Book SummarySurrounded by Idiots, by Thomas Erikson

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Surrounded by Idiots

Surrounded by Idiots is a guide to understanding yourself and the people at work who just aren’t like you. Bestselling author and communication expert Thomas Erikson asserts that there are four personality types, and we all fall into one or more of these categories.

Using real-life examples, Erikson goes through a variety of professional scenarios and shows how each personality type would handle the situation. First, he explores the behaviors and motivations of each personality. Then he explains how you can adjust your approach to complement the working and communication style of your colleagues, employees, and bosses.

(Shortform note: It’s not a new idea to classify human behavior into distinct categories. In fact, recorded evidence of personality typing goes as far back as the 5th century BC. Erikson’s choice to designate four categories of human personality has deep historical roots: He notes that the ancient Greeks and Romans, the Aztecs, and others have all used a four-category system of classification.)

In this guide, we’ll compare Erikson’s ideas about personality to those of other personality-typing models, and we’ll add perspectives from psychologists that support or challenge his assertions. By the end, you’ll be able to more effectively communicate and collaborate with the people you used to think were idiots.

An Introduction to the Colors

Erikson discusses four personality types in terms of colors: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Throughout the text, he refers to people by personality type as Red people, Yellow people, and so on. Erikson’s color model is based on the DISC personality-type model, which categorizes people as Dominant, Inspiring, Stable, or Compliant. He explains that he chose to use colors instead of the DISC terms because they are easier to understand, connect to, and remember. Here’s how the two models compare:

The Psychology of Color

Erikson explains that he chose to use colors instead of the DISC terms for ease of understanding, but he doesn’t explain why he chose the colors that he did, or how he assigned them. One field of psychology specifically studies the effect of color on our bodies and minds. The research is highly anecdotal, but enough patterns have emerged that psychologists believe there are some universal truths when it comes to color psychology.

Red: One study found a link between the perception of dominance, the color red, and [restricted term]. The participants (all men) who chose to wear red during a competitive event were determined to have higher levels of [restricted term] than the participants who chose to wear blue. In a questionnaire, the participants who chose red wrote that they associated the color with dominance and aggression, which they believed would help them in the competition.

Yellow: Color psychology says that people associate yellow with optimism, energy, and warmth—very likely due to our relationship with the sun. It has also been shown to cause feelings of frustration and overwhelm when overdone.

Green: Green often brings to mind images of nature, which tend to have a calming effect. Green has long been a symbol of fertility and new life because of its connection to spring. Green environments have both water and sunshine, so it is perceived as a safe and nurturing color, where living things will thrive.

Blue: Most people associate blue with water, which explains why it brings feelings of serenity and reliability. Unlike plant life, water doesn’t change colors through...

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Shortform Introduction

Surrounded by Idiots offers a solution to your workplace woes—difficult coworkers, bad communication, and clashing work styles can be fixed. Thomas Erikson shows you how to understand (and work with) the colleagues that frustrate you the most.

Using real-life stories and relatable examples, Erikson takes you directly into the minds of four distinct personality types. You will learn how each type thinks, communicates, behaves, and reacts to stress. As a result, you’ll be able to more effectively communicate and collaborate with the bosses, employees, and colleagues you thought you’d never understand.

About the Author

Thomas Erikson is a Swedish communication expert, business consultant, lecturer, and bestselling author. For over 20 years, he has delivered seminars to businesses all over the world, including Coca-Cola and Microsoft. After teaching his personality typing system to so many of these companies, he decided to document his knowledge in his first book: Surrounded by Idiots. The book was such a success that he wrote four more books in the “Surrounded by” series.

Erikson’s Other Books Include:

• _[Surrounded by...

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 1: Introduction

In Surrounded by Idiots, Thomas Erikson argues that there are four distinct personalities, and everyone reflects one or more of them in their behavior. While he touches on how they affect personal relationships, the bulk of this bestseller discusses how each personality type would behave in common workplace scenarios. Throughout the book, Erikson advises readers on how to use this information to improve their work lives.

Erikson is a lecturer and self-described behavioral and communications expert. He teaches his personality system to businesses all over the world as a way to improve company culture and boost effectiveness. Erikson came up with the title Surrounded by Idiots during a conversation with a prominent entrepreneur, in which the man complained to Erikson that everyone he hired turned out to be an idiot. When the man went into greater detail, Erikson realized that this businessman simply didn’t understand his employees.

Erikson says most people think this way—that if someone behaves in a manner we can’t understand, they must be stupid. He contends that **by understanding your own personality type and those of your colleagues, you can stop viewing...

Shortform Exercise: Remember Personality Clashes in Childhood

Upbringing affects personality, but some qualities you’re born with. Begin thinking about your own innate characteristics as we enter this study of human personality.

What is a personality trait that you and a sibling don’t have in common? (If you are an only child, think about a childhood friend. Some examples include quiet versus outgoing, or adventurous versus cautious.)

