Are you curious about your personality type? Sign up for the True Colors workshop to learn more about yourself. (Photo by Cameron Enomoto)

By Cameron Enomoto | Staff Writer

From shaping our choices to influencing important aspects of our lives, personality is at the center of human nature. As an undeniable part of us, it makes sense that we’d be curious about our personality type, and what better way to reveal that than through a personality test?

Personality tests can be beneficial for a variety of reasons including personal development, self-awareness, and team building. Certain tests, like the Myers-Briggs test, help people identify preferences in areas of personality. Others, like the Enneagram test, sort people into categories based on how they answer a series of questions. The True Colors test takes a different approach to personality by designating colors upon completion.

As someone who has participated in the True Colors workshop, it is a worthwhile experience. Before taking the True Colors test, I had a firm understanding of who I was and what was important to me. What I didn’t expect to gain from this experience was insight into how my personality type can enhance collaboration and vice versa. 

On Thursday, March 14, the advisor for Student Congress, Shannon Sakaue, will be hosting a True Colors workshop for all KCC students. The workshop will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Students who are interested can confirm their attendance with the Office of Student Life by emailing osl@hawaii.edu no later than Friday, March 8.

The True Colors test is unlike other personality tests because of its practical applications, simplicity, and focus on interpersonal communication. Participants are asked to rate how closely a trait matches them on a scale of one to four. Once this is completed, participants will add up the scores in each column. The column that has the highest score corresponds to the color that closely matches the participant, while the lowest score indicates that the corresponding color is the least like the participant.

The four colors that are included in the True Colors test are gold, orange, blue, and green. People with a gold personality type are described as organized, responsible, and dependable. Orange types are typically adventurous, spontaneous, and risk-takers. Blue individuals are characterized as nurturing, emotionally sensitive, and empathetic. Lastly, those with a green personality type are likely to be logical, independent, and analytical. 

Additionally, each color values various aspects of life. For instance, gold types value structure and rules while orange types enjoy new experiences and freedom. Blue personality types seek harmony and growth, unlike green types who prioritize innovation and knowledge.

Once participants discover their color, they are led through a series of activities that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type. These exercises demonstrate the necessity of each color and help people to better understand themselves and others.

After taking the test I found out that my personality type is blue. In comparison to the scores of the other colors, blue won by a landslide. Previously, I had been under the impression that because I think and act a certain way I would have a difficult time interacting with those who are on the opposite end of the personality spectrum. However, the positive framework of the workshop showed me how I can apply my strengths in various settings while working with people of different backgrounds and personalities.