Quick start:
- Use your memories
- Unless told otherwise, answer using your earliest childhood memory
- Be honest
- You're only lying to yourself
- Use your first thought
- Don't second guess yourself
- Don't be a baby
- Each personality is different, and has different strengths. Don't be offended by your answers
Instructions
Most of what follows is from The Color Code, chapter two - The Hartman Personality Profile. Since your personality is innate and comes with you at birth, answer each possible question from your earliest recollection. Now it's time to discover your own personality type - your own "color." Perhaps you will learn things about yourself that you were not aware of, or find out why you have certain tendencies or reactions you have never been able to understand. In time, you will probably be able to identify the colors of some other people as well. This will help you to understand them better, and pave the way to more meaningful relationships.
It's unlikely that your color will prove to be a "pure" 100% Red or Blue or White or Yellow. Nature isn't that simple. Instead, even those individuals with a strong affinity for one particular color will find it tinged with traces of others. When your test results reflect high scores in more than one personality area, that is, when two colors are almost equal in strength you may at first find it difficult to identify the stronger one. Don't worry. As you read further, the motives and characteristics of each personality type will become clear, and you should have little trouble determining your primary personality color. As you seek your true identity, you may begin to see yourself differently and more accurately. You will become aware of your many strengths. And though some of your negative suspicions about yourself may also be verified, you will be comforted in knowing that you are not alone. We all have a balance of strengths and weaknesses in our personality makeup. Don't be discouraged by any weaknesses you have.
In taking the Hartman Personality Profile, be as honest as you can. There's no point in deceiving yourself about who you really are. Dishonesty will only limit your knowledge of yourself and confuse your relationships with others.
Begin test
Color Breakdown:
REDS
Reds Are Hungry for Power
Simply stated, Reds want their own way. If they have been raised in environments where they were able to manipulate their parents and siblings, they become difficult to manage as they get older. When they have gotten their way for too long, Reds find it almost impossible to relinquish their power and freedom when they meet authorities in society (teachers, bosses, police, clergy, military officers) who refuse to grant them the total control they demand.
Reds Want to Be Productive
Reds like to work in school, in their careers, and in their relationships. Just don’t expect them to attach the same importance to things other people care about like other people’s schooling, careers, and marriages. But give them a reason to produce, and watch them take off. Reds like to get the job done. They are often workaholics. They will, however, resist being forced to do anything that doesn’t interest them. Reds want to look good to others.
Reds need to appear knowledgeable
They crave approval from others for their intelligence and insight. They want to be respected even more than they want to be loved. They want to be admired for their logical, practical minds. When you deal with a Red, be precise and factual. Reds are unmoved by tears and other displays of “weakness.”
Reds Shouldn’t Be Taken Too Seriously
Reds are often just stating the facts as they see them, despite their antagonistic demeanor. They seldom say “in my opinion” before stating their opinions. It is often the case that Blues, Whites, and Yellows become greatly concerned over issues raised by Reds, only to discover later that the Reds were simply interested in debating. Reds enjoy a good power play. But once you get emotionally involved while arguing issues or discussion a problem, you may be disappointed and frustrated to find that a Red is no longer interested.
Reds Seek Leadership Opportunities
Despite the rigidity of the military, many young Red men and women select it as a career in order to experience leadership. Reds are often called “control freaks.” They like to be in the driver’s seat. Red children are often frustrated in school because teachers (often Blue personalities) won’t let them take charge. If a Red can get the upper hand, he or she will. Reds are willing to pay any price for an opportunity to lead.
A balanced Red is a very powerful driving force in any group or organization. Reds are natural leaders, who see the big picture and want to get things accomplished. Reds see needs and resources and are very effective in setting up structures that create a natural synergy of activity and accomplishment. Reds will fight, and fight well, when it is needed, but they do not waste time or energy on resentment or revenge - they move on, easily allowing the recent enemy to become the new ally. Reds inspire loyalty because of their strength and courage.
STRENGTHS
- Loyal to tasks
- Committed
- Visionary
- Logical
- Leader
- Focused
- Responsible
LIMITATIONS
- Proud (arrogant)
- Insensitive
- Poor at listening
- Tactless
- Rebellious
- Critical of others
- Impatient
Red Careers
Administrator, Police or Military officer, Politician, Entrepreneur, Lawyer, Medical Doctor, Tax Accountant, Realtor, Professional Critic, Building Contractor, Sales, Marketing, Clergy, School Superintendent, etc.
