What Does the Word "Problem" Mean For each Chromatype?

For each of the Chromatypes, the word “problem” has a different meaning in its dynamical system. When somebody says something is a “problem,” they may be meaning quite different things at quite different scales.

These different conceptualizations of "problems" help explain why people with different Chromatypes might approach the same situation with completely different strategies and priorities—sometimes leading to conflict.

Blue

For Blue, a problem is an obstacle to forward momentum or efficiency. It's something that slows down progress or creates friction in a system that should be optimized. Blue sees problems as puzzles to be solved through analysis, innovation, and understanding the underlying mechanics. A problem represents an opportunity to apply knowledge and create a better tool or system. Blue encounters many problems in a day, and often has fun thinking about problems or solving problems. When there are too many problems Blue does not know how to solve, Blue gets frustrated that its system is not optimized.

White

For White, a problem is part of the status-quo—a disruption to established order or community wellbeing, but this is to be expected. The daily grind involves solving problems and working together to solve problems. White sees problems as situations requiring structure, research, rules, or coordinated effort to resolve. A problem represents a call to work together and create a better balance.

Green

For Green, a problem represents a call to reconnect with what is sustainable and true. It is a sign that something had gone off the “path” of wisdom, and something must be learned or implemented in order to return to the path and for balance and progress to be restored. A problem is a deviation from “reality”—often based on incorrect or uncalibrated perception of the situation. The solution therefore often involves looking at the situation more clearly with a wider lens—before this happens, the problem is likely to persist and continue to make things worse.

Red

For Red, a problem is an immediate challenge demanding immediate response. It's something that threatens what matters right now and requires intense action. Red sees problems as moments that call for full engagement of one's capabilities and emotions. Sometimes a problem requires personal costs to resolve. If the problem is not resolved, then this risks dire consequences that would either be impossible to fix later, or be much more difficult later. Sometimes not solving the problem would lead to a loss of personnel, resources, or important inspiration.

Black

For Black, a problem is a situation requiring clear-eyed assessment of trade-offs. Problems are an unpleasant, but common and expected occurrence. It's something that forces recognition and renegotiation of limited resources and opportunity costs. Black sees problems as inevitable aspects of reality that must be faced pragmatically. A problem represents a call to make strategic choices based on honest evaluation of what can actually be accomplished given constraints.