The threat for a Tangy Orange leader is based on an understandable fear of failing to take all relevant factors into account —which is especially likely to occur under conditions of VUCA-Plus. It is a matter of learning from our mistakes rather than never making a mistake. Without this action-learning orientation, the Purposeful Tangy Orange leader is inclined to never move forward—despite being courageous. As Dr. Tim Munzing declares: “Avoid paralysis by analysis – don’t miss opportunities waiting for all the information when you have a sufficient amount to make a good decision.” [Tim Munzing, MD, Family Physician Kaiser Permanente – Orange County] (McKenna and Pugno, 2006, p. 203)
Verdant Green: Analytic Compassion and Visioning
Verdant Green is a combination of Golden Yellow and Azure Blue. Ideally, it brings together the thoughtfulness and data-based orientation of Golden Yellow with the caring, service-oriented orientation of Azure Blue. We find this orientation to be abundant in the human service sectors of our society and in the human relations divisions of contemporary organizations. It is also prevalent in certain sectors of health care – especially those sectors that push for expansion beyond the traditional confines of allopathic medicine and for a focus on the motives and concerns of both those providing health care and those receiving it.
Verdant Green is about opening the options for action (once again contrasting with the tendency of Ruby Reds to close off the options too quickly). The term Verdant is used because this is a Green that is fully alive (perhaps even overgrown) with abundant foliage (choices). These choices often are articulated in a desire among Verdant Green leaders to bring multiple disciplines into the perspectives and practices of the medical profession. Many of these leaders are particularly inclined to recommend advanced education in management among those who wish to address the complex issues of contemporary health care. A physician in the Mayo system offers just such a recommendation (McKenna and Pugno, 2006, p. 252):
“Why are dual degree programs becoming so prevalent? The practice of medicine is vastly different today. In the past, administration was mostly ignored by doctors who wanted to do their own thing. For example, when the U.S. government began funding medical care, the repercussions weren’t quickly appreciated. When the government became the largest payer for medical services, it wasn’t long before Washington began to dictate prices and standards. For better or worse, medical care in the United States was changed forever.
Another example is evidenced in technology advances. Doctors today must know about the business and the law of medicine. Pharmacists face similar challenges. They are scientifically oriented and running a pharmacy is a complex business. Many medical schools still avoid business topics – except as an option perhaps.” [Monte L. Anderson, MD, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale]
