Surrounded by Idiots

Surrounded by Idiots

Thomas Erikson

"The reason you are surrounded by idiots is because you don't understand other people."

Thomas Erikson, author of this book, breaks down why we often feel like we're surrounded by people who just don't get it. The book dives into the different ways people act and communicate, offering tips to make dealing with them a whole lot easier. I chose this book just because of the title and it made me wonder if we really are surrounded by idiots and how we can better understand those who seem to act like idiots.

Book sorts everyone into four types based on their behavior: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Each type has its own vibe and way of interacting. Knowing these can help you get along better with all sorts of people and make your daily interactions way smoother.

Red (Dominant)

Characteristics:

• Assertive and Bold: Reds are natural leaders, driven and ambitious, They are often competitive and enjoy taking charge
• Goal-Oriented: They focus on results and are willing to make quick decisions
• Direct Communication: They prefer straightforward communication and can sometimes come across as aggressive or blunt

Typical Behaviors:

• They take the initiative and are decisive
• They can be impatient and may overlook details
• Reds thrive in high-pressure environments and enjoy challenges

Yellow (Influential)

Characteristics:

• Optimistic and Enthusiastic: Yellows are social butterflies, always positive and full of energy
• Persuasive: They are excellent communicators and can influence others easily
• Creativity: They are innovative and spontaneous, often coming up with new ideas

Typical Behaviors:

• They seek social interaction and enjoy being the center of attention
• Yellows can be disorganized and may struggle with follow-through
• They are motivated by recognition and praise

Green (Stable)

Characteristics:

• Calm and Reliable: Greens are patient, good listeners, and loyal. They value stability and consistency
•  Supportive: They are team players and often put others' needs before their own
• Avoids Conflict: Greens prefer harmony and can be uncomfortable with confrontation

Typical Behaviors:

• They are dependable and prefer a structured environment
• Greens can be resistant to change and may need time to adjust to new situations
• They are empathetic and often provide emotional support to others

Blue (Conscientious)

Characteristics:

• Analytical and Detail-Oriented: Blues are meticulous and value accuracy, They are logical thinkers who enjoy solving problems
• Organized: They prefer structure and clear guidelines
• Private: Blues can be reserved and prefer working independently

Typical Behaviors:

• They are thorough and strive for perfection
• Blues can be critical of themselves and others, seeking high standards
• They are cautious and deliberate in their decision-making process

Understanding these personality types can actually make a big difference in your everyday life, especially at work and in social settings. Knowing what makes people tick can help you avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and improve your interactions with colleagues and friends.

woooork with idiot 

In a work environment, dealing with a Red type means being direct and to the point. Reds appreciate efficiency and results, so focus on how your ideas or projects can help achieve goals quickly and effectively. Highlight the competitive advantage, and don’t waste time on small talk. They thrive on challenges and prefer a straightforward approach.

When working with a Yellow type, enthusiasm and connection are key. Yellows are social and love a good story, so engage them with exciting ideas and positive energy. Make the interaction enjoyable and lively, and don’t forget to build a personal rapport. They appreciate a friendly approach and are more likely to collaborate enthusiastically.

If your colleague is a Green type, patience and reliability are crucial. Greens value trust and stability, so take the time to build a relationship and provide detailed information. Be consistent and show that you care about their needs. They might take longer to make decisions, but once they trust you, they'll be dependable team members.

For Blue types, accuracy and details matter the most. Be prepared with thorough information and data to back up your plans. Blues appreciate well-organized presentations and clear, logical explanations. Avoid pushing them for quick decisions; instead, give them the time they need to analyze the information and come to a thoughtful conclusion.

social circles and idiots

In social circles, understanding these traits can also enhance your relationships. If your friend is a Red, plan competitive or high-energy activities and be direct in your communication. For a Yellow, keep the social interactions fun and engaging, and be ready for spontaneous plans. With a Green friend, prioritize consistent and reliable plans that allow for meaningful conversation. And for a Blue, plan well-thought-out activities and be patient with their need for structure and detail.

"It’s easy to label someone as an idiot, but it’s hard to understand why they are acting that way."

Still think some people are just idiots tho!