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Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate With Each in Business
A fully revised and expanded edition of the runaway bestseller, Surrounded by Idiots—now with
Text • Charts • Examples • Snark!
Master the four basic behavior types and change the way you communicate!
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?
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 personality types.
Erikson’s simple yet ground-breaking techniques 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.
At a moment in time when understanding one another is more important than ever, Thomas Erikson revisits his most popular title, offering an updated and expanded edition that will make you a master of communication.
Text • Charts • Examples • Snark!
Master the four basic behavior types and change the way you communicate!
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?
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 personality types.
Erikson’s simple yet ground-breaking techniques 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.
At a moment in time when understanding one another is more important than ever, Thomas Erikson revisits his most popular title, offering an updated and expanded edition that will make you a master of communication.
400 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2025
405 people are currently reading
11374 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Erikson
41 books1,602 followersThomas Erikson is a behaviourist and the bestselling author of the Surrounded by- series about human behaviours.
The series, has been translated to close to 60 languages and has sold over 8 million copies.
His mission is to make people’s lives easier by making them more aware of themselves and help people to a better understanding of what it takes to achieve the best possible communication.
He is a highly sought-after public speaker with 120 keynotes yearly on topics such as human behaviours, self-awareness, , narcissism, and leadership.
He lives by the simple but useful quote:
You can’t change somebody else, but you can change yourself.
Thomas was writing for twenty years before finally getting published. Being an author was his dream in life, so he never gave up. Instead he tested new ideas, tweaked his writing style, learned new skills, asked professionals, worked from 03.00 in the morning for years.
No one really believed in his writing ambitions, so he had to believe in himself.
Nowadays Thomas is Sweden’s most translated author still active. Only Selma Lagerlöf and Astid Lindgren has been translated into more languages.
He has until today published twelve books – half fiction and half non-fiction – and he will continue to write as long as he breathes.
He lives on the countryside in Sweden with his wife Christina, Sweden’s biggest romance author, he runs a family business that provides online courses and master classes on all the topics he writes about in his books.
Fun fact: Thomas is a true anglophile. He is a passionate gardener, loves topiary: if he could wear tweed the full year he would. And he is s collector of old Land Rovers.
Some of them works, most of them don’t.
The series, has been translated to close to 60 languages and has sold over 8 million copies.
His mission is to make people’s lives easier by making them more aware of themselves and help people to a better understanding of what it takes to achieve the best possible communication.
He is a highly sought-after public speaker with 120 keynotes yearly on topics such as human behaviours, self-awareness, , narcissism, and leadership.
He lives by the simple but useful quote:
You can’t change somebody else, but you can change yourself.
Thomas was writing for twenty years before finally getting published. Being an author was his dream in life, so he never gave up. Instead he tested new ideas, tweaked his writing style, learned new skills, asked professionals, worked from 03.00 in the morning for years.
No one really believed in his writing ambitions, so he had to believe in himself.
Nowadays Thomas is Sweden’s most translated author still active. Only Selma Lagerlöf and Astid Lindgren has been translated into more languages.
He has until today published twelve books – half fiction and half non-fiction – and he will continue to write as long as he breathes.
He lives on the countryside in Sweden with his wife Christina, Sweden’s biggest romance author, he runs a family business that provides online courses and master classes on all the topics he writes about in his books.
Fun fact: Thomas is a true anglophile. He is a passionate gardener, loves topiary: if he could wear tweed the full year he would. And he is s collector of old Land Rovers.
Some of them works, most of them don’t.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 1, 2025
can’t stop, won’t stop, telling people their colours 🤣
October 3, 2025
Oh dear. Where to start with this book? The front cover maybe! It is telling me that 'over 10 million copies have been sold'. Thus disproving the saying never judge a book by it's cover. It is clear that a lot of Erikson's readers did exactly that! I am one of them. Who hasn't whispered the title to themselves at work or on the roads or in the supermarket? The catchy title immediately engages and hooks the reader, but unfortunately it's downhill from there.
I found this book to be a half-baked attempt to re-hash the work of the Myers-Briggs personality indicators. But with this system we are only allowed four pigeon holes for the whole of humanity! Erikson then proceeds to squeeze an unsettling amount of self-assured examples very deftly into each box.
Page after page after page of preachy conclusions, judgements and behavioural knowledge stretch the bounds of believability to breaking point for this reader.
