In Transition

After transitioning from Student Affairs to Academic Affairs, I realized just how critical the common language had become in my ability to connect with people within a division. In my new role, I collaborate with faculty, and most faculty members have no idea about the True Colors model of communication. While I would love to give each new faculty member the assessment prior to working with them, this is not possible. I have found that understanding the various personality types is equally important to Academic Affairs as it is to Student Affairs. I have learned that staff and faculty are made up of professionals with various personalities who serve the same purpose…education. True Colors helps you reach the heart of it all.

I have found that True Colors is useful whether or not the person has experienced the class. For example, each time I meet someone new, I take the following steps:

1. I begin to analyze what their dominant color might be and their color spectrum.
2. I try to explain my personality style and let my strengths shine as it relates to the work we will be doing together. My hope is they walk away knowing I’m a people person who will help them get the next project underway — rather than just my name and when I started my new position.

True Colors is a common language amongst the division of student affairs but the characteristics transcend beyond Blue, Green, Orange, and Gold. My challenge for you is to revisit the characteristics of your dominant color. Try to create a short elevator speech that encompasses a few of those traits because you are likely to work with someone who is not familiar with True Colors. Identifying someone’s dominant color is only half the battle. If you can also get them to understand your personality, you can create a healthy and lasting working relationship.

Elisa Perkins, M.Ed.
Assistant Director,
Diversity and Recruitment
Office of the Associate Provost for Diversity & Recruitment

Has your color spectrum changed over the years? How?

Describe those changes to your colleagues. Remember True Colors is a tool to understanding others and ourselves. It is a common language because we talk about it and use it to articulate our perspectives to each other. Keep it going.

Training Schedule for Student Affairs STAFF (SD 410) — Spring 2015  (Download PDF)

Training Schedule for Student Affairs STUDENT WORKERS (SD 417) — Spring 2015  (Download PDF)

Any questions or comments? Please send us an email at VPSA@utsa.edu.