The Power of Color in Business & Leadership

Much research has been done on color and the messages it sends out. Color can affect your mood and your energy levels, it affects us physically, mentally and emotionally - it also affects how others view you.
In high school I always loved the song by Chicago "Colour My World" (okay I'm showing my age). Color inspires our emotion and gives us the desire to silently communicate our wish to look great, feel great and proud of who we are.
Today I will tell you about the colors blue, brown, green, and pink. Tomorrow I will continue with gray, orange, purple, yellow, red, black and white.
Blue is America's favorite color - especially medium blue. Men and women respond differently to colors however they both respond positively to blue. Blue is peaceful, tranquil, it causes the body to produce calming chemicals - like taking endorphins - it makes you feel good. Blue is recommended to wear to a job interview because it synbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. In many diverse cultures blue is significant in religious beliefs, believed to keep the bad spirits away.
Brown is the color that says I am reliable and dependable. Here in Louisville when we think of brown it reminds us of UPS - an economic leader in our city. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to earth - a classical element. Have you heard the saying that someone is "down to earth"? Maybe you typically see them in brown. Brown can stimulate the appetite, it implies friendliness, wholesomeness, steadfastness and dependability. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors.
Green is the color of grass and leaves, it conveys a sense of calm and reassurance. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. When you wear green you are saying that you are nuturing, friendly, kind, peaceful and helpful. Green is believed to be the luckiest of colors in some western countries including Britan, Ireland (where it is also a national color) and the US. You will want to wear green when people are looking to you for a new invigorating idea, plan or product. Hospital employees often wear green because it relaxes patients. Dark green is conservative and implies wealth. Green is the color of spring, youth, generosity, envy, balance, harmony and stability.
Pink reminds us of springl. It is feminine and reminds us of health and love. Pink also reminds us of gratitude and admiration but is not a strong color for someone in a leadership position needing to convey strength and power.
I love color - I love to wear color and experiment with color combinations. Check back tomorrow as I continue to explore the affects of color. Go out and color your world.
Joyfully,
Chris