U101 True Colors/Leadership Lesson Plan

Materials: True colors assessments, Meaning of each color outline worksheet, slide-show of personality descriptions (if
desired)

Timeline:
o Intro: 5 minutes
o True Colors Assessment: 20 minutes
o Presentation/Reflection: 15 minutes
o Teams and Idea Generation: 10 minutes

1: Introduce the topic. Describe why it is important to understand your leadership style and of those around you.
o Throughout ones college career, students will frequently be placed into group projects and scenarios where they
will need to use their strong suits to benefit the team to the best of their abilities. Although broad, the True Colors
assessment will provide students with a baseline to understand interactions with others and personal values.

2: Goals for today:

o Complete the True Colors personality test
o Ensure students identify with a personality group, and understand the typical traits associated with said group
o Allow students to reflect upon which traits they recognize most and least within themselves
o Introduce students to diverse group setting, brainstorm project ideas

3: True Colors Personality Test

Instructions:
Compare all 4 boxes in each row. Do not analyze each word; just get a sense of each box. Score each of the four boxes in
each row, from most like you to lease like you: 4 = most, 3 = a lot, 2 = somewhat, 1 = least.
When complete, total the numbers down each column. Identify the color which is associated with the highest score, or
reflects being the most like you.

4: Sharing Our Colors

o Go around the room and have each student share which color they received.
o Read the facilitator descriptions of each color.

5: Reflection of Our Colors

o Have students read over the description independently
o Have students pair off and discuss what elements of the color trait they see in each other, and then in themselves.
o What do you agree with? Disagree?
o Where do you see these traits most clearly in your life?
o How do you think others perceive those in your personality group?

5: Split Into Teams

Divide students into teams, diversifying the composition of each team by color.

5: Project Description
Task: You have just been given the chance to present a product or concept in the Darla Moore School of Business Shark
Tank. Judges will listen to a short presentation on the product, then ask questions to decide if they would invest in the
venture.
Goal: Come up with a product/service that fills a need in the community. Divide your teams into professional roles to
tackle and present your solution. Student groups will create and sign a contract outlining the responsibilities and
expectations of each group member.
Deadline: November 13, 2017
Note: After the completion of the project, students will reflect upon their group experience, and whether or not their
color, and teammates color effected the group success and dynamic.
Outside Resources:
Career Center: 803-777-7280
career@sc.edu
Thomas Cooper Library, Level 5, 1322 Greene St.
http://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/career_center/index.php