Philosophy & Theory

 Why People Do What They Do

For centuries, philosophers, psychologists, behaviorists and temperament theorists have attempted to answer this age-old question: Why do people do what they do? It’s a simple question, but the answer is anything but. The Spectrum Temperament Development Model^® answers the question in an interesting and colorful way.

The Spectrum Model builds on a number of established temperament theories dating back to ancient Greece. Building and expanding on the existing theories, the Spectrum Model includes one very important difference from all other models: emphasizing that through experience, people can learn and develop skills and strengths which are not part of their innate preferences and abilities. It’s a more dynamic approach, founded in the belief that people are constantly evolving, learning and changing. Spectrum Development promotes the key components for achieving optimal success: an awareness, appreciation and development of self and others. 

Your Full Color Spectrum 

There are two aspects to your Full Color Spectrum. First is the interaction styles, introversion and extroversion, which describe your thinking process and energy source. The second is your temperament colors, Blue, Green, Gold and Orange, which describe four distinct patterns of behavior. The combination and blending of your interaction styles and temperament colors create your Full Color Spectrum, or what makes you YOU!

People are born with a preferred interaction style, either Introvert or Extrovert. This style describes how you think – in your head or out loud; and where you get your energy – from yourself or from others. Introversion and Extroversion play a significant role in understanding people. Your interaction style is what people see on the outside. Once you make a connection with someone, you start to reveal your preferences, talents and skills.

          You are also born with a “natural” temperament color that provides you with a unique array of gifts, talents and skills. Your natural temperament directly influences your attitudes, behaviors and perceptions – it’s the “nature” of the nature vs. nurture theory. You cannot completely separate yourself from your natural temperament, for it’s the essence of who you are. 

          You are also born with the capacity to develop skills and strengths of the other colors. Through life experiences and relationships, most people develop traits of at least one other color. This is called your “secondary” temperament. When your secondary temperament is developed effectively, it becomes a “blend” with your natural temperament. You then use the two in unison, with your natural temperament always leading the way. Most people possess traits and skills from their third and fourth colors, however, these colors are usually less developed than their natural and secondary colors. By learning and developing qualities of all the temperament colors you can enhance your relationship with yourself and others. In fact, personal growth and optimal success comes from understanding, appreciating and developing skills from all four colors and both interaction styles.