Erikson has more in common with a highly financed American tv evangelist than a serious psychologist. Think more Mystic Meg than professional academic.
Anyone that will pay to have their fortune told or reads Astrology will love this book. But for serious behavioural studies most of us will need to look elsewhere.
Last point. I couldn't find any references in the book. That's also a bit unsettling.
I found this book to be a half-baked attempt to re-hash the work of the Myers-Briggs personality indicators. But with this system we are only allowed four pigeon holes for the whole of humanity! Erikson then proceeds to squeeze an unsettling amount of self-assured examples very deftly into each box.
Page after page after page of preachy conclusions, judgements and behavioural knowledge stretch the bounds of believability to breaking point for this reader.
Erikson has more in common with a highly financed American tv evangelist than a serious psychologist. Think more Mystic Meg than professional academic.
Anyone that will pay to have their fortune told or reads Astrology will love this book. But for serious behavioural studies most of us will need to look elsewhere.
Last point. I couldn't find any references in the book. That's also a bit unsettling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
I have to admit, the title grabbed me immediately and then I was pleasantly surprised to see this was a behavior type book similar to Meyers-Briggs. I had never heard of this one before or read the original, so I’m not going to be much help in distinguishing this from the original version unfortunately. I listened via audio which was easy to do, and I thought that the four types were fairly spot on and the assessments reasonable, as they are all types of people I’ve seen and worked with before. I do think folks are not that easily put in one bucket for all things, so that is where you have to be careful when reading books like this, but otherwise this was a great read with a good perspective on how to relate to different types of people.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Essentials #partner for the gifted book to review.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Essentials #partner for the gifted book to review.
July 10, 2025
I never read the original, so I'm not sure what's different about this revised version, but it's a basic overview of the DISC personality types. Most people find it fun to diagnose themselves and their friends, but the book wasn't useful on a very practical level. I was given an ARC by NetGalley to review.
August 8, 2025
Reads like a series of horoscopes. You can skip this one.
January 8, 2026
This is an insightful book about personality, behavior, and thinking patterns and how to communicate with people who differ from you in those areas. Erikson utilizes the DISC model of behavior types, which includes Red (Dominant), Yellow (Influential), Green (Stabilizing), and Blue (Conscientious). He describes the general characteristics of each type (positive and negative), how each type views itself, and how each type may be perceived by others. He then discusses how to communicate and collaborate effectively with each. Additionally, he devotes a few chapters to ideas separate from behavior, such as motivations and driving forces.
What I liked: I found the book well-organized and easy to read. The author includes plenty of examples and personal anecdotes, which helped me understand the points he was making. Overall, I believe the things I’ve learned from this book will prove useful in my interactions with people around me, especially in the workplace.
What I didn’t like: The majority of the book focuses on each behavior type as a pure color, yet Erikson states that only about 5% of the population is solely (or almost solely) one color. Most people are a combination of two colors, with one color being dominant. Therefore, the real-life people you encounter won’t fit neatly into the categories the book describes, and this somewhat lessens the book’s ease of applicability.
Conclusion: The ideas in this book are beneficial to understanding others who work and think in different ways. It helped me comprehend why some people do certain things or act in certain ways that seem illogical to me. It’s just important to remember that assigning different colors to people is so that we can better understand them and work with them, not to pigeonhole them and ignore their individual complexities.
What I liked: I found the book well-organized and easy to read. The author includes plenty of examples and personal anecdotes, which helped me understand the points he was making. Overall, I believe the things I’ve learned from this book will prove useful in my interactions with people around me, especially in the workplace.
What I didn’t like: The majority of the book focuses on each behavior type as a pure color, yet Erikson states that only about 5% of the population is solely (or almost solely) one color. Most people are a combination of two colors, with one color being dominant. Therefore, the real-life people you encounter won’t fit neatly into the categories the book describes, and this somewhat lessens the book’s ease of applicability.
Conclusion: The ideas in this book are beneficial to understanding others who work and think in different ways. It helped me comprehend why some people do certain things or act in certain ways that seem illogical to me. It’s just important to remember that assigning different colors to people is so that we can better understand them and work with them, not to pigeonhole them and ignore their individual complexities.
January 23, 2026
Loved it! The only thing I really hated was when he would reference a color the author would say 'he' instead of not 'they'. Example: 'I red tends to get mad quick. HE needs to work on that'. Thats the only flaw though!
