Understanding Personality Types: Insights from "Surrounded by Idiots" by Thomas Erikson.

Understanding the influence of personality on one another and the reasons behind people's words, actions, and behaviours is fascinating. A person's frames of reference, prejudices, and preconceived notions filter all we say to him, leaving just the message he comprehends. The ability to discern the needs of others is what we defined as having great communication abilities. In addition to providing a deeper understanding of interpersonal communication in both business and life, Thomas Erickson's book Surrounded by Idiots fascinatingly discusses the four categories of human behaviour that were identified using a tool known as DISA. 

As a result, this blog serves as a review and synopsis of the key points I found interesting in this book. Every behaviour is normal, and patterns of behaviour are like a toolbox full of tools that, depending on how they are utilized, can be beneficial or detrimental.

Undoubtedly, words possess immense power in communication. However, our selection and use of words differ, and if you use the wrong term, you might be an idiot.  Our basic values are ingrained in our character and define who we are as individuals. Changing them might be challenging at times. Our fundamental beliefs serve as a foundation for our attitudes, which are opinions derived from personal experience. Your behaviour is determined by your underlying beliefs and ideals. 

People around you frequently observe your moderate behaviour; when you interpret a situation and decide how to act based on your assessment, the people around you will experience that behaviour. The more self-aware you are, the more likely you are to adopt the behaviours of those around you.

 Thomas utilized the DISA technique to evaluate the various colours (red, blue, yellow, and green) and how they make people behave dependent on their personality and environment. As per his statement, around 80% of individuals possess a blend of two or more colours, while 5% have only one suitable colour. Nonetheless, it is rare to observe red behaviour alone or in combination with another colour. 

Being able to master your personality will help you be a better person in relating to all kinds of people because a lot of people you meet have qualities that occasionally make you jealous or envious. They either master something that you struggle with or have confidence and friendliness that you lack.

Being under their leadership can be extremely difficult at times, but once you know who you are dealing with, you will be able to perform well because you will realise that their goal is winning. To them, time is money.

Reds, on the other hand, are not the same as yellow or green, whose personalities have been described as amiable, composed, energetic, motivating, thoughtful, patient, and trustworthy. Like the red, however, yellows are vivacious and highly curious creatures. In contrast to the green, who is primarily weak at change, greens are usually predictable and you can always count on them to follow through on their promises. In contrast to the yellow, whose curiosity can occasionally be unpredictable, greens are also highly observant. 

 The blues, on the other hand, are realistic creatures that are well-organized, reserved, analytical, and detail-oriented. In fact, after analysing every aspect of these characters, the author comes to the conclusion that blues do not take risks, which is demonstrated by how long it takes them to make decisions.

But the blues' greatest asset is their honesty; they find it difficult to tell lies, therefore they consider their words carefully before speaking. I come to the conclusion that everyone has a unique personality and mannerisms, and that nobody is flawless. But just because we can't communicate clearly doesn't indicate that someone is acting inappropriately. individuals are simply different, and the earlier we recognize this, the better we can structure communication so that it is understood rather than merely meant to be understood. Often, we assess individuals based on what we think they should do better. 

Interaction typically occurs on the recipient's terms and will always do so. In both good and bad times, the people around us—in our homes, workplaces, schools, friendships, and even spouses—display distinct personalities from you and from others. Recognizing and analyzing these differences in behavior will put you in a better position to be understood. These people are the characters that the author has named and represented with the colors. 
This book is therefore highly recommended for everyone, but it is especially appropriate for those who are in the coprate world and have a tendency to interact with a wide range of people. The extent of a conversation depends on how well you communicate with others.