Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behaviour (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood)

I've been exposed to the DISC model a few times over the last decade, and each time it made sense while I was in the room. I'd forgotten how to apply it within weeks. That's probably because those exposures were all training seminars. Reading a book is different - it sticks.Thomas Erikson's Surrounded is funny, engaging, and full of examples I'll actually remember. The "keep the receipt" joke in the opening sets the tone, and Erikson has a knack for making behavioural psychology feel real rather than academic.The idea that struck me first was his challenge to the Golden Rule. Rather than treating others as you'd like to be treated, he argues you should treat people as they'd like to be treated. It's a small shift in thinking, but the implications for communication and leadership are obvious once you see them.Erikson presents DISC with a lot of confidence, but the evidence behind the colour descriptions isn't especially rigorous. If you want a scientifically robust model of personality, you'll be disappointed. Treat it as a framework for thinking about communication rather than a diagnostic tool, though, and it earns its keep.I enjoyed Surrounded by Idiots. It's well written, genuinely funny in places, and full of practical suggestions that could improve conversations at work and at home. I'd recommend the book as a reminder that not everyone thinks, communicates or decides the same way, and that adapting to those differences is often the key to being understood.

My brother throughly enjoyed this and found it incredibly interesting.

I found this book to be very enlightening and helpful. It explains how different people have different personality types, and how to communicate with them effectively. The author uses the DISC model, which categorizes people into four colorus: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Each colour has its own strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and motivations. The book teaches you how to identify the colours of yourself and others, and how to adapt your style to suit their needs. The book is full of examples, tips, and exercises that make it easy to apply the concepts to your own life. I learned a lot about myself and the people around me. I realized why some people are easy to get along with, while others are more challenging. I also learned how to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, and how to improve my relationships with different colours. The book is written in a clear and engaging way, with humour and anecdotes. The author is an expert on communication and behaviour, and he shares his insights and experiences in a relatable way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand themselves and others better, and to communicate more effectively in any situation. It is a great book for personal and professional development.

Surrounded by Idiots is an amazing book that helps you see both yourself and others through a new lens — one that’s based on natural behavioural tendencies. Understanding why you do what you do is incredibly freeing, and it allows you to be more compassionate towards yourself and far less judgmental of others.I genuinely believe this is a must-read for anyone in a relationship — or anyone looking for the right partner. It offers powerful insights into how to understand and relate to people from all walks of life. Just like we don’t question why a dog barks or a lion roars, people behave in certain ways because of their natural disposition.When you don’t understand your own tendencies, it can lead to self-criticism and holding yourself back. This book brings clarity, awareness, and practical wisdom — ignore it at your own peril.

Makes some good points but long winded...

Great bookRecommendation to anyone that is into leadership

Great if you are a leader, you will understand everyone without being frustrated

It's not the easiest read, but this book explains in understandable terms why your team might not be performing. If you Boss has read this book, you should too.

its good for understanding

The book was in great condition, and was great quality and easy to understand!

🔥

Es un libro que todo mundo debería leer, cambiará tu perspectiva de las relaciones laborales, personales y la conformación de equipos de trabajo.

Brilliant book