February 2, 2026
General concept is interesting. Surface level and redundant.
July 5, 2025
Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I grabbed - nay, lunged - for this based on the title alone. I really didn't know what to expect (it's a massive bestseller that I'd never heard of), but, seeing as how I've recently taken on some managerial responsibilities, I thought this book would be helpful in avoiding becoming one of those Idiots (and seeing if I am one already.)
This is not so much a management style book as it is a study of a certain personality type system called DISC. Instead of D and I and S and C, the author uses Red, Yellow, Green and Blue:
Reds are action- and results-oriented, very shouty;
Yellows are social butterflies, not as shouty but very chatty, and everyone likes them;
Greens are thoughtful and kind. They'll make sure your coffee is always topped off but probably won't get anything else done;
Blues are deep thinkers who analyze all angles before acting in order to ensure everything is meaningful and perfect.
I'm a Blue/Green!
Fortunately, I am interested in personality types (how very Blue of me), so I rather enjoyed learning about this new system. What I appreciated, though, were the practical examples of how to engage with each personality type in order to maximize their best traits:
One of my work friends is Yellow - she loves to interview people and organize our team social events, and she is amazing at both. I told her about this book and she said, "let me guess - I'm Yellow, right? I'm always the bright social sunny one." Her expense reports are a disaster, however;
There's me, Blue - I'm the expense coordinator. I'm not kidding. I love spreadsheets and minutia. I loathe social events and am figuring out how to worm my way out of going to the team's offsite this fall;
I don't think we have any obvious Reds on our team? Upper management for sure though.
Overall, the personality types come across as pretty simplistic, but, we're all composed of different colors, just varying degrees of them. I've already found it helpful and recommend it.
I grabbed - nay, lunged - for this based on the title alone. I really didn't know what to expect (it's a massive bestseller that I'd never heard of), but, seeing as how I've recently taken on some managerial responsibilities, I thought this book would be helpful in avoiding becoming one of those Idiots (and seeing if I am one already.)
This is not so much a management style book as it is a study of a certain personality type system called DISC. Instead of D and I and S and C, the author uses Red, Yellow, Green and Blue:
Reds are action- and results-oriented, very shouty;
Yellows are social butterflies, not as shouty but very chatty, and everyone likes them;
Greens are thoughtful and kind. They'll make sure your coffee is always topped off but probably won't get anything else done;
Blues are deep thinkers who analyze all angles before acting in order to ensure everything is meaningful and perfect.
I'm a Blue/Green!
Fortunately, I am interested in personality types (how very Blue of me), so I rather enjoyed learning about this new system. What I appreciated, though, were the practical examples of how to engage with each personality type in order to maximize their best traits:
One of my work friends is Yellow - she loves to interview people and organize our team social events, and she is amazing at both. I told her about this book and she said, "let me guess - I'm Yellow, right? I'm always the bright social sunny one." Her expense reports are a disaster, however;
There's me, Blue - I'm the expense coordinator. I'm not kidding. I love spreadsheets and minutia. I loathe social events and am figuring out how to worm my way out of going to the team's offsite this fall;
I don't think we have any obvious Reds on our team? Upper management for sure though.
Overall, the personality types come across as pretty simplistic, but, we're all composed of different colors, just varying degrees of them. I've already found it helpful and recommend it.
January 2, 2026
ok fuck it, DNF @ 32%. no data, no references. just a whole lot of yapping and making oversimplified, biased, reductive, immature, generalized sweeping statements. this book made me so annoyed
October 17, 2025
written by someone with just above average social analysis for people with no social analysis.
So far the argument of the book is that we judge people too harshly because we don't know how to analyse them, and therefore call people idiots as they act in an unpredictable unfathomable way, that to someone with no analysis comes across as idiocy.
He also comes from the perspective of being able to analyse people will help one not to judge others, but I think it'd be better to say you can judge people in a more correct manner.
Only got 6% in but may listen to some more. Got very aggravated listening to very basic ideas about core ideals and things.
So far the argument of the book is that we judge people too harshly because we don't know how to analyse them, and therefore call people idiots as they act in an unpredictable unfathomable way, that to someone with no analysis comes across as idiocy.
He also comes from the perspective of being able to analyse people will help one not to judge others, but I think it'd be better to say you can judge people in a more correct manner.
Only got 6% in but may listen to some more. Got very aggravated listening to very basic ideas about core ideals and things.
