We conclude this descriptive journey through the three primary styles or leadership by offering a mythic rendering of the three styles. In our next essay, consideration is given to a fourth style which blends all three. This fourth style is represented by the Rainbow. We then consider three specific blends of the three primary styles, looking briefly at Tangy Orange, Verdant Green and Royal Purple styles of leadership.
The Ruby Red Person of Action
The Ruby Red interpersonal preference is fiery. The fire burns so that the Ruby Red person can make a difference in the world. In seeking to make a difference, there is a tendency for Ruby Reds to be Extraverted. It is hard to have an impact when you are sitting back. While you can try to change the world from inside the tent, it is usually easier to change things from in front of the tent. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Ruby Reds can be introverted as well as extraverted.
For the extravert, this fire burns bright for all to see. For the introvert, the fire is often burning internally, without much external manifestation. Resources for both the extravert and introvert are consumed at a rapid rate. This rapid run generates a great deal of energy in the extravert. These folks are typically quite active in groups and teams—and may even dominate the proceedings. While we need this energy if we are to take action and not just stand in place, the extravert can lead us in the wrong direction. However, this is the person who leaps out of the fox hole, charging forth in a manner that inspires those around them to also move forward.
Without acting, we are frozen in place. This is the most destructive state in which a human being can exist. We are no more than the small marsupials living on the African savannah who freeze in place when the lion approaches—for the alternative is to try running away or fighting the lion. Neither of these options makes much sense for the marsupial, but do make sense for the human being who is no longer living on the Savannah and is fighting something other than lions. The key motto is: “Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something!”
By contrast, the Introverted Ruby Red is often just “standing there and not doing something!” They may be burning with ambitious but resent not being asked to act upon this ambition. It is often only after the Extraverted leader has led the group astray that the Introverted leader steps forward to “save the day.” They might not be any more successful than their Extraverted colleague. Both types of Ruby Red leaders often operate without adequate information (provided by the Golden Yellow) or respect for the needs and feelings of other members of the group or team (provided by the Azure Blue).
The activist Ruby Red dwells in a world of ideas that lead directly to action. There is the fire of activism burning in the heart of a Ruby Red Person. Things are to be done immediately: “Why put off till tomorrow what we can do today!” For the activist, cautious deliberations are frustrating and demoralizing: “Let’s get on with it!” The activist tends to define the world in terms of leadership and risk-taking: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” He or she often suspects that the real problem of those who urge more deliberation is an unwillingness to take risks. The activist believes that action must be taken even though not all the information is in and even though the proposed solution is not perfect: “Something is better than nothing.”
