What Brain Are You Using

October 2007

For years, people have been categorized by “right” or “left” brained terms in order to indicate personality differences. These terms were used to explain whether the individual was more logical, deliberate and practical (left-brained), or what was considered their opposite; creative, spontaneous and emotional (right-brained). Although there is a lot of truth to these distinctions, the brain ismuch more complex than this. People are not usually purely right brained or left brained. Instead, we all use components of our entire brain. Everyone’s personality is built with all four temperaments, one or two dominating. Everyone is unique in his or her specific color spectrum. In addition, we are all impacted by our environment, culture and life experiences. However, as you review these differences, you will understand and identify with the obvious differences within the right and left hemispheres of your brain.

Gold
  • Consistent
  • Conservative
  • Stable
  • Routine
  • Sensibility
  • Facts and stics
  • Deliberateness
  • Detail-Oriented
  • Persevering
  • Analytical
Green
  • Abstract
  • Theoretical
  • Intellectual
  • Complex
  • Competent
  • Inventive
  • Independent
  • Scientific
  • Curious
  • Research-oriented

Left Brain

Some apparent differences between the Gold and Green preference are in how they gather and process information. The Gold gathers information externally and organizes it in ways that makes historical and traditional sense. The Green preference gathers ideas and concepts and then processes them in their head, both internally.

Although both preferences rely on logic in decision-making, “logic” often means something entirely different based on the “lens” of the perceiver. The Gold preference’s logic is based on unchanging processes, procedures and data that have been historically proven. The Green preference’s logic is ever changing and based on their perceptions of theory, self, others and the complex world around them.

 

Right Brain

As you know, both right brain preferences are different in many ways. The Orange preference gathers information externally, based on their impulses in the moment, and processes it based on what their “gut” tells them. The Blue preference gathers information intuitively and processes it based on how they feel and how it will impact those they love.

Both the Orange and Blue preference are generally extrovert, meaning they get their energy from people. However, their motivation differs considerably. The Blue preference strives for harmony within relationships. The Orange preference enjoys sharing life’s experiences and adventures with other people.

Review some common “right-brained” words to describe the Orange and Blue preferences. Remember, the definitions for the same words are often entirely different based on the “lens” of that person’s preference.

Orange
  • Adaptable
  • Artistic
  • Charismatic
  • Open-minded
  • Risk-taking
  • In the present
  • Generous
  • Easygoing
  • Tolerant
  • Persuasive
  • Experiential
  • Competitive
Blue
  • Sympathetic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Creative
  • Intuitive
  • Insightful
  • Subjective
  • Perceptive
  • Loyal
  • Sensitive
  • Accepting
  • Compassionate
  • Agreeable
 

Here is an easy summary to help you understand some of the key differences between the temperaments, even when they mainly “use” the same side of the brain!

Gold/Green Differences

  • Greens avoid unnecessary confrontation; Golds often speak their mind.
  • Golds seek to belong while Greens enjoy autonomy.
  • Golds can’t stand disorder. Greens don’t mind external disorder as long as it’s all organized in their heads.
  • Greens have the ability to visualize ideas and concepts easily while Golds look to external evidences.
  • Golds love to set and obey the rules. Greens question their rules and established procedures.
  • Golds love the completion of projects. Greens promote progress and evolution even if a project never gets completed.
  • Greens are vision oriented and dwell in the future. Golds focus historically for their solutions.
Left and Right brain differences

Orange/Blue Differences

  • Blues enjoy tranquility and peace. Oranges thrive in action and adventure.
  • Oranges love to be the center of attention. Blues want to fit into the group and be accepted.
  • Oranges consider the effects that people and things will have on them. Blues consider the effects their actions will have on other people.
  • Blues like symbolic and sentimental tokens of affection, while Oranges like physical tokens of affection.
  • Blues compromise so they don’t have to compete. Oranges enjoy competition.
  • Oranges vigorously express emotions. Blues creatively express feelings.
  • Oranges set trends. Blues follow fashions.