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WHAT IS YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL STYLE
Gold, Blue, Red or Green

GOLDS

Driven by a sense of being the responsible overseer, Gold’s are cautious risk takers. In starting a new venture, they require a well-developed business plan and will quickly move to establish predictability, order, systems and established procedures. Unlike other types they are not likely to be diverted by opportunities outside their stated objectives or tried and true methodology. Rarely ‘dreamers and schemers’ they need other styles, particularly those who can foresee and respond to changing markets and those who are best at handling the crisis of the moment. The special gifts of Golds are building operating teams, paying attention to details and bringing projects to fruition on time and on budget.

BLUES

More than others, Blues yearn to establish their own venture as a testing ground for new ideas, whether realistic or not. In the hub of the excitement, however they often lose interest in the details, the daily routine and execution. Blues will take off with limited information or a hunch, recognizing that risks are part of the deal. They can handle many projects at once and are highly adaptable in changing direction to meet the demands of the marketplace. They do not work with a predictable routine, and delegate freely, being most productive when they can rely on other types. They particularly need those who deal well with people and those who set up procedures and controls. The special gifts of Blues include seeing new market trends and inspiring others with their vision.

REDS

Under the right circumstances, Reds are born to be entrepreneurs. Natural risk takers, they excel as long as what they are doing is in demand and business is brisk. Their competence and approach to risk is based on gut instinct, rather than deliberation. Often with limited interest in formal learning, they opt for practical knowledge and become real specialists in their chosen fields. Reds do not rely on conventional ways but approach each new project with utmost energy and freedom of thought. Never bound by rules or procedures, they excel in a crisis, coolly managing the situation long after others have caved in. They are also outstanding negotiators, sizing up each individual situation and producing the best out of it. When strategic thinking or organizational skills are required, however, they best recognize their need for the talents of other types. The special gifts of Reds include getting things done without extensive resources.

GREENS

Rarely do they start out as entrepreneurs. Often special opportunities or changes in employment status prompt a series of steps that turn into an independent venture. Greens are also typically not driven as much by material gain as others. Rather they get their satisfaction from providing value and expressing their creative energies. That is both their strength and blindspot. They succeed because they are the ultimate ‘harmonizers’ with the ability to win the loyalty of clients and staff alike. This quality combined with superior communication skills does make good business sense, although soft skills are often underestimated by other styles. Greens need to be complemented by the tough negotiating strengths of other color groups. Their special gifts include drawing the best from their team and creatively communicating their product and ideas to the marketplace.

Readers Want to Know

Q. I am a very tidy Gold (my spices are alphabetized). My spouse is a decidedly untidy Red. I love the guy but his mess is driving me over the bend.

A. Reds and Golds are often attracted to each other precisely because they each bring something different to the union. Recognizing that you will not change him, here are two strategies that might help.

First, every time you see the mess remind yourself it is the flipside of the guy you fell in love with– the other side being his fun, generous and non-judgmental charm.

Secondly, separate your work/hobby areas. Allow him the mess in his area without daily comments. Stay away from it. Agree on what are common areas. Fill them with plenty of storage areas where things can be put away without too much effort. Then agree on a certain minimum level of order. Accept that you will probably be the one to do most of the maintenance. Just remember this is not personal! He probably does not even see it.