Choosing to bring colour to our work

We can choose to bring colour to our work, much like an artist selects the next shade of blue when painting a sky, to bring a certain mood or feeling to their creation. We can choose what colour we want to bring to a situation, to a project, to our leadership.

Looking back at last weeks inauguration, what colour did Kamala Harris bring? Perhaps a warm pink, for her work and the people that had helped her get there. Maybe a deep purple, standing tall and proud, hopeful for change.

We see colours everywhere, and we also feel them. This means we can choose to bring this feeling into a situation with us.

Look around you now at the range of colours. On your desk, outside the window, in your clothes. What would it be like to widen your range as you lead others?

In my work with one client, this idea resonated so strongly with him that he could identify the particular shade of pink when he talked about how much he wants to be hugged right now. He also talked about a bright blue, when he spoke about his vision to collaborate with people that make him laugh and share his vision for meaningful work.

We see colours differently, but we all see them, and they make us feel something, they can empower us.

When I am struggling, I often think about what colour can I bring to this situation or problem. It helps me shift from what inevitably is a stuck feeling, a murky brown or a beige into something brighter, more confident, and intentional.

Bringing colour is a choice when we react, stand back, put our head in the sand, or lash out. Are these the shades that we want to bring or could we intentionally choose something else?

Have a look at the questions in the photo and see what answers you come up with.

I’m Sally, and I’m a leadership coach and trainer, and I work with leaders who want to make meaningful changes.

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