Predicting people’s thoughts and reading their minds has long been among the most-wished-for superpowers for many, me included. Imagine if you could read the mind of your boss, spouse, or anyone around you. Wouldn’t that be just great? Miscommunication and incorrect assumptions are among the main causes of conflict between people at all levels, both at work and in personal life. Life would be perfect if I knew how or what my boss or spouse thinks.
In the comedy movie “Horrible Bosses,” Kevin Spacey plays Dave Harken, the nasty CEO and boss who thinks he is the best at his job and believes everyone else around him is an idiot. Thus, he sees himself as the only one worthy of the promotion and therefore gives himself an extra role and increases his own salary.
In a comic scene, Kiven stands in the middle of the office, with all the employees around him, to announce the new Sr. VP of Sales. “I have finally decided who I want to be our new Senior Vice President of Sales. He is right here in this room. It is me. I have decided to absorb the responsibilities of the Sr. VP position into my own. I have realized that if you want to get something done, you gotta do it yourself.” All of us who saw the movie remember how funny that scene was, and then the reaction of Jason Bateman’s character, Nick, who was hoping to get the promotion.
According to Thomas Erikson in his famous book Surrounded by Idiots, Dave, the CEO, is a typical RED character who trusts only himself and his own abilities to get things done. He is always anxious about those around him, believing they are not competent or fast enough.
“Surrounded by Idiots” stands out as one of the most successful books on understanding human behavior and thought. What makes it unique is its approach to simplifying thinking into four main categories, asserting that each of us falls into one or two types. In rare cases, some may exhibit traits from three types, but never all four.
This book offers a fascinating journey of self-discovery, helping you understand your own behavior and that of others, whether it’s your boss, spouse, best friend, or anyone around you. It equips you to predict their next moves. I found the book to be a well of insights, leading to numerous ‘aha’ moments of understanding.
The idea behind the book is that what a person says to someone is not necessarily what the other person hears, because people usually listen to others through many mental filters. Hence, we interpret others’ words based on our preconditioned mindset.
The author divides people into four main categories based on their behavioral patterns, which he identifies as Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. By understanding the behavioral patterns and attributes associated with each color, you will understand why your boss, for example, acts the way he does, how to predict his next move, and how to manage him accordingly. The same goes for everyone else in your life.
- RED: Driven by tasks and external achievement, RED individuals are extroverted go-getters. Their focus is squarely on winning, achieving goals, and solving problems efficiently. They fearlessly speak their minds, even if it hurts those around them. For REDs, success is synonymous with action. They thrive on tackling challenges head-on and getting things done swiftly. Even when no problem exists, they would create one to flex their problem-solving muscles. REDs naturally assume leadership roles. While some perceive them as self-centered or driven solely by incentives, the truth is that their unwavering commitment is to complete tasks. In summary, REDs are the dynamic drivers of progress, unapologetically focused on results over social niceties.
- YELLOW: These vibrant individuals thrive on relationships, exuding extroversion and a love of storytelling. Their presence radiates cheerfulness, creating an infectious, joyful atmosphere wherever they go. For YELLOWs, being the center of attention signals acceptance and appreciation from others, which is the validation they crave. Their concern about how they’re perceived drives them to actively seek attention. They’re the ones who initiate exciting ideas and kick-start projects. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm often wanes, leaving many endeavors unfinished as they quickly grow bored. YELLOWs are notorious for their messiness and perpetual tardiness. Their attention span resembles that of a goldfish, flitting from one thing to another. While they excel at creating positive, energetic work environments, their listening skills fall short. Feedback hits them hard, and they often take it personally. In summary, YELLOWs are the life of the party, but their flighty nature and sensitivity to feedback can be both endearing and challenging.
- GREEN: These individuals tend to have a more passive demeanor, valuing stability and avoiding conflict. Representing most people worldwide, they are relationship-oriented and often come across as introverted. GREENs prefer listening to speaking, making them excellent active listeners. Their ability to understand others deeply enables them to provide thoughtful advice. In social dynamics, GREENs prioritize harmony and avoid confrontation whenever possible. They opt for diplomacy and may withhold the truth if doing so helps maintain cohesion. At work, they thrive on tasks that require a broader perspective, as they prefer to think at a macro level rather than a micro one. In summary, GREENs are the peacemakers, quietly fostering stability and understanding in their interactions.
- BLUE: Task-oriented and introverted, the BLUE personality type prioritizes precision and thoroughness. They meticulously follow established procedures, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of perfection. For them, delivering a project with utmost accuracy takes precedence over speed or meeting deadlines. However, their laser focus on details can make them less attuned to social cues. BLUEs struggle to read between the lines, relying solely on spoken words rather than nonverbal cues. Their perfectionist tendencies can inadvertently hinder progress as they become engrossed in data and analytics rather than adapting to the context. In summary, BLUEs are the architects of excellence, but their tunnel vision occasionally obscures the bigger picture.
Ultimately, it’s not just about deciphering others’ behavior or reading them. The most important lesson is to cultivate consideration and heightened awareness of those around you. As you advance on your journey toward excellence and triumph, treat others well, whether they’re colleagues, acquaintances, or strangers. Life’s intricate tapestry often loops back, and the faces you encounter on your way up may reappear on your descent.
Be mindful and compassionate, recognizing that success isn’t solely about personal achievement but also about our impact on others. Remember that our social interactions are woven with threads of empathy, kindness, and mutual respect.
Sources:-
- “Surrounded by Idiots” by Thomas Erikson
- Horrible Bosses” The Movie (2011)