Red Public Persons
- Hillary Rodham Clinton
- Reverend Billy Graham
- Madonna
Red Nations
- China
- Japan
- Germany
BLUES
Blues Are Motivated by Altruism
Blues love to do nice things for others. They look for opportunities to give up something in order to bring another person happiness. Selflessness rather than selfishness is their guiding philosophy. Many Blues are uncomfortable doing things solely for themselves. They hold doors open for people, offer rides when someone’s car breaks down, contribute to charities, even devote their entire lives to helping others.
Blues Seek Intimacy
More than anything else, Blues want to love and be loved. A true Blue will sacrifice a successful career to improve an important relationship. Once considered solely a female characteristic, this nurturing is more accurately understood as a Blue personality trait.
Blues Crave Being Understood
Blues are gratified when they are listened to, when they feel understood and appreciated. They are notorious for revealing their inadequacies, because they value being known and understood so much. In the eyes of a Blue, being vulnerable is a small price to pay for the chance to connect emotionally. Blues may have their hearts broken more than most people, but they also spend much more time in love.
Blues Need to Be Remembered and Appreciated
With Blues, a simple pat on the back will not suffice. Blues expend such great effort in making the world a better place that sometimes they need to be told how wonderful they are. They need to be thanked and specifically remembered for their good deeds. They need sincere gratitude. They delight in being remembered on birthdays and other special days, especially if the remembrance is personal - a homemade anniversary card, a welcome home party, a special day that isn’t on the calendar. Blues need tender loving care.
Blues Are Directed by a Strong Moral Conscience
Blues are motivated to behave in a proper, appropriate manner. They have a moral code that guides them in their decision-making, their value judgments, even their leisure time. Blues enjoy being “good.” Of all the colors, Blues come equipped with the strongest sense of integrity. A Blue would rather lose than cheat. Blues are trustworthy. Ethically, Blues are the people who should be in positions of power, but seldom are.
A balanced Blue is a very effective and efficient force in any group or organization. Blues are wonderful organizers who like to see things done, and done right. Blues are gentle, and loving, and will spend a lot of time helping others. They are very creative, and think well about processes and procedures, and they are not in the least afraid of hard work or long hours. Blues start AND complete projects, taking pride in what they do, and they easily share the results with others. Blues can be very good leaders, but are often the best managers to help a Red or Yellow leader.
STRENGTHS
- Loyal to people
- Committed
- Quality-oriented
- Sincere
- Honest
- Purposeful
- Moral
LIMITATIONS
- Self-righteous
- Judgmental
- Easily depressed
- Controlling
- Unforgiving
- Suspicious
- Irrational
Blue Careers
Teacher, Homemaker, Psychotherapist, Computer Programmer, Musician, Banker, Clergy, Accountant, Politician, Architect, Nurse, Engineer, Librarian, Journalist, Carpenter, etc.
Blue Public Persons
- Abraham Lincoln
- Princess Diana
- Walt Disney
Blue Countries
- United States
- England
- Denmark
WHITES
Whites Are Motivated by Peace
Whites will do almost anything to avoid confrontation. They like to flow through life without hassle or discomfort. Feeling good is even more important to them than being good. Whites need kindness. While Whites respond beautifully to thoughtfulness and amiability, they have a strong, silent stubbornness that surfaces when they are treated unkindly. They resent being scolded. They dislike harsh words. They open up instantly to people who are kind, but Whites recoil from those who are hostile. They are motivated by kindness and can’t understand why other people are unkind.
Whites Prefer Quiet Strength
Whites enjoy their quiet independence. What appears to some people as quiet desperation can show itself to be bullheadedness. Those who misinterpret the peace-loving nature of a White as an invitation to be demanding and bossy will soon meet a wall of passive resistance. Whites are tougher than people think.
Whites Like to Keep a Low Profile
Whites like to be asked their opinions. They won’t volunteer them. They value the respect of others, but they rarely go out of their way to seek it. They need to be coaxed to talk about their skills, hobbies, and interests.
Whites Are Independent
Unlike Reds and Blues, who want to control others, Whites seek only to avoid being controlled. They simply refuse to be under another’s thumb, especially when treated without the respect they feel they deserve. Whites want to do things their own way, in their own time. They don’t ask much of others, and resent it when others demand things from them. They often comply with unreasonable demands just to keep peace. They will express their anger and frustration only when they can no longer stand being bossed around. Whites don’t like to be pushed, and they can be fearsome when they finally “blow up.”
