A shared language, a meaningful pause, and a powerful reset for the people who support the entire university.
At the University of Denver, the Human Resources and Inclusive Community (HRIC) team is known for supporting others, guiding leaders, coaching teams, and facilitating development opportunities across campus. But, for the first time in years, the team took a day to focus on its own growth.
Delivered by DU Executive Education, the professional development division of the Daniels College of Business, the Insights Discovery for Teams workshop gave DU’s HR professionals a rare opportunity to step away from daily demands, reflect, and reconnect as colleagues and collaborators.
Building a common language for collaboration
One of the most lasting impacts came from adopting a common, accessible way to talk about communication and work styles. The Insights Discovery color energy framework—fiery red, sunshine yellow, earth green, and cool blue—quickly became part of the HR team’s culture.
“We use the language daily now,” said Craig Miller, director of talent acquisition and development. “Someone will say, ‘That’s very green of you,’ or ‘I’m leaning into my red today.’ It’s become part of how we understand and respect each other.”
That shared language has extended beyond the HR suite as well.
“When I mention Insights to people in other departments, they immediately get it,” Miller added. “It’s created a sense of shared experience across DU.”
Having a common framework has helped the team collaborate more thoughtfully, anticipate one another’s needs, and show up with greater intention and empathy.
Turning the lens inward
For a team accustomed to supporting others, taking time for their own development felt both rare and rewarding.
“We’re always serving other groups, helping them build teams and grow,” Miller said. “This was the first time in recent memory we got to do that for ourselves. It was huge.”
The session created space to pause, reflect, and reconnect—not just as colleagues, but as people with unique strengths, preferences, and motivations.
“It was the first time we all came together, closed off everything else, and really got to know each other,” Miller added.
That sense of connection has been carried into daily work, creating smoother communication, deeper trust, and renewed appreciation for what each person contributes.
A personal ‘aha’: Understanding energy and burnout
Miller’s biggest takeaway came from recognizing how different types of work require different kinds of energy—and how being out of alignment can lead to burnout.
“Blue is my lowest color, and realizing that helped me understand my burnout,” he shared. “I was spending most of my week doing detail-heavy work that drained me. Now I know how to balance it.”
That insight shifted how Miller approaches his time and energy. He now pays attention to what recharges him and makes space for connection throughout his day.
“It reminded me why I need to get out of my office, move my body, and connect with people,” he said That’s what recharges me.”
For a team that spends so much time supporting others, this was a meaningful reminder that self-awareness isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s essential to sustaining well-being.
The Insights Discovery® for Teams experience didn’t just strengthen communication; it gave DU’s HRIC team a foundation for continued growth, deeper connection, and shared purpose.
Building a more connected campus with Insights Discovery for Teams
This transformative experience isn’t limited to one unit—it’s available to teams across the entire University of Denver, from academic departments and student services to administrative and operational groups.
DU departments can use tuition-waiver benefits to bring Insights Discovery for Teams to their entire unit at no cost to their business unit. It’s a powerful way to strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration without impacting your budget.
As more teams across campus adopt the color language, we’re building a shared culture—one that helps us communicate more effectively and work together with greater clarity and connection.
To learn more or schedule a session for your DU team, visit the Exec Ed website or contact executive.education@du.edu.