LESSON: 1,1 – Why SGL works?
SGL works because it appeals to both the rational and the emotional sides of the brain.
That happens when you hear the words, meet the persons live and get your gut feeling here-and-now.
Secret: 1,1
COLORS
Learn to Seperate
your message into
PPP:
Professional
Personal
Privat
Communication
A magical rainbow. Photo: Jorge Fernandez/Unsplash
What the Rainbow Reveals
The rainbow has always been here. From the moment light broke through the darkness when God said, “Let there be light!”—and there was light. It became a symbol of a promise between the Creator and creation, as told in Genesis 9:12 and beyond.
But whether you believe in this story or not doesn’t really matter. Colors speak for themselves, no matter what we believe. The rainbow is proof of that. Human experiences tell us the same thing.
Over time, different religions and cultures have connected colors to meaning, creating a universal language that doesn’t need explanation. Most people understand colors naturally, through emotions and experiences. No words are needed. The colors say it all!
How the color language works.
The rainbow separates light into colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, – just as we separate communication into different categories: head language, heart language, gut language, and body language. By combining these experiences, we create a color-based language that becomes a powerful tool for expressing what we want.
It sounds simple, but in practice, it’s rare to find a leadership method that so uniquely utilizes our natural ways of understanding, as SGL does.
It all started by chance. As the editor of a magazine, I used to lecture young students on practical journalism. They would listen, read, and take notes—until one moment when I suddenly noticed that everyone was fully engaged. It was an experience I still remember vividly.
Later, during lunch, I overheard some students discussing the lecture. They were talking about the colors I had used to separate and adapt messages for different goals. That moment was an eye-opener for me. It became the foundation for the color language in SGL.
The Power of Communication: A Leadership Lesson
Espen had always prided himself on being a logical and efficient manager. When a serious security issue arose at his company, he immediately crafted a detailed email explaining the problem and outlining the necessary steps to resolve it. It was clear, factual, and straight to the point.
The next day, his inbox was flooded with follow-up emails and phone calls. Instead of feeling reassured, Espen grew concerned. Many employees seemed confused, others were alarmed, and some even appeared resistant to the proposed changes.
Determined to clarify things, Espen organized a company-wide meeting. The head of security gave a thorough presentation, and discussions followed. Some people asked questions, debated solutions, and shared their concerns. But as the meeting ended, Espen realized, nothing had been decided. The issue remained unresolved.
His frustration turned to worry. Why wasn’t the message getting through? Why were people hesitant to act? He reached out to me as SGL-expert for advice. “You’re relying too much on logic,” I told him. “People don’t just process information—they feel it. If you want real change, you need to connect with them on a personal level.”
Following the advice, Espen identified the key influencers in the company—leaders, respected colleagues, and department heads. He visited them one by one, not in boardrooms, but in their own spaces. He spoke honestly about the situation, shared his concerns, and asked for their perspectives. He was open, vulnerable, and sincere.
Something shifted. These conversations built trust. The influencers took ownership of the issue, discussing it among their peers. Soon, a shared understanding emerged. When Espen called for a follow-up meeting, the energy was different. Employees were engaged, proactive, and ready to implement the solutions.
True leadership isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about delivering it in a way that resonates.
What This Example Shows:
The professional, fact-based blue “head language” provided information, but it didn’t persuade anyone.
The personal, relationship-oriented red “heart language” created engagement, but no real responsibility.
The private, open yellow “gut language” built trust and ownership, leading to real action.
The purple “body language” influenced everyone involved, through the emotional vulnerability, empathy, and sincerity of key influencers.
Home Lessson 1,1
Take a moment to write down some key points about your own goals and tasks. Then:
- Use a blue marker to highlight what can be accomplished from your desk and computer.
- Use a red marker for tasks that require interaction with others.
- Finally, use a yellow marker for anything that depends on trust and ownership, requiring a strong gut feeling.
If you have any quistions – join us on this journey and discover more!
