CEOS DON’T LIKE the color red. At least not according to a new personality test based primarily on color preference. Developed in the 1990s by Atlanta temp agency owner Dewey Sadka, the Dewey Color System purports to be as accurate as the Myers-Briggs personality test, but doesn’t require answering virtually the same question 16 times over (which might explain why it’s gaining popularity). The Dewey also automatically suggests careers for you. We asked a few prominent Portlanders to take the 60-second test and share their results. Is it accurate? Who knows? But we’re taking some comfort in the fact that Oregon’s state economist ranks as a “Creator”—maybe he’s got some ideas about how to create new jobs.

Wim Wiewel

Occupation
President, Portland State University

Best occupational category
Researcher

Researcher traits
Independent, self-motivated, reserved, introspective,
analytical, and curious

Suggested researcher careers
Professor, physician, psychologist, chemist, inventor, dentist, real estate appraiser, veterinarian,
geologist, physicist

Second-best occupational category
Organizer

Organizer traits
Self-controlled, practical, self-contained, orderly, systematic, precise, and accurate

Suggested organizer careers
Administrator, secretary, printer, paralegal, building inspector, statistician, financial analyst, proofreader, accountant, banker, IRS agent

Merritt Paulson

Occupation
Owner/president, Portland Beavers and Portland Timbers

Best occupational category
Creator

Creator traits
Nonconforming, impulsive, expressive, romantic, intuitive, sensitive, and emotional

Suggested creator careers
Advertising executive, architect, web designer, creative director, public relations, artist, interior decorator, librarian, musician, writer

Second-best occupational category
Organizer

Tom Potiowsky

Occupation
State economist

Best occupational category
Creator

Second-best occupational category
Persuader

Persuader traits
Witty, competitive, sociable, talkative, ambitious, argumentative, and aggressive

Suggested persuader careers
Life insurance agent, Realtor, salesperson, auctioneer, marketing executive, financial planner, travel agent, florist, stockbroker, TV announcer, elected public official

Anna Matzinger

Occupation
Winemaker and co-general manager, Archery Summit winery

Best occupational category
Organizer

Second-best occupational category
Doer

Doer traits
Emotionally stable, reliable, high energy, practical, thrifty, and persistent

Suggested doer careers
Engineer, mechanic, gardener, plumber, police officer, rancher, electrician, forester, flight attendant, contractor, horticulture worker, professional athlete

Judy Peppler

Occupation
State president of Qwest

Best occupational category
Creator

Second-best occupational category
Persuader