Shortform Exercise: Begin Identifying Your Personality Type

Start to get an idea of what your personality type might be by looking at the chart below. Identify the way you are likely to respond in each of these situations and make note of any patterns you see.

Which personality type do you most strongly align with, and why?

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Part 1: Identifying Personality Types | Chapter 2: The Extroverts—Red and Yellow

In this section, Erikson explains the mindset and behavior characteristics of Red and Yellow personality types, which he calls extroverted colors. He defines extroversion as being more active in the external world than the internal. In other words, extroverts spend more time acting than thinking. Throughout the book, Erikson expands on the information provided in the overview here.

(Shortform note: Myers-Briggs agrees that extraverts (note their difference in spelling) prefer to be active in the external world. They add that extraverts are energized by other people, so they seek larger social gatherings than introverts do.)

An Overview of the Red Personality Type

According to Erikson, Red personalities are unapologetically ambitious and self-confident. They like to be in charge and are comfortable taking risks. People with this personality are extroverted and not afraid to speak their mind, even when it causes conflict. Erikson notes that Hippocrates calls this behavior type “choleric.”

A Red Personality’s Ambition Is Unmatched

Erikson explains that...

Shortform Exercise: Compare Red and Yellow Personality Types

People with Red (dominant) and Yellow (inspiring) personality types are both outgoing extroverts, but they have some distinct differences. Test what you’ve learned so far about how these two personality types are alike and different.

What are two characteristics or behaviors that Red and Yellow personalities have in common?

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 3: The Introverts—Green and Blue

In this section, Erikson gives a snapshot of the mindset and behavior characteristics of the Green and Blue personality types, which are both introverted. Erikson defines introversion as being more active in the internal world than the external. Said another way, introverts spend more time thinking than acting.

(Shortform note: Myers-Briggs aligns with Erikson’s definition of introversion, adding that introverts prefer spending time alone or in small groups, and that they often enjoy the idea of something as much as the real thing.)

An Overview of the Green Personality Type

Erikson says that the Green personality, which Hippocrates would call “phlegmatic,” is the most common. He labels Green types as the most balanced and describes them as a little bit of every color. Green personalities are even-tempered, kind, empathetic, and can go with the flow. Erikson says they can be perceived as shy or unsure of themselves.

Green Personalities Go With the Flow

In terms of behavior, Green personalities are unlikely to stand out in a crowd. Because of this,...

Shortform Exercise: Differentiate Between Green and Blue Personalities

Green (stable) and Blue (compliant) personality types are both introverts, but they have many differences. Review what you have learned so far about how these two personalities differ.

Green and Blue types are both cautious, but for different reasons. Why do they each tend to avoid risks?

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 4: Negative Perceptions of Each Color

So far, Erikson has taken you through an overview of how each personality thinks and behaves. This chapter discusses what others perceive to be weaknesses of each color. These perceptions aren’t always accurate and don’t take each personality type’s intentions into account. However, Erikson asserts that the way you’re perceived by others is important, because it influences how your messages are received.

Although this section deals specifically with negative perceptions, Erikson emphasizes that no single personality type is better than another. There is no “ideal” personality. Also, he points out that 95% of the population is a combination of two or more personality types.

Negative Perceptions of Red Personality Types

In the DISC model, Erikson’s “Red” aligns with the “Dominant” personality, which can be overwhelming to some people. Erikson says others may view this personality type as overbearing, insensitive, and self-centered.

The Perception: Red Personalities Are Overbearing

Red-dominant people like to be in control. Erikson reiterates that they are not detail-oriented people, and therefore they have no interest in micromanaging your work....

Shortform Exercise: Uncover Your Perceptions

How we feel about a person’s choices and intentions affects how we react. Analyze how you perceive the people you spend time with and how your perceptions affect your relationships.

Think about someone in your life whom you perceive to be a know-it-all. What does this person do or say to make you think this about them? How has it affected your relationship?

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 5: Communication Styles

So far, Erikson has explained the four personality types and discussed their traits, behavior patterns, and how others perceive them. In this chapter, Erikson focuses on how each color communicates using their body language, vocal cues, and style of writing. Remember, communication happens on the listener’s terms, so when you’re able to identify a person’s personality type using clues in their communication style, conversations become more effective.

Body Language

In this section, Erikson discusses each personality’s unique use of body language. By recognizing each color type’s physical patterns, you should experience a greater ease in communication and fewer misunderstandings.

Red Personality Type’s Body Language

According to Erikson, everything about a Red personality’s body language is direct and aggressive, especially if they’re trying to make a point (which happens often). They shake your hand firmly, look into your eyes, lean forward when speaking, and use sharp hand gestures. He says Red types often wear serious, focused facial expressions unless actively engaged in a fun activity. They tend to keep others at arm’s distance and are**...

Shortform Exercise: Analyze Communication Styles

You can learn a lot about a person by how they communicate. Take this opportunity to look a bit deeper.