November 16, 2025
The theory is very interesting, and I started reading because I wanted to learn more about the DISC model. However the way the book is written is very boring. From the middle to the end I just wanted to finish it as quick as possible. The fact that is very structured and have chapters divided by each color is good for when we want to revisit or find something specific about each color. But it is a very boring approach if you want to read it as a linear thing.
November 5, 2025
It’s a great title. But really it’s just about the DISC assessment. Something I am very familiar with so the book didn’t add much new for me.
August 26, 2025
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: A fully revised and expanded edition of the runaway bestseller, Surrounded by Idiots—now with Text • Charts • Examples • Snark!
Master the four basic behavior types and change the way you communicate!
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?
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 personality types.
Erikson’s simple yet ground-breaking techniques 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.
At a moment in time when understanding one another is more important than ever, Thomas Erikson revisits his most popular title, offering an updated and expanded edition that will make you a master of communication.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: If anyone reading this has not yet read SURROUNDED BY NARCISSISTS: How to Effectively Recognize, Avoid, and Defend Yourself Against Toxic People (and Not Lose Your Mind) I recommend you go do that.
Back so soon? Okay, here we go.
I didn't read the original version so cannot comment on whatever might be new in the presentation of the text. I can tell you it's easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to misuse. You are not going to be a mental-health professional after reading this book. I think anyone who feels frustrated and put-upon by the goofballs and simps surrounding them should go get a therapist. To be completely honest I think that anyway...go get a therapist! It will change your life for the better.
Absent that, reading this book is best done with the realization that at least a dozen people are reading it because of you. It behooves all of us to get better at communication with people not like ourselves, but from a place of non-judgmental desire to be better about our affect in this world.
I can hear y'all snickering, it's really quite rude. I already said it's best to read this (and all other books like it) in the full realization that others are reading them to detoxify your affect on them. I really mean that. Communication problems are always mutual. When you simply dislike someone you still need to be able to communicate with them to be effective in any social situation where there are other people...in other words, all of them. Talking to MAGAts or religious nuts is hard, but we all need to do it sometimes. I myownself keep interactions with them as short as possible and avoid eye contact the way our pal Mamie does with Mondays, for the same reason.
This particular iteration of the DISC / Meyers-Briggs system, using colors in place of letters, works as well as these things ever do: Not very, but useful as a quick issue-defusing technique. It's easy to internalize, comes with built-in shorthand, and can help you walk away from difficult conversations without creating more trouble.
It's not, and does not purport or pretend to be, a substitute for the hard work of therapy. Which everyone should do. But since there's no way in hell most lazy slugs will bother, and no way most people can afford it if they were willing (which they're not), and no easy way to find or know how to judge which therapist is the right one for you, we have books like this.
Use it the way he tells you to and you will do no (further) harm.
That alone is worth more than the purchase price.
The Publisher Says: A fully revised and expanded edition of the runaway bestseller, Surrounded by Idiots—now with Text • Charts • Examples • Snark!
Master the four basic behavior types and change the way you communicate!
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?
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 personality types.
Erikson’s simple yet ground-breaking techniques 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.
At a moment in time when understanding one another is more important than ever, Thomas Erikson revisits his most popular title, offering an updated and expanded edition that will make you a master of communication.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: If anyone reading this has not yet read SURROUNDED BY NARCISSISTS: How to Effectively Recognize, Avoid, and Defend Yourself Against Toxic People (and Not Lose Your Mind) I recommend you go do that.
Back so soon? Okay, here we go.
I didn't read the original version so cannot comment on whatever might be new in the presentation of the text. I can tell you it's easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to misuse. You are not going to be a mental-health professional after reading this book. I think anyone who feels frustrated and put-upon by the goofballs and simps surrounding them should go get a therapist. To be completely honest I think that anyway...go get a therapist! It will change your life for the better.
Absent that, reading this book is best done with the realization that at least a dozen people are reading it because of you. It behooves all of us to get better at communication with people not like ourselves, but from a place of non-judgmental desire to be better about our affect in this world.
I can hear y'all snickering, it's really quite rude. I already said it's best to read this (and all other books like it) in the full realization that others are reading them to detoxify your affect on them. I really mean that. Communication problems are always mutual. When you simply dislike someone you still need to be able to communicate with them to be effective in any social situation where there are other people...in other words, all of them. Talking to MAGAts or religious nuts is hard, but we all need to do it sometimes. I myownself keep interactions with them as short as possible and avoid eye contact the way our pal Mamie does with Mondays, for the same reason.
