern for the emotions of others. They like to know that other people care about them as much as they care for others. Authentic Blues tend to be sincere creative types; when choosing a gift, remember it really is the thought the counts. So break out those pencil crayons and put some effort into making a card instead of buying one.
More than anything, Authentic Blues want to know that you are thinking about them. Consider something the two of you can do together. While a picnic in the park followed by a long walk on the beach may be a little out of the question for the Extravert in your life, while it’s -20 out, an indoor date at their favourite indie coffee shop or restaurant will be a hit. For the Introverts, check out your favourite maker’s market, or social enterprise for something unique that matches their creative personality.
Believe it or not, Inquiring Greens can be some of the most romantic amongst us. They may not show their emotions as easily as the other dimensions, but Inquiring Greens care deeply for the people close to them, and will go to the end of the earth when needed. They have notoriously high standards; the fact that you were chosen by an Inquiring Green is high praise… you just won’t likely hear them express it. When they open your gift, don’t fret when they don’t seem excited about it, rest assured that they really are. You just need to pay attention to their subtle signs… sometimes VERY close attention.
Inquiring Greens can be difficult to buy for at the best of times; if they really want something, chances are they’ll already have gotten it for themselves. Give them something that shows you’ve been paying attention to the things they care about and their love of learning. The Introverts will appreciate a subscription to a master class or the latest gadget that’s part of their favourite hobby. For the Extraverts, you can’t do wrong with an escape room.
Organized Golds fully embrace the motto “be prepared.” If you’re stopping on your way home on the 14th to pick up a gift, they’re going to know! They are dependable, loyal, and practical. They aren’t generally fans of grand gestures, but traditions are hugely important. When choosing a gift for your Organized Gold partner, remember that practical gifts can be a hit; but take my word for it, small appliances are never a good choice. For most of them, there’s nothing wrong with a card from the dollar store. It still shows you care, but it also shows that you don’t need to spend $9 on a piece of paper that gets looked at once, to show you care.
Time is a precious to Organized Golds, so giving your undivided attention is key. Turn that cellphone off, and do your best to keep interruptions to a minimum. For the Extravert in your life, tap into their nostalgic side and re-create your first date; go back to that old restaurant and share the same bottle of wine, even if your tastes have matured… as long as it’s practical to do it! For Introverted Organized Golds, stick with something classic; a bouquet of flowers and chocolates are usually a hit. But also consider a gift a relaxation; because Organized Golds are known to put a lot of time and effort at work, and taking care of others, go with something to help them unwind. A spa gift card or their favourite personal care products for an at-home spa experience are greatly appreciated.
If you have a Resourceful Orange partner, you may have just lucked out if you’re reading this on February 14th, and haven’t done anything for them yet. You may have blinked, and ended up in a long –term, committed relationship with a Resourceful Orange, but that’s what makes them so great. Resourceful Oranges don’t beat around the bush, and are quick to tell you how they feel. This goes for whatever gift you give them, and your relationship as a whole. They need to hear that you appreciate them back, just as quick as they tell you. Resourceful Oranges aren’t as big on traditions as the other dimensions, so don’t wait until Valentine’s Day to show your love and appreciation.
If you are going to mark the day with them, now is the time to be spontaneous, or break out that grand gesture you’ve had up your sleeve. Resourceful Oranges tend to like surprises. For the Extraverts, go to a restaurant without a reservation… and when you realize that everyone booked weeks ago, take a walk through a new neighbourhood and try the first restaurant with a free table, and talk your way in. Remember, it’s about the adventure, not the destination. For the Introverts, get them a subscription box, so they can try something new every month, and think of you when it arrives.
❤️
Whatever you and your partner end up doing or gifting each other on Valentine’s Day, remember it’s about recognizing the two of you. These are just some suggestions, and don’t reflect everyone. Remember that we’re all a unique blend of the four dimensions, and you know your partner best… except for the part about small appliances… definitely don’t do that no matter what you’re thinking.
As always, The Engagement Forum WA held at ECU Mt Lawley every December was worth its weight in gold.
The Welcome to ECU delivered by Glenda Campbell-Evans (Dean of the School of Education) was a hoot – she certainly was an inspiration to listen to, followed by the Keynote – Professor Chris Brook of Profectus Education, Consulting and Coaching, who took us through the stats around disengagement of students in Western Australia. Although there were some ‘Yep, I already know that’ moments, there were some moments of hope and some ideas about how we can move forward in a more positive manner, by applying what we know to develop the conditions for student engagement around:
After his presentation, I ran after him like some rock star groupie and made time to chat further about his presentation. We certainly share the same set of values and drive to assist our young people make meaning out of education and life!
In the afternoon, Annette Garlett (Keipa Boodja Aboriginal Corporation), Lidia Cavallaro (Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation) and I gave an interactive Personality Dimensions® presentation to over 60 attendees. We put them into groups of four (one per colour) to go through the associated images and come up with suggestions about what each set of images represent.
One participant asked how young people interpret the images.
My response, ‘exactly how adults do’.
No matter what background you come from, how young or old, your gender, your preferences, everyone interprets the images exactly the same (clearly there are some minor differences across cultures). She found that hard to believe so we showed the responses from our cohort of kids. It was exactly the same!
I received a beautiful email from Lidia later in the day, ‘Jenny thank you for having invited Annette and myself to attend today…For me I experienced something that I thought I could never do. Again thank you’.
