The Insights Discovery Creative Position

The juxtaposition between opposites can offer the creative person an advantage but may also create confusion for colleagues who become unsure which version of the creative person to expect.

For example, an individual may be demonstrating a green energy preference by sharing a relaxed and harmonious discussion with colleagues, before abruptly engaging their red energy to ignite everyone into action to get the job done.

Or the individual could be demonstrating a yellow energy preference by enthusiastically sharing ideas with colleagues in one moment, then in the next their blue energy comes to the forefront as they withdraw into quiet, logical thought to analyse the implications of those ideas.

Insights identify three main situations that might bring about the creative position

1. It comes naturally

Jung suggested that it's simply natural for some people to have a preference which has opposites actively in play, and although this type is hard to define, it does exist.

2. The environment

The environment (perhaps the demands of the work environment) requires the person to engage the colour energy that is opposite to their dominant preference. An example of this might be someone who has a preference for green energy and holds a management position in a culture which demands that red energy be exercised, and this demand drives the individual into a creative green/red dynamic, (this may or may not cause this person stress).

3. Change

The individual may be going through a transition in life, and the normally inferior (least preferred) function arrives to be actively used as the auxiliary (second) energy. This may be challenging and confusing for the individual. It may signify a time of change in which the individual, after a period of creative dynamic, moves to a new position or role where the creative dynamic is no longer needed.

1. Self awareness

Continue to build self-awareness and emotional intelligence by learning how to identify which colour energy you are using at any given moment - and being able to adapt and connect with others from that place.

This will help you tune in to which behaviour you are drawing upon and give more clarity around what might be pulling you in which direction.

2. Communication

Talk to your team about your experience in the creative position to bring understanding and greater awareness. As you have access to all four colour energies in a way that others might not, you can show up in a more diverse way, behaviourally speaking. Colleagues might say ‘I’m not sure which version we will get through the door today. Or ‘in meetings, they move through the colours very fast, which sometimes leaves the rest of us behind’.

Just explaining your thought process and how you see projects and tasks can help others appreciate how you move through the colour energies.

3. Reflection

People in the creative position tend to be competent in all they turn their hand to. Whilst this ability brings benefits, it can leave them wondering what their ‘calling’ might really be.

If this describes your experience, try reflecting on what makes you happiest at work, then seek more of it. Although you will still be able to move easily through the behaviours, putting conscious effort into becoming more familiar with one behavioural style could lead to greater fulfilment.