Green personality type
Who are Greens?
Green librarian avatar by Randy Vernier
Green represents “Elasticity of Will” (Lüscher, 1969, p. 25). Like Blues, Green personalities are usually introverts, meaning they are focused on the individual (usually themselves). They can sometimes be perceived as self-centered loners, liking to do things on their own. Their autonomy is, however, somewhat due to their dislike of conflict and their efforts to avoid it. Therefore, Greens’ relationships with others are usually formal and diplomatic. Accustomed to working alone, they have confidence and assurance in their undertakings. This is sometimes perceived as self-righteousness and stubbornness on Greens’ part. Curious in nature, they thrive in academic/scientific settings and usually do well with technical, theoretical and complex ideas.
(Adaptation of Lüscher, 1969; Hartman, 2006, as cited in Ault and Barney, 2007; True ColorsTM, 1990, as cited in Honaker, 2003, see chart bellow.)
(Adaptation of Lüscher, 1969; Hartman, 2006, as cited in Ault and Barney, 2007; True ColorsTM, 1990, as cited in Honaker, 2003, see chart bellow.)
Green traits and characteristics and corresponding color models
according to the following models of color theory
Below are some thoughts on how someone entering the LIS profession might interpret and use the results of this assessment. We invite you to ponder the following, then reach your own conclusions.
How and why Greens fit in the Library and Information science world?
No one color is best suited for LIS. However, the quiet and peaceful setting of libraries and archives may naturally attract Green personalities. Surrounded by knowledge and theory, Greens may particularly enjoy working at an academic or university-based library or archive.
Used to working alone, Greens tend might do well at cataloguing, indexing and classifying jobs.
Because of Greens’ curious and intellectual nature, they would also do well analyzing and evaluating library and information services, technology and media services. They could also work for research firms, gathering and analyzing data.
Greens’ rational thinking, common sense and diplomatic nature could make them particularly great managers. Although not generally considered people persons, Green’s are great listeners and they analyse situations objectively -- all traits needed to be proficient at managing library resources and staff.
Used to working alone, Greens tend might do well at cataloguing, indexing and classifying jobs.
Because of Greens’ curious and intellectual nature, they would also do well analyzing and evaluating library and information services, technology and media services. They could also work for research firms, gathering and analyzing data.
Greens’ rational thinking, common sense and diplomatic nature could make them particularly great managers. Although not generally considered people persons, Green’s are great listeners and they analyse situations objectively -- all traits needed to be proficient at managing library resources and staff.
Leadership strenghts and shortcomings
According to the American Library Association (ALA), the ideal librarian and information professional would have all of the personal traits listed to the left.
Greens are usually pros at the traits highlighted in green at the top (self confidence, consensus building, sense of direction or visions, personal integrity).
They do well but sometimes struggle with the qualities presented in the middle slot (capacity to motivate others, social perceptiveness, optimism).
They, however, may have a hard time with the skills displayed at the bottom (emotional intelligence, passion and energy, risk taking).
For a complete description of these personal traits, visit ALA's website at: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/initiatives/ladders/selfassess/selfassess
Greens are usually pros at the traits highlighted in green at the top (self confidence, consensus building, sense of direction or visions, personal integrity).
They do well but sometimes struggle with the qualities presented in the middle slot (capacity to motivate others, social perceptiveness, optimism).
They, however, may have a hard time with the skills displayed at the bottom (emotional intelligence, passion and energy, risk taking).
For a complete description of these personal traits, visit ALA's website at: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/initiatives/ladders/selfassess/selfassess
How can Greens improve their leadership skills?
As leaders, Greens may need to work on their relationships with others as well as their decision-making skills.
Although Greens are generally great listeners and tend to have conflict-free relationships, they also tend to work alone rather than in groups. Hence, teamwork is sometimes difficult for Greens. Green leaders should, however, use their analytical nature and communication skills to challenge their coworkers to think out of the box. Greens could do well at organizing think tanks and managing forums on subjects like the future of LIS or the use of Web 2.0 technology in libraries and archives. This type of theoretical questioning and problem solving naturally appeals to Greens but challenges them to work in a group setting rather than in his/her own head. Greens’ analytical nature can also lead to indecisiveness. Greens often need to analyse every angle of a situation before uttering an opinion or a decision. Successful leaders, however, know that decisions need to be made in a timely manner. Green leaders may, therefore, need to work on delegating tasks and trusting their coworkers’ opinion in order to get the perspectives needed to make proper decisions in less time. For other useful leadership tips, check out our Resources page. |