Yellow personality type
Who are Yellows?
Yellow librarian avatar by Randy Vernier
Yellow represents “Spontaneity” (Lüscher, 1969, p. 26) and fun (Hartman, 2006, as cited in Ault and Barney, 2007, p. 74). Yellows, like Reds, are considered extroverts because of their sociable, lively and outgoing personalities. Often described as bubbly, Yellows tend to be charismatic and energetic. Constantly needing stimulation (visual, intellectual, sensory, emotional) makes them spontaneous, adventurous and somewhat irresponsible as they live life in the present moment (sometimes forgetting past obligations, other times not planning ahead). Well liked by most, Yellows live to please and be liked by others. Because of their fun, optimistic, happy go-lucky attitude, they are sometimes not taken seriously.
(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.)
Yellow 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 Yellows fit in the Library and Information science world?
No one color is best suited for LIS. However, Yellows’ energetic and bubbly personalities could be great when working with children on specialized library and information programs.
Yellows’ enthusiasm could also translate well in library orientation workshops.
With great social skills, general likability, positive attitude, enthusiasm and energy, Yellows would do well working with the public as reference librarians or archivists or at developing and organizing specialized programs, community projects and fundraisers.
Yellows’ enthusiasm could also translate well in library orientation workshops.
With great social skills, general likability, positive attitude, enthusiasm and energy, Yellows would do well working with the public as reference librarians or archivists or at developing and organizing specialized programs, community projects and fundraisers.
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.
Yellows are usually pros at the traits highlighted in yellow at the top (optimism, passion and energy, capacity to motivate others).
They do well but sometimes struggle with the qualities presented in the middle slot (consensus building, social perceptiveness, risk taking, self confidence, emotional intelligence).
They may have a hard time with the skills displayed at the bottom (sense of direction or vision, personal integrity).
For a complete description of these personal traits, visit ALA's website at: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/initiatives/ladders/selfassess/selfassess
Yellows are usually pros at the traits highlighted in yellow at the top (optimism, passion and energy, capacity to motivate others).
They do well but sometimes struggle with the qualities presented in the middle slot (consensus building, social perceptiveness, risk taking, self confidence, emotional intelligence).
They may have a hard time with the skills displayed at the bottom (sense of direction or vision, personal integrity).
For a complete description of these personal traits, visit ALA's website at: http://www.ala.org/nmrt/initiatives/ladders/selfassess/selfassess
How can Yellows improve their leadership skills?
As leaders, Yellows may need to work on having a vision and making it known, as well as gaining and maintaining respect from coworkers.
Yellows have tons of energy. When properly channelled this energy can make them unstoppable. The problem with Yellows is that they tend to get bored easilly and have difficulty keeping focus. For these reasons, they may not necessarily seek out leadership positions. They can be very useful at devoting their energy to achieve someone else’s vision or project, will not necessarily put in the time to create their own. Yellow leaders should take time to study their personal strengths and weaknesses as well as their passions for LIS in order to set personal and organizational goals and strategies to achieve them. They should also put in place a performance measure and reward system. This will keep Yellow leaders and their coworkers motivated to stay on track. Yellows will also appreciate the opportunity to have a little fun when goals have been reached. Yellow leaders should also take care of their professional reputation. Generally well liked because of their charisma and lively personalities, Yellows run the risk of not always being taken seriously in the workplace. They should take care to get to work on time, manage their relationships in a professional manner and tone down their happy go-lucky attitude to an appropriate level. |
Recommended resources for Yellows
Sivers, D. (2010, February). Derek Sivers: How to start a movement [Video file]. Retrieved from www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html For other useful leadership tips, check out our Resources page. |