Color Code

Part 1: Strengths & Limitations This section consists of 30 4-word clusters. For each cluster choose the one trait that best describes how you behaved AS A CHILD. Try not to focus on how you wish you were, or how you would like to be. Remember, your first impression is usually the best.

opinionated

nurturing

outgoing

inventive

power-oriented

self-centered

indecisive

perfectionist

tolerant

enthusiastic

dominant

sympathetic

unsure

naive

self-serving

suspicious

playful

decisive

loyal

contented

silently stubborn

flighty

worry-prone

arrogant

reliable

kind

assertive

sociable

a teaser

self-critical

reluctant

bossy

carefree

action-oriented

easygoing

analytical

critical of others

shy

obnoxious

overly sensitive

determined

a party person

detail conscious

a good listener

unforgiving

vain

unmotivated

demanding

idealistic

responsible

considerate

happy

passive

impulsive

impatient

moody

respectful

strong-willed

fun-loving

patient

unrealistic

argumentative

an interrupter

directionless

dependable

independent

trusting

even-tempered

forgetful

aggressive

frequently depressed

ambivalent

gentle

optimistic

deliberate

powerful

boring

undisciplined

insensitive

judgmental

logical

agreeable

emotional

popular

always right

unenthusiastic

guilt prone

uncommitted

accepting

well-behaved

spontaneous

pragmatic

thoughtful

merciless

a show-off

uninvolved

diplomatic

sincere

task-oriented

lively

tactless

loud

lazy

hard to please

a performer

adaptable

direct

creative

self-righteous

self-deprecating

calculating

disorganized

disciplined

pleasant

confident

charismatic

careful

afraid to face facts

intimidating

unproductive

Part 2: Situations This section consists of 15 situations with four possible reactions to each. Pick the answer that relates most to you. Again, your first impression is the best answer.

If I applied for a job, a prospective employer would most likely hire me because I am:

Fun-loving, spirited, and casual.

Patient, adaptable, and tactful.

Driven, direct, and delegating.

Deliberate, accurate, and reliable.

When involved in an intimate relationship, if I feel threatened by my partner, I:

Distance myself and avoid further conflict.

Fight back with facts and anger.

Cry, feel hurt, and plan revenge.

Become quiet, withdrawn, and often hold anger until I blow up over some minor issue later.

For me, life is most meaningful when it:

Is free of pressure and stress.

Allows me to be playful, lighthearted, and optimistic.

Is task-oriented and productive.

Is filled with people and purpose.

As a child, I was:

Too talkative, happy, and/or playful.

Well behaved, caring, and/or depressed.

Quiet, easygoing, and/or shy.

Stubborn, bright, and/or aggressive.

As an adult, I am:

Accepting, contented, and/or unmotivated.

Responsible, honest, and/or unforgiving.

Charismatic, positive, and/or obnoxious.

Opinionated, determined, and/or bossy.

As a parent, I am:

Concerned, sensitive, and/or critical.

Demanding, quick-tempered, and/or uncompromising.

Permissive, easily persuaded, and/or often overwhelmed

Playful, casual, and/or irresponsible.

In an argument with a friend, I am most likely to be:

Concerned about others' feelings and principles.

Loud, uncomfortable, and/or compromising.

Verbally stubborn about facts.

Silently stubborn, uncomfortable, and/or confused.

If my friend was in trouble, I would be:

Supportive, patient, and a good listener.

Concerned, empathetic, and loyal--regardless of the problem

Protective, resourceful, and recommending solutions.

Nonjudgmental, optimistic, and downplaying the seriousness of the situation.

When making decisions, I am:

Deliberate, precise, and cautious.

Indecisive, timid, and reluctant.

Impulsive, uncommitted, and inconsistent.

Assertive, articulate, and logical.

When I fail, I feel:

Embarrassed and nervous--seeking to escape the situation.

Silently self-critical, yet verbally stubborn and defensive.

Guilty, self-critical, and vulnerable to depression--I dwell on it.

Unsettled and fearful, but I keep it to myself.

If someone crosses me:

I am silently hurt and plan to get even and/or completely avoid the other person.

I am angered and cunningly plan ways to get even quickly.

I want to avoid confrontation, consider the situation not important enough to bother with, and/or seek other friends.

I feel deeply hurt and find it almost impossible to forgive completely. Generally, getting even is not enough.

Work is:

A necessary evil, much less inviting than play.

A most productive way to spend one's time.

A positive activity as long as it is something I enjoy and don't feel pressured to accomplish.

A healthy activity, which should be done right if it's to be done at all. Work should be done before one plays.

In social situations, I am most often:

Feared by others.

Admired by others.

Envied by others.

Protected by others.

In a relationship, I am most concerned with being:

Understood, appreciated, and intimate.

Approved of and right.

Praised, having fun, and feeling free.

Respected, tolerant, and peaceful.

To feel alive and positive, I seek:

Adventure, leadership, and lots of action.

Security, creativity, and purpose.

Excitement, playful productivity, and the company of others.

Acceptance and safety.