Review your most recent email from a colleague or boss. Which personality type does the email most resemble? Why do you think so? (Remember to look for clues in punctuation, length of email, and the greeting and closing.)

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 6: Stress Triggers and Responses

As previously discussed, Erikson says each personality type has its own driving forces—the stuff that motivates them to get out of bed each morning. He says when people don’t give enough time and energy to these driving forces and are pressured to perform in areas that feel foreign, the result is massive stress.

In this chapter, Erikson helps you identify each personality type’s stress triggers and predict how each will respond. By doing so, you can avoid the triggers more easily and tailor your response.

Furthermore, if you serve in a leadership role, knowing and mitigating the stress triggers of your employees will encourage a more efficient and pleasant work environment for everyone.

Stress Triggers for Red Personality Types

Erikson says the following factors trigger a stress response in Red personalities:

• Lack of authority: They like to be in charge of people and make all of the important decisions. They will feel stressed if they have to answer to someone else or ask permission to act.
• Time wasters: They need to see immediate headway on a task. If they feel you’re wasting time due to excessive talking, a nonchalant pace, or lack of results,...

Shortform Exercise: Identify Your Stress Triggers

The way we react to stress is part of our innate personality, unless we actively work to change it. By recognizing your triggers and response, you can control and modify your behavior.

Think back to the last time you felt stressed by a situation. What was going on, and how did your stress manifest? (For example, did you yell or find somewhere to be alone? Did you feel paralyzed or did you launch into action?)

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Part 2: Applying Your Knowledge | Chapter 7: Adapting to Each Color’s Style

Up to this point, Erikson has explained the ins and outs of every color type. The rest of this guide focuses on how Erikson advises you to use this information. He begins by explaining why and how you should adapt your own behavior when interacting with other personality types.

Why Adapt?

Because communication happens on the listener’s terms, if you want your message to be clearly transmitted—or you want to convince the other person of something—Erikson says you must adapt to their communication style.

Erikson acknowledges that some people balk at the idea of intentionally adjusting their personality based on who they’re talking to because they believe it’s a dishonest and manipulative practice. He points out, however, that we already adapt our behavior as part of social etiquette. For instance, you don’t behave the same way with your boss as you would your spouse. Erikson maintains that you can be honest about your values, desires, and beliefs while simultaneously adjusting the way you express them.

(Shortform note: As a general rule, we’re more likely to grant requests from people we know or like. In _[Influence: The Psychology of...

Shortform Exercise: Practice Persuasion

Depending on the personality type of the person you’re speaking to, your persuasion strategy should change. Practice what you’ve learned with a hypothetical scenario.

Imagine you’re trying to convince a Red-dominant boss that you deserve a raise. How would you approach her and what would you say?

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 8: Delivering Negative Feedback

Giving and receiving feedback is an uncomfortable but necessary part of life. In this chapter, Erikson focuses specifically on how to provide negative feedback to an employee based on his or her personality type.

Giving Feedback to a Red-Dominant Employee

Prepare for battle. Erikson warns that a Red personality type won’t sit quietly and listen to feedback. Instead, he will argue with you on every point and assign a scapegoat for every criticism. For this reason, Erikson advises you to give the feedback at a time when you’re feeling strong. For example, if you’re always tired at the end of the workday, schedule your meeting for the morning. You need to be energized and mentally prepared for a strong reaction.

(Shortform note: When it comes to criticism, the sooner you give feedback, the better. This is even more true for dominant personalities, because there is less room to argue when the behavior in question is still fresh in everyone’s mind. If you address the issue right away, you also eliminate the argumentative question of, “Why is this an issue now?”)

Be direct. Erikson...

Shortform Exercise: Learn From Your Feedback Experiences

Each personality type prefers to receive feedback in different ways. Think about your own experiences with receiving feedback and how you might deliver it in the future.

Think back to the last time you received a performance review. What did your boss do that made you feel more nervous?

Surrounded by Idiots Summary Chapter 9: The Best and Worst Color Pairings

Erikson says in a perfect world, every working scenario would include all four personality types. He explains that the Yellow personality would come up with the project idea, the Red type would make the decisions and delegate tasks, the Green personality would execute the plan, and the Blue would supervise for quality control. Unfortunately, it’s rare for the color distribution to be so even. For this reason, Erikson says it’s important to know which personality types work best together. If you’re in a leadership role, this information will help you formulate your teams. As an employee, it will help you recognize who you would best partner with.

(Shortform note: Which ingredients are needed for a successful collaboration? In addition to complementary working styles, some say the most compatible teams have shared values and motivations. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey says that great [collaborators practice empathic...

Shortform Exercise: Nail Collaborations

Partnerships and group projects can be fantastic or they can be torture. Think about what makes a great working partnership for you.

Think back to a time when you collaborated with someone on a project, and it was smooth and successful. What went well?