Personality Mapping and Emotional Intelligence Education in Radiation Oncology

Abstract Objectives: Emotional intelligence is essential for effective interprofessional collaboration, particularly in complex clinical settings like radiation oncology. Personality reflection tools may enhance team communication and social awareness. This study explored the distribution of personality profiles across professional roles within a radiation oncology department using the True Colors framework as part of an educational initiative. Methods: A department-wide voluntary survey using the True Colors assessment was distributed to all staff. Participants self-identified their primary and secondary personality colors. A total of 152 responses were received from attendings (n = 14), residents (n = 14), nurses (n = 22), advanced practice providers (APPs) (n = 5), physicists (n = 15), therapists (n = 36), dosimetrists (n = 12), scheduling coordinators (n = 11), research coordinators (n = 11), research assistants (n = 2), social workers (n = 2), and administrators (n = 8). Aggregated results were presented at a town hall focused on interpersonal dynamics. Results: Gold was the most common primary color in patient-facing roles such as nurses, attendings, and scheduling coordinators. Green was more frequently identified by physicists, APPs, and research staff. These trends were used to initiate discussions on communication preferences and emotional intelligence. Results were integrated into the residency leadership curriculum. Conclusions: While the True Colors framework is not a validated psychometric instrument, its use as a reflective tool may help promote social awareness and team understanding in cancer education environments. These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for personality mapping in supporting emotional intelligence-based leadership training.