This particular iteration of the DISC / Meyers-Briggs system, using colors in place of letters, works as well as these things ever do: Not very, but useful as a quick issue-defusing technique. It's easy to internalize, comes with built-in shorthand, and can help you walk away from difficult conversations without creating more trouble.
It's not, and does not purport or pretend to be, a substitute for the hard work of therapy. Which everyone should do. But since there's no way in hell most lazy slugs will bother, and no way most people can afford it if they were willing (which they're not), and no easy way to find or know how to judge which therapist is the right one for you, we have books like this.
Use it the way he tells you to and you will do no (further) harm.
That alone is worth more than the purchase price.
January 14, 2026
I had not read the original, before this revised & expanded edition, but I had heard of it because my teen had to go through it in one of her courses a couple years back. So while I had previous knowledge of the existence of the book, aside from her discovering she was a "Green", I don't have a personal comparison between the initial print and this one. So my review will be based solely on the ARC of this version that I received from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. While I thank them for the opportunity to get to read and review this piece, my opinions on it area strictly my own.
My initial impression upon reading this book was an appreciation for the authors acknowledgement that times change and that they felt they needed to upgrade their piece to reflect that, as well as to answer a lot of very popular questions that people apparently had after reading the precious editions. I find that very respectable of them. (That alone makes me want to pick up their other works.) This was a very intriguing read for me. As much as I love a lot of other genres, I do from time to time love to educate myself with thought provoking and enlightening material like this book. While I found this book to be just that, I was a little perplexed to notice that I apparently don't fit into the singular RYGB categories. I actually was divided by two, which I guess can happen from time to time. My own life experience has taught me to walk with a certain level of respect, courtesy and grace towards others that I encounter outside my home-this book is really eye opening to the amount of people that don't seem to do that as an acknowledgment of that nor that amount of different personalities that exist in this world. Thus the "idiots" aspect of the book stemming from people only existing in their own personal bubbles of thoughts, emotions and actions and judging others based solely on that. Honestly I think this is a really important read for anyone and everyone and highly suggest that you pick it up. It's always good to broaden your horizons and expand your mind. No one in this world knows everything and that's ok, but you can always continue to grow and learn. Seriously, don't bypass the opportunity to read this one it can really help you to better understand those in the world around you, as well as bring better self-awareness.
My initial impression upon reading this book was an appreciation for the authors acknowledgement that times change and that they felt they needed to upgrade their piece to reflect that, as well as to answer a lot of very popular questions that people apparently had after reading the precious editions. I find that very respectable of them. (That alone makes me want to pick up their other works.) This was a very intriguing read for me. As much as I love a lot of other genres, I do from time to time love to educate myself with thought provoking and enlightening material like this book. While I found this book to be just that, I was a little perplexed to notice that I apparently don't fit into the singular RYGB categories. I actually was divided by two, which I guess can happen from time to time. My own life experience has taught me to walk with a certain level of respect, courtesy and grace towards others that I encounter outside my home-this book is really eye opening to the amount of people that don't seem to do that as an acknowledgment of that nor that amount of different personalities that exist in this world. Thus the "idiots" aspect of the book stemming from people only existing in their own personal bubbles of thoughts, emotions and actions and judging others based solely on that. Honestly I think this is a really important read for anyone and everyone and highly suggest that you pick it up. It's always good to broaden your horizons and expand your mind. No one in this world knows everything and that's ok, but you can always continue to grow and learn. Seriously, don't bypass the opportunity to read this one it can really help you to better understand those in the world around you, as well as bring better self-awareness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Pub date: Aug 26, 2025
"Surrounded by Idiots Revised & Expanded Edition"
By @thomaseriksonwriter
iG: ArchivesOfArmina
"Surrounded by Idiots" has always been a fun, easy-to-digest introduction to the four-color personality model, and this revised and expanded edition makes it even better. Thomas Erikson refreshes the original framework with updated examples, new sections on remote and digital communication, and a deeper dive into mixed personality profiles. I especially appreciated the added “do’s and don’ts” lists for working with each personality type 'cause they make the concepts far more actionable in daily life. The tone is still light and humorous, but with a slightly more balanced approach that avoids overgeneralizing. Whether you’re new to the model or read the first edition years ago, this version offers enough fresh material to make it a worthwhile read, particularly if you work in diverse or global teams. Highly recommended for anyone curious about why people behave the way they do and how to adapt with your communication.
