The Magic of Insights®: Adapting + Connecting With Others [part two]
Curiosity leads to connection. There really is no debating that. Clearly – the more inquisitive you are, the questions you ask and the more observations you make - the more information you learn which leads to better decision making and understanding of others. AND when you are intentional about getting curious, especially about other people’s stories, experiences, opinions and styles…real magic can happen.
The Why and What of Understanding Others
In my last blog post, I shared a bit about the programs and tools that Insights has to offer, and how impactful it is when applied for your own self-awareness. If you haven’t yet read that – I encourage you to check it out here.
In this post, I share how Insights can help improve communication and relationships with others – both on an individual and team basis.
Let’s dive in!
Review: What is Insights®?
Here is a quick recap of who and what Insights is. Insights is a company whose work is based on self-awareness being the foundation to better relationships, better business and better results. Self-awareness for all things better. Who wouldn’t sign up for that?
The Insights Discovery system is built on the language of color. Four colors are used to describe distinct personality preferences. It has a very simple language that is easy to remember and share with others. Check out Part 1 of the blog called The Magic of Insights - the Personality Type Assessment [part 1] for more detail.
The Insights model, tools and programs allow individuals to take an honest look at their personal style and explore how to leverage who they are as well as how to improve. Digging in allows for a deeper understanding of reactions to change and challenging relationships. Clarity around self provides a path to developing action plans for improvement. The Insights model truly fosters transformative experiences through self-awareness.
How Insights Cultivates Connection to Others
Once you have an understanding of the color energy attributes, you can start to quickly recognize what color energy those around you might lead with. It is very important to remember that everybody has all four color energies within them. Each color energy might show up differently for each individual person, depending on the situation. Never do we want to label anyone as being only one color energy or another. However, there are ways so get a general sense of what color energy a person might be leading with at any given time. When you know that – you can adapt your style in ways that help you to connect better to their preferences.
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” - Anthony Robbins
Connecting in Action
The colors are described as Fiery Red, Sunshine Yellow, Earth Green and Cool Blue. As a reminder, here a few high-level characteristics of each color energy:
Fiery Red is usually focused on results and shows up with a strong and purposeful determination.
Sunshine Yellow radiates enthusiasm and encourages participation.
Earth Green energy often seeks harmony and meaningful relationships.
Cool Blue has a desire to know and understand the world around them with accurate and complete information.
Other ways to recognize others’ color energy preference are through body language and verbal cues.
For example, Fiery Red energy might have a firm handshake, give direct eye contact, speak at a fast pace and have quick responses. Sunshine Yellow energy will tend to communicate with facial expressions, likes physical contact, will be animated when speaking and can be quite talkative. Earth Green energy will likely offer a warm smile and a gentle handshake, speak with a soft tone and be enquiring. And Cool Blue energy will offer little facial expression, avoid physical contact, be thoughtful and quiet.
As you recognize and understand another’s color energy preference and adapt how you communicate with them - conversations will be more effective, connection will be greater, and relationships will be stronger.
Tips for Communicating with Color Energies
When communicating with Fiery Red energy:
DO be direct and to the point & DO be confident and assertive
DO NOT be hesitant or indecisive, DO NOT focus on feelings & DO NOT try to take over
When communicating with Sunshine Yellow energy:
DO be friendly and sociable & DO be open and flexible
DO NOT bore them with details & DO NOT ask them to work alone
When communicating with Earth Green energy:
DO be patient and supportive, DO ask their opinion & DO give time to answer
DO NOT push for a quick decision & DO NOT spring last minute surprises on them
When communicating with Cool Blue energy:
DO be well prepared and thorough & DO put things in writing
DO NOT be careless or casual with important issues & DO NOT keep changing things without good reason
Adapting your communication is simple ways will result in transformations with individual relationships, teams and entire organizations!
Wrapping Up
Self-awareness is ever evolving. Each situation – big or small, work or otherwise – adds to our experience and reshapes or reaffirms our beliefs and behaviors. Intentionally understanding other’s preferences allows for greater compassion which leads to better connection. It’s not about changing who we or who others fundamentally are. It’s about being aware of how we show up and the style of those around us so we can honor, leverage and adapt when it makes sense.
What steps will YOU take? How will you deepen your connection with yourself and others? How will you help the teams you lead connect more in ways that improve engagement?
Let’s dig into Insights more. Connect with me and we can chat about how I can bring the magic of Insights® to you and/or your team. You deserve to experience impactful and meaningful connections and to create transformation. When you’re ready — I’m here to partner with you.
Nice to Meet You!
My name is Angie Robinson. I am a coach, facilitator and consultant. I have a passion for partnering with others, helping them to be their best selves. I am known for having balanced judgment, making big picture connections, and building relationships.
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