As expected this advertising agency favors the intuitive side of the Rainbow of Styles. But this does not mean planning, analysis and control are unimportant for their performance. Since their rational employees are not as strong in their preferences as the intuitive ones, they need to make sure the rational needs of their organization are being taken care of.

Rainbow of Styles

The distance between individuals on the "U" shaped Rainbow of Styles indicates their degree of style similarity. The further apart they are, the more dissimilar they are. The largest possible difference (200) would be between the maximum 100 scores for rational and intuitive at each end of the rainbow.

As shown by their rainbow positions, the Central Coast agency ranges from a maximum of 47 rational to 83 intuitive. Eight individuals have a preference for the intuitive orientation and four for the rational. The I-26 Center of Balance shows the intuitive orientation of the organization as a whole. A workshop leader can arrange the group in the "U" shape to stimulate imaginative discussion of style related issues.

One provocative topic is to consider how we stereotype individuals who are at the ends of the rainbow. Another interesting issue is to have representative people around the "U" describe how they would handle a disciplinary action. The farther apart on the rainbow, the greater the difference in approaches. These or similar exercises highlight the role of style in shaping an individual's attitude and behavior.

Return to the PSI Learning Kit introduction

Rainbow Teams

Paired Opposite Teams

For paired opposite style teams, the rainbow position is used to place individuals in two person groups with those who are most dissimilar to them in style. This arrangement emphasizes preferences that complement each other.

The paired opposite difference for each team ranges from a low of 60 to a high of 86. The greater the difference, the more the individuals are likely to have contrasting views on how to handle situations. In a workshop setting, these pairs are used to help each participant sharpen the focus of their Action Plan.

After completing their plan, each member of the pair shares the results with their opposite. The process of talking through the Action Plan helps the person clarify their intent. And the feedback from their opposite teammate frequently brings up issues that the person did not consider. This highlights the value of having a different point of view in preparing a plan.

Similar Teams

For similar style teams, the rainbow positions is used to place individuals in groups with others who are most like them in orientation. The teams emphasize similarities in personal style preferences that reinforce each other. These team members are most likely to feel at home with each other.

With an average of 75, the intuitive team more strongly represents the intuitive orientation than the rational team average of 27 represents that orientation. At 31 the middle team favors the intuitive orientation although not nearly as strongly as the intuitive team.

These teams can be given a workshop assignment to list the characteristics of an Ideal Organization (Family). The more strongly the end teams represent their orientation, the more distinct their differences. The middle team typically comes up traits that span the extremes. Having the end teams report their descriptions to the group underscores these differences and generates lively discussion on the differences.

Dissimilar Teams

For dissimilar style teams, the rainbow position is used to place individuals in groups with others who differ from them in style. This arrangement emphasizes complementary style orientations with more diversity than the paired opposite teams.

Since the center of balance rests on the intuitive side, averages for the dissimilar teams are all intuitive. These groups offer the greatest opportunity to explore the full spectrum of style preferences in situations. Their differences can be explored in terms of the tasks each would be assigned on a project.

The workshop leader gives each group a project summary including a specific list of tasks required to accomplish the project's goals. The team assignment is to determine which person would be best suited for each task based on their relative position in the rainbow. The teams are asked to report and explain the rationale for their assignments.

How do You Form the Teams?

These teams are formed using the rainbow position for each person. This can be done during a workshop where the participants bring a printed copy of their completed Strategy Profile or it can be done before the workshop by requesting the information in advance. Follow this link for detailed instructions for forming the Rainbow of Styles as well as all the three types of teams.

BACK