So, I’ve recently read a book which you may have heard of — Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) by Thomas Erikson.
In summary, it’s about understanding different personality types and improving communication with others. The author explains how understanding the 4 personality types (Red, Yellow, Green and Blue) can help individuals navigate various social and professional interactions more effectively.
We all know that there are many different categorizations of human personality types. And I wouldn’t say that any of these categorizations is necessarily wrong, but describing and categorizing complex human personalities is impossible with just one theory.
Each of us is unique, just like everybody else.
However, there are some patterns in human behaviour, and some categorizations feel more right than others, although it’s all very individual and subjective in the end.
But you know that feeling when you’re reading a description and people from your surroundings just start popping in your head as living and breathing examples? Well, that’s how I felt when reading this book, and maybe that’s why I liked it so much, apart from it being a very easy and fun read.
Who is it for and what is it about
This book delves into understanding different personality types and improving communication with others. It may be particularly relevant for individuals in leadership or managerial positions, as well as those who frequently engage in teamwork or collaborative environments. However, the concepts and techniques discussed in the book can be applied by anyone looking to improve their communication and build more successful relationships.
Readers interested in deeper psychological or personality theories may find it to be a more introductory resource. Nevertheless, it provides a nice practical framework and actionable advice for individuals looking to navigate social dynamics more effectively.
The book explores four main behaviour types: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Each colour represents a different personality, communication style and mindset.
“Surrounded by Idiots” offers practical advice and strategies for adapting one’s communication style to better connect with other people of different personalities. It also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and empathy in building successful relationships and reducing conflicts. And the explanation of the title itself is also a fun example.
Here’s a short overview of each colour type mentioned in the book:
- Red: The Red type is characterized by a direct and assertive communication style. Reds are action-oriented, focused on results, and tend to be decisive and determined. They value efficiency and often have a “get things done” mentality. However, they can also come across as impatient or confrontational if their directness is not well-received by others.
- Yellow: Yellow types are sociable, outgoing, and expressive. They prioritize building relationships and enjoy social interactions. Yellows are often enthusiastic, creative, and persuasive. They thrive in collaborative environments and are skilled at inspiring and motivating others. However, they may struggle with maintaining focus or following through on tasks.
- Green: Greens are empathetic, supportive, and relationship-focused. They prioritize harmony and cooperation, and they excel at understanding and empathizing with others’ emotions. Blues are great listeners and are skilled at creating a supportive and nurturing environment. However, they may struggle with assertiveness and making tough decisions when faced with conflicts.
- Blue: The Blue type is analytical, detail-oriented, and logical. Greens are often systematic thinkers who value accuracy and precision. They excel at problem-solving and critical thinking, approaching situations with a methodical and measured approach. Greens may appear reserved or introverted and can be perceived as overly critical or nit-picky.
The colour types presented in the book are really simplified representations of human behaviour and communication styles. But I’m sure you’ll have no problem thinking of someone you know while reading it.
Individuals usually display characteristics from one or more types, they are rarely limited to a single colour type. Usually there is a combination of two dominant colours, sometimes three.
Why such popularity?
I was wondering why this book was so popular, but I believe there are several reasons:
- The language of the book is very clear and engaging. The book offers a straightforward framework for understanding different personality types, making it easier for readers to identify and adapt their communication styles accordingly. The author presents the information in an simple, fun and accessible manner, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.
- The book also provides practical techniques and strategies for improving communication in various contexts, including personal relationships and the workplace. Readers can apply the concepts to their everyday interactions. The second part of the book is filled with real examples from author’s research.
- Effective communication is a universal challenge that resonates with people from all kinds of backgrounds. You could say that everybody is seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills and build better relationships. Therefore, the audience is actually very wide.
- “Surrounded by Idiots” encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, offering readers an opportunity for personal growth. By understanding their own behaviour and learning how to interact with others effectively, readers can improve their communication skills and reduce conflicts.
- Positive word-of-mouth recommendations (as I’ve experienced myself) and online reviews have played a significant role in the book’s popularity. When readers find a book valuable and transformative, they often share their experiences with others, contributing to its wider reach and appeal. As I’m doing now.
In my case, I also believe that a form of synesthesia (grapheme-color synesthesia, which involves perceiving letters, numbers, or concepts as having inherent colours) played an important role. I really related to the colours chosen for the individual personality types and that’s why they were so easy to remember and visualize.
I don’t want to spoil everything so I won’t say much more, but I do recommend this book, as it is a quick and fun read which still leaves the reader with something to think about.
And in conclusion, I would say that the book really presents you with some simple but practical tools and framework on how to build a successful team, or at least how to avoid building a terrible one.
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