Whites Are Motivated by Other People’s Desires
Whites are open to the recommendations of others on ways to resolve any and all situations. White executives value new management ideas from employees. White children welcome help. They are receptive students. Whites make agreeable dates. They are interested in making sure the other person has a good time, and are willing to do whatever the other person wants. Whites, however, want suggestions not demands.
A balanced White is a very calming force in any group or organization. Whites harmonize well with others, building consensus and understanding. They are the best listeners, and hear many things that they can synthesize into wonderful ideas. They are often the most artistic personality, and will get things done quietly but with a personal flair. Whites do not gossip, and can be trusted to hold a confidence. Whites work very happily alone, getting a lot done on individual projects.
STRENGTHS
- Tolerant
- Patient
- Cooperative
- Accepting
- Objective
- Balanced
- Excellent at listening
LIMITATIONS
- Timid
- Silently stubborn
- Emotionally dishonest
- Lazy
- Uninvolved
- Dependent
- Directionless
White Careers
Forest Ranger, Dentist, Bureaucrat, Computer Programmer, Military, Recreation Leader, Researcher, Homemaker, Police Officer, Pre-school Teacher, Veterinarian, Lawyer, Engineer, F.B.I. Agent, Truck Driver, etc.
White Public Persons
- Albert Einstein
- Michael Jackson
- Jimmy Carter
White Countries
- Finland
- Switzerland
- Canada
YELLOWS
Yellows Value Play
Yellows consider life to be a party. And they’re hosting. One father (Blue) was disappointed when his son (Yellow) preferred spending time with friends instead of with him. When the father was reminded that his son was motivated by fun, it was suggested that he should try to come up with activities that his son felt were exciting. It was the “better offer” principle and it worked. Yellows just want to have fun.
Yellows Welcome Praise
Yellows need to be noticed. Little else improves a relationship with a Yellow more than praise. Yellows need to know they are valued and approved of. Yellows often act as though they have the world by the tail, but they do have their fears and frustrations which they rarely confide until they know they are emotionally safe. Safety is most effectively evidenced to Yellows through praise.
Yellows Need Emotional Connections
Yellows often appear so nonchalant that people think they don’t care about anything. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yellows need a great deal of attention. They need to be stroked. Yellows enjoy touching. To them, physical contact is often the most direct, comfortable intimate connection.
Yellows Want to Be Popular
Yellows like to be center stage. Social acceptance is very important to them. Friendships command a high priority in their lives because popularity answers one of their basic needs - the need for general approval. Yellows are highly verbal. They relish good conversation, but they can also simply go with the flow. Yellows can superficially chitchat with the best of them.
Yellows Like Action
Easily bored, Yellows seek adventure. They can never sit still for long. They choose friends who, like them, refuse to allow the “boring details” to get in the way of the most important thing in life: play. Ironically, numerous people are currently misdiagnosed as having ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) when, in fact, they are merely Yellow personalities struggling with their innate inability to sit still very long and/or stay focused.
Being mostly Yellow is balanced if one is, by nature, mostly Yellow AND is expressing the positive traits of the Yellow personality type. Ditto for the other types. In fact, people with a lot of internal conflict are often a “balance” of two, or even three, types, each having almost equal dominance in their lives.
A balanced Yellow is highly effective and innovative, a powerful force for the positive in any organization. A balanced Yellow brings people together and makes everyone feel happy and valued, a part of the team in an environment that is very safe. A balanced Yellow keeps energy and creativity up in an entire group, and things happen much more easily. Yellows are not always the best choice in a formal leadership position, but a balanced Yellow is almost always a power-center in an organization, and will solve many problems in a very informal but effective manner.
Yellow Careers
Firefighter, International Consultant, Travel Agent, Recreation Leader, Lifeguard, Beautician, Entertainer, Tour Guide, Circus Performer, Insurance Agent, Secretary, Receptionist, Sales, Retail, Clergy, etc.
STRENGTHS
- Positive
- Forgiving
- Friendly
- Optimistic
- Trusting
- Appreciative
- Open
LIMITATIONS
- Uncommitted
- Inconsistent
- Obnoxious
- Irresponsible
- Rebellious
- Self-centered
- Permissive
Yellow Public Persons
- Bill Clinton
- Ronald Reagan
- Elvis Presley
Yellow Countries
- Mexico
- Australia
- Brazil