MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

We can always develop and practice our communication skills with others. The better we know our own personality attributes, the more effective we can be with our social interactions with others. According to the Michigan State University Career Services Network, the National Association of Colleges and Employers career readiness competencies include communications and the ability to:

• Employ active listening, persuasion and influencing skills.
• Communicate in a clear and organized manner so that others can effectively understand.
• Ask appropriate questions for specific information from supervisors and others.

As described by Real Colors; “the exclusive Real Colors personality assessment is the foundation of a fun, interactive workshop where participants learn how to quickly identify their own temperament, or color, and that of others. Using this powerful knowledge, participants develop more effective communication skills and build better relationships - both in and out of the workplace - by understanding what motivates each of the Real Colors.”

This tool teaches individuals about themselves and others to be able to communicate more clearly with peers, friends, family, teachers and more. Many people use Real Colors practices every day to be more effective communicators, both personally and professionally. One may even gain some insight about some of their own qualities and attributes that should be on a resume, application, or part of the next interview experience. Certified facilitators with Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development, use the Real Colors assessment to help young people:

• Increase understanding of human behavior and personality temperament as it relates to effective communications.
• Gain an understanding of the attributes of the four colors (blue, orange, green and gold).
• Discover where they fall as an individual on the Real Colors spectrum, and within a group of their peers.
• Learn to recognize characteristics of each of the four colors and how to use that information to enhance communications and be a better listener.
• Have fun while building leadership and teamwork skills.
• Reflect on what they have learned and how to apply their insight into their next interview experience.

Join us at 4-H Exploration Days to experience the Real Colors personality assessment as a tool to help prepare for the world of work in the session titled “Orange, Blue, Green Gold – What are You?” Registration is currently open and is available on a first come, first-serve basis. Visit the Michigan 4-H Exploration Days site for more information and registration details.

MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.