● HUMAN BEHAVIOR & PSYCHOLOGY

Surrounded by Idiots

Ever felt like you are the only normal person in the room? Thomas Erikson reveals the revolutionary 4-Color Personality System that explains why your boss is angry, your partner is slow, and why you are the way you are.

Surrounded by Idiots Book Cover
4
Core COLORS
Book Specifications

Publication Metadata

Author Thomas Erikson
Publish Date July 30, 2019
Format 304 Pages
Language English (US)
File Size 2.1 MB
Categories
Psychology Communication Leadership Workplace Relations Self Improvement
The Methodology

3 Rules of Engagement

Before you can manage others, you must understand the rules of the game. Effective communication happens in three distinct stages.

01
Awareness
Step 1: Self-Reflection
  • Identify your own color
  • Admit your biases
  • Realize you are an “idiot” too
02
Analysis
Step 2: Diagnosis
  • Observe behaviors
  • Detect color patterns
  • Understand their motivation
03
Adaptation
Step 3: Flexibility
  • Change your tone
  • Match their energy
  • Bridge the communication gap

The 4 Color Types

Based on the DISC model, everyone you meet falls into one of these four categories. Understanding them is your superpower.

1. RED SystemDominant & Competitive. “Get it done NOW.”
2. YELLOW SystemInfluential & Optimistic. “Let’s have fun!”
3. GREEN SystemStable & Patient. “Let’s keep calm.”
4. BLUE SystemAnalytical & Precise. “Check the data.”
REDDOMINANCE
YELLOWINFLUENCE
GREENSTABILITY
BLUECOMPLIANCE

The Perspective Shift

The difference between a frustrated manager and an effective leader.

The “Judge”

⚠️
Assumes IdiocyThinks people annoy them on purpose.
⚠️
One Style Fits AllSpeaks the same way to everyone.
⚠️
Values Intent“I didn’t mean to offend you.”

The Leader

Sees PatternsUnderstands people run on different operating systems.
Adapts StyleSpeaks the language of the listener.
Values Impact“It matters what you heard, not what I said.”
STOP

Communication Sins

To improve your relationships instantly, you must eliminate these common mistakes from your daily interactions.

  • Stop rushing the GREEN personalities.
  • Stop giving vague details to BLUE personalities.
  • Stop boring the YELLOWS with spreadsheets.
  • Stop small talk with REDS. Get to the point.
“Communication is not about what you say; it is about what the other person hears.”
— Thomas Erikson

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarifying the DISC Model and Personality Types.

Can a person be two colors?
Yes! Very few people are 100% one color. Most of us are a combination. For example, a “Red-Blue” is a task-oriented perfectionist (often a demanding boss), while a “Yellow-Green” is a friendly, people-oriented helper.
Which color is the best leader?
There is no “best” color. Reds are great for crisis management. Yellows excel at Sales & Marketing. Greens are perfect for Customer Support. Blues are ideal for Accounting & Engineering. Successful teams need a mix of all four.
Is this book scientifically accurate?
It is based on the DISC model (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness), which has been used in corporate training for decades. While some academics debate its complexity, it is highly effective for improving day-to-day workplace communication.

The Verdict

“Surrounded by Idiots” is a hilarious but eye-opening manual. Once you understand the 4 colors, you stop banging your head against the wall and start communicating effectively.

Master Human Behavior

Get the complete Personality Guide. Includes cheat sheets for handling Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue personality types in the workplace.

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