Dozens of us filled the top floor function centre at the Classics Museum in Frankton. In order to establish what our dot combination was, Bunty talked us through a range of questions and statements. With each one that resonated with us, we'd put down a tick. We counted up all our red, yellow, purple and blue ticks until we figured out which colour we were strongest in.
There are four colours/types: the rationalist red dots (very logical, clear thinking, no-nonsense communicators, often accused of being too abrupt, when they're just trying to get to the point of the matter without all the 'fluffy' talk); the visionist purple dots (big picture people who talk a good game), pictorialist yellow dots (detailed and punctual people who need clear information), and sensationist blue dots (driven by their emotions who need to get a 'feel' for something before they'll make a decision).
We all possess a combination of these styles, and communicate accordingly.
Turns out I'm strong in red with a decent splash of yellow, a dash of purple and very little blue.
As a red dot I'm very driven, realistic, practical and have a strong work ethic (and expect the same of others). Sometimes I take things too literally (as my boss will attest to!) and I hate being lied to. If I feel unappreciated, I begin to feel resentful. Unfair criticism and lack of respect really wind me up. And I have a tendency to assume control if others around me are faffing about.
The yellow dot in me is the part that loves lists and need as much detail as possible before I make a decision based on all the facts. It's the part of me that hates being rushed into making a decision (especially when I don't have all the information I need), that can't stand being late and can't stand when others are late and that can't stand it when people say they'll do something and they don't. It's the yellow in me that accounts for being super organised and a perfectionist. And it's the bit of purple in me that doesn't like being forced to do things other people's way.
I knew this about myself but it was empowering to be able to look at it objectively and accept that that's who I am. It was also fascinating to hear about the other colours and recognise how friends, family and colleagues fit into those different colour combinations.
After we'd established what our primary colour was, Bunty split us up into our colour groups.
Within those we carried out several fun and enlightening exercises. But by far the most interesting to me was this: we had to list things about each of the other colours that annoyed us and then the things that we liked about them.
It was interesting to hear how the purples,yellows and blues, viewed us. According to them, the things that annoy them about the reds were that we're blunt, opinionated, snooty, domineering, impatient, bossy, intolerant, questioning and abrupt. But there were a raft of positives: we're organised, logical, decisive, loyal, tenacious, focused, rational, analytical, efficient, strong, leaders, honest and good humoured.
While other colours saw purple as being full of hot air, egotistical, know-it-alls, don't finish things and talk a lot, they are also vibrant, social, full of great ideas, quick-witted, creative, and curious.
While blues can be time wasters, take things personally, and may go to extreme lengths to avoid confrontation, they are friendly, articulate, affectionate, genuine, sincere, thoughtful and considerate.
And while yellows can be critical, picky, judgemental, and inflexible, they are also neat and tidy, even tempered, have great memories, are hard working and reliable, are punctual and pay attention to detail.
The exercise saw four groups of negatives on the board and four positives. At the end of writing up the lists, Bunty wiped all the negatives off the board. Simply put, the exercise was an effective way of helping us recognise the positive attributes of the people we live and work with everyday and a reminder to utilise those diverse skills in a team environment in the workplace.
Bunty doesn't encourage participants to go about categorising people according to colour -- "whatever you do, don't go back to work and tell someone they're a blue/purple/red/yellow dot -- they'll hate you for it".
So what did I take away from the day? It helped me identify other people's communication styles so I can communicate with them better. And let's face it, who couldn't do with adding that skill to their arsenal?
Secondary to that though, was taking away some acceptance for who I am. I admit to feeling guilty about aspects of my personality sometimes, but dotting enabled me to view some of those traits that could be perceived as negatives in a more positive light.
I know I have my place in the world. I have to be opinionated and questioning, efficient and organised to do my job well. I'm okay with the fact that another 'colour' may view that as being domineering, bossy and no-nonsense. That's their perception, and that's okay.
Dotting wasn't only informative, it also offered plenty of practical tools and tips for everyday use. And it was loads of fun thanks to Bunty's vibrant humour (he's definitely a purple dot first and foremost!).
I'd highly recommend dotting for anyone who wants to learn to communicate better in both business and their personal lives. For information on the next dotting day, check out www.facebook.com/Buntycom.
