Book Review: Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson

# **Book Review: *Surrounded by Idiots* by Thomas Erikson**

## *A Colorful Guide to Understanding Human Behavior*

Thomas Erikson’s *Surrounded by Idiots* is a fascinating and accessible exploration of human communication and personality differences. The book, originally published in Swedish in 2014, presents a simple yet powerful model for understanding how people think, act, and interact based on four primary personality types. Erikson claims that by recognizing these differences, we can improve communication, avoid misunderstandings, and work more effectively with others.

### **Overview of the Concept**

The core of the book revolves around the **DISC personality model**, which categorizes people into four colors:

- **Red (Dominant & Decisive)** – Competitive, assertive, goal-oriented, and sometimes aggressive.

- **Yellow (Influential & Enthusiastic)** – Social, creative, talkative, and optimistic but often disorganized.

- **Green (Stable & Supportive)** – Loyal, patient, empathetic, and conflict-averse.

- **Blue (Analytical & Detail-Oriented)** – Logical, precise, perfectionistic, and sometimes overly critical.

Each type has strengths and weaknesses, and Erikson emphasizes that understanding these differences can prevent the frustration of feeling "surrounded by idiots." Instead, we learn that others aren’t necessarily *wrong*—they just have a different way of thinking.

### **Strengths of the Book**

1. **Easy-to-Understand Framework** – The use of colors makes the DISC model highly digestible and memorable. Readers can quickly identify their own type and those of people around them.

2. **Relatable Examples** – Erikson shares humorous and insightful anecdotes that illustrate how these personality clashes play out in daily life, from workplace struggles to family dynamics.

3. **Practical Applications** – The book offers concrete advice on how to adjust communication styles based on different personality types, making it useful for leaders, managers, and even personal relationships.

4. **Engaging and Entertaining Tone** – Erikson’s writing style is lighthearted and conversational, making a potentially dry psychological topic enjoyable.

### **Criticisms and Weaknesses**

1. **Over-Simplification of Personalities** – While the color system is a useful starting point, real human behavior is far more complex. People rarely fit neatly into one category, and Erikson doesn’t always account for the nuances of personality overlaps.

2. **Lack of Scientific Rigor** – The book is based on the DISC model, which, while widely used in business and training settings, lacks the empirical support of models like the Big Five personality traits. Some critics argue that the book leans more on anecdotal evidence than scientific research.

3. **Cultural Bias** – The book assumes certain workplace norms and communication styles that might not translate universally across cultures.

4. **Repetitive at Times** – Some readers might find that the core message is repeated too often without adding significant depth as the book progresses.

### **Who Should Read This Book?**

*Surrounded by Idiots* is a great choice for anyone interested in self-improvement, workplace dynamics, or psychology. It’s particularly helpful for:

- **Managers and Leaders** looking to improve their team’s communication.

- **Salespeople and Marketers** who need to understand different customer personalities.

- **Anyone Struggling with Communication** in personal or professional relationships.

### **Final Verdict**

*Surrounded by Idiots* is an engaging and practical guide to understanding people better. While it may not be the most scientifically rigorous book on personality, its simplicity and relatability make it a valuable tool for improving communication. If you’re looking for an easy-to-read book that provides immediate insights into why people behave the way they do, this is a worthwhile pick.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and felt like you were speaking two completely different languages? Do you find yourself frustrated by colleagues, friends, or family members who seem to think and act in ways that make no sense to you? In Surrounded by Idiots, Thomas Erikson presents a simple yet effective framework to decode human behavior and communication.

Using the widely recognized DISC personality model, Erikson categorizes people into four distinct color-coded personality types—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. His goal is to help readers navigate the complexities of interpersonal interactions, reduce conflicts, and become more effective communicators. The book promises a fresh perspective on why people behave the way they do and offers actionable strategies for dealing with different personalities.