Jenny Gleeson is the Empress of Ideas and Queen of Honesty. She has built a career out of helping people find their authentic selves, and get the most out of their teams. She has a strong focus on Aboriginal communities, not-for-profit organisations, youth services, and charities. Jenny is a Personality Dimensions Level II trainer, and distributor for Personality Dimensions in Australia and New Zealand. Connect with Jenny through her website at https://www.jennygleeson.com.au/
Schitt’s Creek, created by Eugene & Daniel Levy is a brilliantly created story, depicting the tale of a well-to-do family and their downward spiral due to a crooked accountant. Many recurring characters have allowed for an ample opportunity to review their individual personalities, and how they interact with others.
Johnny Rose
Personality: Organized Gold
The patriarch of the family is an exemplary businessman. Turning $2,000 into a thriving, national video rental business (only second to Blockbuster), he also showcases superior budgeting skills by trying to negotiate the best possible price for the family car. Johnny also spends a lot of time coming up with new business ideas with sound independent research (i.e., no Bob’s Bagels will be happening here!) and is also very family oriented, as seen by his caring deeply for his wife and children’s wellbeing. He loves engaging in traditional family celebrations (both Christmas and Hanukkah), helping David prepare for his job interview as a bag boy, and begging Moira to swallow her pride to accept a cheque from her sister during the family’s most difficult financial times are all key examples that highlight the Organized Gold’s personality type beautifully!
Moira Rose
Personality: Organized Gold /Authentic Blue
Moira is also a detail oriented individual as we see her keeping a spreadsheet to track all her wigs, ensuring that the cheese is folded into her prized enchilada recipe properly, and detailing the requirements of a contract to film the latest instalment of “The Crows Have Eyes 3: The Crowening”. Disarray causes her a lot of distress—where is her brown bag exactly? Organized Golds value belonging dearly amongst their family and peers, and not belonging or “feeling relevant” also caused her to hide in a closet for multiple days.
A close secondary colour for Moira would be Authentic Blue. While organized, structured, and wanting order on the movie set, Moira is a very creative individual. She enjoys the creativity with her wigs, directing Cabaret, and shows her warmth towards her husband, children, and neighbours in later seasons.
Alexis Rose
Personality: Resourceful Orange
So, like, have you downloaded the latest Bumpkin app? Time to have an impromptu, small, like, little motel party? Sure, we missed ONE little text message from David; besides, who has time for taking care of 6 Tamagotchi’s at the same time anyhow? This resourceful orange also was able to keep it cool and collected to get the family out of the escape room in record time in order to answer Johnny’s phone call immediately!
Alexis tells us all about her adventurous trips around the world, needing fake passports at the last minute to escape palaces, and wanting the freedom to date (without being tied down to just Ted…or Mutt…or?). We see Alexis’ stress about being tied down with being married to the same nice, albeit kind person and the thought of divorce really spooking her out!
Alexis is the epitome of our Resourceful Oranges; and how well they can adjust to difficult surroundings (albeit resistantly!)
David Rose
Personality: Organized Gold
Who has time to curate a mood board for a shopping trip exactly? And Patrick’s parents showed up a whole 11 minutes early? How dare they!
From organizing bottles on a table according to size (and labels in the same direction), ensuring even numbers of participants arrive for game night for the “optimum game play experience”, and re-organizing your knits in your new cedar chest, David showcases the Organized Gold personality type perfectly!
Organized Golds’ value of belonging is essential for them; and when David did not feel like he belonged in his family anymore; he fled the town. Also, he revealed to Stevie that she was his only friend and saying that out loud was “very dark”.
Patrick Brewer
Personality: Inquiring Green
Our Inquiring Greens are keen to get big picture outlooks and logically sound reasonings to their decision-making. We see this very beautifully done with Patrick! He was able to gather all the information that David shared over his 12 voicemails to complete David’s business application, inquired about purchasing a dream home that David wanted because of their future together, and Patrick knows all the detailed rules of baseball games to teach them to David for the baseball tournament.
Inquiring Greens are fierce competitors; and we see this with Patrick and Ronnie during the baseball game competition. Greens are often their own worst critics; and we see that with Patrick being disappointed with himself during their hike and picnic together to the top of the hill. In the end, Patrick was able to put everything into place, and have his happily ever after!
Stevie Budd
Personality: Inquiring Green
Stevie was quite difficult to figure out! However, I came to the conclusion that Stevie is an Inquiring Green. She exemplifies the aloofness that Inquiring Greens are often accused of being. She went to college to improve herself, wonders what she is going to do with the motel long term, expanding the business to other motels, and being worried she’s going to wind up like Aunt Maureen one day. She wants to do the best job performing Cabaret by rehearsing her lines over and over again, and spending time after official practice with Patrick to nail down the dance number.
Ted Mullens
Personality: Inquiring Green
Ted’s desire to consistently improve himself with veterinary conferences, and his desire to see exotic wildlife while working with the indigenous fauna of the Galapagos Islands, Ted showcases the exact qualities of our inquisitive Inquiring Greens very well. Always seeking answers to improving his relationship with Alexis, Ted is very future focussed and desires to understand himself and his relationship with Alexis as best as he can.
Who do you think are the Authentic Blues in Schitt’s Creek? Maybe Bob? Twyla?
What about some of the other regular characters? Ronnie? Jocelyn? Mutt? Or even Roland? Which types do you think they showcase?
What do you think? Was I “on brand”? Or was I a “write-off”?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Nancy Tavares-Jones, MC, RP, CCC, DCP (in progress) is a registered psychotherapist in Ontario and an Authentic Blue/Resourceful Orange. She has a thriving private practice, and is an on-site trauma responder for organizations needing immediate on-site support. She is a self-proclaimed “personality type geek” and loves to help folks learn more about themselves and others. Feel free to visit and connect with her at www.LifePathways.ca.
Personality Dimensions In Action 