Surrounded by Idiots

About the Author

Thomas Erikson, a Swedish behavioral expert, author, and speaker, has become internationally recognized for his work in the field of communication and personal development. His most famous book, Surrounded by Idiots, first published in 2014, has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. Erikson’s work is rooted in the DISC model, a behavioral assessment tool that categorizes human behavior into four distinct types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. With a background in psychology and a passion for helping people understand and improve their interactions with others, Erikson has created a book that simplifies complex psychological theories and makes them accessible to everyone. His work extends beyond writing, as he frequently conducts workshops and lectures to help individuals and organizations enhance their communication skills and build stronger relationships.

Main Idea

Surrounded by Idiots explores the concept that human behavior can be categorized into four personality types, each associated with a specific color: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. These types are based on the DISC model, which classifies personalities according to their dominant traits and behaviors. Erikson argues that by understanding these personality types, we can significantly improve our communication and collaboration with others, particularly in the workplace. The book is a practical guide to recognizing and adapting to different personalities, enabling us to build more effective and harmonious relationships.

Table of Contents

1. The Four Personality Types
2. Understanding Red Personality Types
3. Understanding Yellow Personality Types
4. Understanding Green Personality Types
5. Understanding Blue Personality Types
6. Body Language and Communication
7. Adapting to Each Personality Type
8. Handling Stress in Different Personality Types
9. Best and Worst Personality Pairings
10. Applying the Insights in Daily Life

The Four Personality Types

At the core of Surrounded by Idiots is the concept that all people can be categorized into one of four personality types, each represented by a color: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. These colors correspond to different behavioral traits, communication styles, and ways of interacting with the world. Erikson chose these colors to simplify the DISC model’s traditional categories—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—making them more relatable and easier to remember. Each personality type has its strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these can help us navigate our relationships more effectively.

Red Personality Type

Red personalities are typically extroverted, ambitious, and confident. They are natural leaders who enjoy taking charge and are often driven by the desire to achieve their goals. Reds are action-oriented and thrive in competitive environments, where they can assert their dominance and control over situations. However, their assertiveness can sometimes be perceived as overbearing, and their focus on results can make them appear insensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

Red personalities are often described as "doers" who prioritize getting things done quickly and efficiently. They prefer direct communication and dislike small talk, which can lead to misunderstandings if others perceive them as cold or detached. While Reds are excellent at making decisions and driving projects forward, they can struggle with tasks that require patience and attention to detail, as they prefer to focus on the bigger picture.

"Red personalities like to be in charge, so if there is a decision to be made, it will be their way or the highway." — Thomas Erikson

• Overbearing: Red personalities often take control in situations, which can make others feel powerless or resentful. They have a strong need to lead and can become frustrated when things don’t go according to their plans.
• Insensitive: Their direct approach and lack of patience for long conversations can be perceived as cold or rude. They may come across as dismissive of others' feelings, focusing instead on achieving their objectives.

Yellow Personality Type

Yellow personalities are extroverted, optimistic, and social. They are the life of the party, always ready to entertain and inspire those around them. Yellows are driven by the desire to influence and connect with others, often using their charm and enthusiasm to win people over. They thrive in environments where creativity and spontaneity are valued, and they enjoy taking risks and exploring new ideas.

However, Yellow personalities can sometimes be perceived as overly talkative and disorganized. Their enthusiasm for starting new projects can lead to a lack of follow-through, as they may become easily distracted by the next exciting idea. Yellows are also prone to dominating conversations, which can make it difficult for others to get a word in edgewise. Despite these challenges, Yellows are often seen as warm, approachable, and fun to be around.