by Thomas Erikson
Published
July 30, 2019
Pages
292 pages
Language
English
Publisher
St. Martin's Essentials
Hardcover
$16.69
Paperback
$15.14
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
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Do you ever think you’re the only one making any sense? Or tried to reason with your partner with disastrous results? Do long, rambling answers drive you crazy?
Or does your colleague’s abrasive manner rub you the wrong way? You are not alone. After a disastrous meeting with a highly successful entrepreneur, who was genuinely convinced he was ‘surrounded by idiots’, communication expert and bestselling author, Thomas Erikson dedicated himself to understanding how people function and why we often struggle to connect with certain types of people.
Surrounded by Idiots is an international phenomenon, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. It offers a simple, yet ground-breaking method for assessing the personalities of people we communicate with – in and out of the office – based on four personality types (Red, Blue, Green and Yellow), and provides insights into how we can adjust the way we speak and share information. Erikson will help you understand yourself better, hone communication and social skills, handle conflict with confidence, improve dynamics with your boss and team, and get the best out of the people you deal with and manage.
He also shares simple tricks on body language, improving written communication, advice on when to back away or when to push on, and when to speak up or shut up. Packed with ‘aha!’ and ‘oh no!’ moments, Surrounded by Idiots will help you understand and communicate with those around you, even people you currently think are beyond all comprehension. And with a bit of luck you can also be confident that the idiot out there isn’t you!
In a world bustling with diverse personalities, miscommunication often leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Thomas Erikson's bestselling book "Surrounded by Idiots" offers invaluable insights into human behavior by unraveling the four distinct personality types, guiding readers toward harmonious and effective interactions. Through engaging anecdotes and clear explanations, Erikson equips readers with the tools to recognize and adapt to different communication styles, fostering better relationships both in business and daily life.
This transformative guide encourages self-awareness and empathy, paving the way for improved interpersonal dynamics.
Understanding behavior types can significantly improve communication and relationships. Adapting your communication style fosters better understanding and reduces conflicts. Awareness of human behavior enhances both personal and professional interactions.
Surrounded by Idiots" delves into the intricacies of human behavior categorizing personalities into four colors: Red Yellow Green and Blue. Each color represents unique traits and communication preferences simplifying the complexities of human interactions. Erikson employs this color-coded system to facilitate understanding and bridge gaps in communication.
The book goes beyond mere observation and introduces actionable strategies to identify and adapt to these personality types. By recognizing these differences readers can tailor their communication approaches resulting in enhanced collaborations and minimized misunderstandings in familial social and work environments. Erikson's approach is both practical and relatable using real-life examples to illustrate how misinterpretations occur and how they can be avoided.
Readers gain insight into their own behaviors and how they might be perceived by others promoting greater self-awareness and growth. The guidance offered in "Surrounded by Idiots" extends far beyond business settings offering benefits in a wide array of interactions. Whether negotiating a business deal or resolving a personal conflict understanding these personality dynamics empowers individuals to communicate more effectively and empathetically.
Surrounded by Idiots" offers a unique color-coded system that simplifies understanding complex personality traits making the learning process both engaging and accessible The book's practical advice is rooted in real-world examples allowing readers to easily relate to and apply the insights in everyday scenarios enhancing the reader's experiential learning Erikson combines humor with depth making the exploration of personality types entertaining yet profound appealing to a broad audience across different cultures and backgrounds.
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Based on 10664 ratings
The book is easy to read and it helps you understand people’s behavior.
First of all the title is misleading. The chapters could have been condensed. I might be wrong but the author is definitely a red. The red examples were longer than the other colors. It really has good insight into the behavior of a lot of people. I force myself to finish reading it.
"Surrounded by Idiots" is basically a fun dive into why sometimes it feels like you're the only sane person in the room. The guy behind it, Thomas Erikson, uses this color system to break down personality types: Red for those bossy types who take charge, Yellow for the life-of-the-party folks, Green for the chill, laid-back ones, and Blue for the detail-oriented planners. It's kind of like having a cheat sheet for dealing with everyone from your boss to your in-laws. Erikson, who knows a ton about how people tick, makes all this psychology stuff feel like a breeze to get. He’s filled the book with stories and examples that make you go, "Ah, so that's why they do that!" And even though he's laying down some pretty deep thoughts, he keeps it light with some laughs along the way. Now, sure, the idea that everyone can be neatly sorted into just four types has got its fair share of eye rolls. Life and people are way more complicated than that. And, of course, not all the stories and tips will hit the mark for everyone. But, getting the gist of these personality colors can really change the game in how you get along with people. Whether it's at work, trying to navigate a project with a team that's all over the place, or at home, figuring out why your partner is so obsessed with planning every minute of a vacation, Erikson's got a point: knowing a bit about these types can smooth things over. So, even with its simplifications and generalizations, "Surrounded by Idiots" is a hit for a reason. It’s got a casual, friendly way of clueing you into why people act the way they do, and it dishes out advice on how to handle it without losing your mind. Whether or not you buy into the whole color-coded personality thing, there's something pretty cool about getting a new lens to see why the world—and everyone in it—works the way they do.
Know of someone who complains, this is an ideal gift
This book is entertaining and insightful. I appreciate the format and the helpful information in understanding others. The title is fun and the content is exceptional! I recommend this book!
"Surrounded by Idiots" by Thomas Erikson is a refreshing take on personality types and communication. Far from labeling people as difficult or 'idiots,' the book presents a fascinating framework using four colors (Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue) to describe a range of personality traits. This color-coded system is more than just a tool for categorization—it's a bridge to better understanding the diverse ways people perceive and interact with the world. Erikson’s approach encourages us to see beyond superficial misunderstandings and recognize that each personality type has its unique strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, we learn to appreciate that differences in behavior and communication are not signs of incompetence or foolishness but are reflections of diverse perspectives and experiences. What makes "Surrounded by Idiots" particularly valuable is its practical application. The book offers clear, actionable advice on how to adapt our communication strategies according to different personality types. This not only enhances personal relationships but also improves workplace dynamics. Understanding that no one is an 'idiot,' but rather that we all experience the world differently, is pivotal in fostering a more inclusive and productive environment. Erikson's writing is accessible and engaging, making complex psychological concepts easy to grasp. He empowers readers to transform their interpersonal challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills, enhance their emotional intelligence, and better navigate the colorful spectrum of human personalities.