Colour Coded Human

Human nature.

It is a mighty strange thing.

Books and authoritative works are still being devised and developed on that very subject . As a race we may not ever reach a stage when we can define human nature without fear of contradiction.

Personally,  I am not very good at judging the intent of an individual whether obvious in the verbal, subtle in body language or in other signs and forms of communication.

Some people say one thing but mean completely the opposite. This can be in complete innocence or a well planned and deceptive strategy.

If only there were a fool-proof method of categorising people, to identify their strengths and weaknesses with the outcome of being able to speak and interact with them with empathy and understanding.

One train of thought on this theme is to allocate people with different colours.

It appears that this scientific approach, and science it is rather than mumbo-jumbo or a whim has an important application in sales and marketing. The principal called "Alignment", is to present yourself (being a salesperson) as being on the same side as the customer and then suggest options designed to steer them to the desired outcome, meaning yours and not necessarily theirs.

At the root of the technique is the identification of basic characteristics and traits of, in the sales context, the customer which can then be used as the basis by which to communicate best.

The colour-labelling relates to four different categories.

"Red People" are defined as extrovert and action driven. They require targets and direct, succinct information and work on a means to an end principle. They use assertive language and are sometimes intolerant of changes of plan and are poor listeners.

"Green People" are caring, empathetic types who need to understand consequences and are generally risk-averse. They can be regarded as lone thinkers and mavericks and need lateral information and time to consider options.

"Blue People" are analytical and thorough and require proposals to reach a considered decision. They generally question everything, are particular about procedures and may consult widely. They judge their own work critically and relish complex problems.

"Yellow People" are social movers, artistic,enthusiastic and spontaneous and act with others to arrive at a given goal. They are as concerned about other peoples opinions as their own but do not necessarily believe in acting for the greater good. They are good team motivators, listeners and negotiators and generally like short, bullet pointed information or face to face conversations.

As for my colour, well, I blush easily and often look flushed in the face, I can feel queasy and ill quite often, I get a bit down and depressed and have been known to run away from things rather than stand and fight.

That makes me red, green, blue and downright yellow all in one. Human Nature, huh!