Four Styles of a Serving Heart

Human beings are complex yet unique beings, each with their own unique blends of traits and characteristics. Although these personality dimensions establish themselves in differing ways, there is a common thread that unites them all: a serving heart.

During a workshop, we were talking about the quality of having a serving heart. Immediately, someone jumped in and said, “Well, that must mean they are an Authentic Blue!” with enthusiasm.

This was a teachable moment. Excitedly, we asked the participant why they felt this way. They began explaining, saying it was evident through their empathy, compassion and genuine concern for others. Their serving heart is demonstrated through their unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, their innate ability to understand others and creating a space where people feel they can express themselves openly and honestly. Their willingness to listen and nurture help those around them overcome challenges in their path.

It was a truly thoughtful response. But it didn’t stop here.

We asked the group, “How do other Personality Dimensions® lead with a serving heart? We quickly put them into small group discussions, and here’s the brilliant discussions that came from it.

They recognized that while yes, an Authentic Blue can absolutely have a serving heart, the other personalities also demonstrate this, but in their own way. All the personalities care deeply, but how they demonstrate that differs.

The Organized Golds demonstrate their serving heart through their strong sense of responsibility and dependability. They are dedicated and loyal to ensure that people are taken care of in their lives and that what needs to get done will be achieved. Their attention to detail, their organized abilities and planning confirm that they serve others to make sure all the small details are taken care of.

The Resourceful Oranges demonstrate their serving heart through their ability to bring an adventurous spirit, energy and spontaneity to any situation. They are known for motivating, inspiring and encouraging others to take risks and embrace new opportunities. Resourceful Oranges work very hard but also find joy in play and that’s how they serve others: a commitment to serving through variety and enthusiasm.

When the groups got to discussing the Inquiring Greens, this was their lightbulb moment, and you saw it on their faces. Inquiring Greens may sometimes get a reputation for raining on the parade but they also have so much to offer if we choose to explore their personalities and not judge them. The Inquiring Greens demonstrate their serving heart a little differently than the others. They do it through their analytical thinking, their curious nature and desire to acquire new knowledge. They exhibit serving others by a willingness to share knowledge they have gathered and helping find innovative solutions to complex problems. Their service doesn’t focus on the emotional component, rather it focuses on teaching, advising and mentoring to promote growth and development within themselves and others.

Each of the four dimensions have their strengths and characteristics that are valuable to a team, underpinned by a common value: their serving heart. In the wise words of Walt Whitman, “Be Curious, Not Judgmental”. In life, we know we need to make judgments. But the best judgments come from starting out being curious, asking questions, seeking clarification, just by making statements.

Want to know the best part about this article? It all came together on the drive home after a workshop, presenting alongside my Dad, Gary Gzik. We talked, I jotted down notes (okay more like chicken scratch). This article came to life, and we had the most awesome conversation about serving others from different perspectives. The greatest ideas and inspiration absolutely come from the most unexpected conversations on long drives.

Hannah Gzik, Vice President of Build a Kick Ass Company, brings a unique and energizing perspective to helping organizations, small and large, build strong, healthy workplace cultures where people bring their energy and creativity to work every day.

Hannah has learned the value of dedication as she has become a master of her craft, ultimately leading to her role as VP. She has received recognition for her sales management skills, acting on global committees in the analytics industry. Hannah is a certified Level 2 Personality Dimensions® trainer and enjoys helping people unlock their personality and live a kick ass life.

When Hannah isn’t chasing after workplace zombies, she can be found cooking up a storm (but don’t classify her as a cook), diving into a good book, jetting off for adventure, and spoiling her pup, Cooper.