I’ve read both the first edition and the revised and the ARC expanded version, and the updates really stood out to me. The newer edition feels much more relevant, with examples that fit today’s world, especially situations involving remote work and online communication. I also like that it goes deeper into “mixed” personality types, since most people aren’t just one color. The added “do’s and don’ts” lists, chapter summaries, and exercises make it easier to apply in real life, whether at work or in personal relationships. The tone is still light and funny, but a bit more balanced so it doesn’t stereotype as much, and I appreciated the broader cultural and generational perspective compared to the more Europe-focused first edition. Overall, it’s a richer and more practical read without losing what made the original fun.
I highly recommend it!
Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress @stmartinsessentials for the advanced copy!
#idiots #surroundedbyidiots
#bookreview #booksta #bookstagram
#arcreview #selfhelpbooks #nonfiction
Pub date: Aug 26, 2025
"Surrounded by Idiots Revised & Expanded Edition"
By @thomaseriksonwriter
iG: ArchivesOfArmina
"Surrounded by Idiots" has always been a fun, easy-to-digest introduction to the four-color personality model, and this revised and expanded edition makes it even better. Thomas Erikson refreshes the original framework with updated examples, new sections on remote and digital communication, and a deeper dive into mixed personality profiles. I especially appreciated the added “do’s and don’ts” lists for working with each personality type 'cause they make the concepts far more actionable in daily life. The tone is still light and humorous, but with a slightly more balanced approach that avoids overgeneralizing. Whether you’re new to the model or read the first edition years ago, this version offers enough fresh material to make it a worthwhile read, particularly if you work in diverse or global teams. Highly recommended for anyone curious about why people behave the way they do and how to adapt with your communication.
I’ve read both the first edition and the revised and the ARC expanded version, and the updates really stood out to me. The newer edition feels much more relevant, with examples that fit today’s world, especially situations involving remote work and online communication. I also like that it goes deeper into “mixed” personality types, since most people aren’t just one color. The added “do’s and don’ts” lists, chapter summaries, and exercises make it easier to apply in real life, whether at work or in personal relationships. The tone is still light and funny, but a bit more balanced so it doesn’t stereotype as much, and I appreciated the broader cultural and generational perspective compared to the more Europe-focused first edition. Overall, it’s a richer and more practical read without losing what made the original fun.
I highly recommend it!
Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress @stmartinsessentials for the advanced copy!
#idiots #surroundedbyidiots
#bookreview #booksta #bookstagram
#arcreview #selfhelpbooks #nonfiction
August 28, 2025
Thomas Erikson’s revised and expanded edition of Surrounded by Idiots brings fresh insights, more examples, and updated strategies for understanding the people we deal with every day. At the heart of this book is a simple yet powerful breakdown of four primary behavioral types, which Erikson explains in a practical and easy-to-apply manner. The goal is not to label people but to learn how to better connect with them, especially when communication seems impossible.
The author uses real-life situations, engaging charts, and a healthy dose of humor to illustrate why some conversations can be frustrating while others flow with ease. I appreciated that the book not only explores how to recognize these behavior types in others but also pushes the reader to take an honest look at their own tendencies. Erikson balances science with storytelling, which makes the lessons stick without feeling overwhelming.
This updated edition feels especially timely because it addresses challenges we face in both our work and personal lives. Whether navigating a tough meeting, trying to reason with a partner, or leading a team, these techniques are adaptable across various settings.
Overall, this book delivers on its promise of helping you master communication by understanding yourself and others at a deeper level. It provides tools to reduce conflict, increase cooperation, and approach conversations with confidence rather than frustration.
Readers who enjoy self-development with a mix of humor and real-world application will find this edition worth adding to their collection.
The author uses real-life situations, engaging charts, and a healthy dose of humor to illustrate why some conversations can be frustrating while others flow with ease. I appreciated that the book not only explores how to recognize these behavior types in others but also pushes the reader to take an honest look at their own tendencies. Erikson balances science with storytelling, which makes the lessons stick without feeling overwhelming.
This updated edition feels especially timely because it addresses challenges we face in both our work and personal lives. Whether navigating a tough meeting, trying to reason with a partner, or leading a team, these techniques are adaptable across various settings.
Overall, this book delivers on its promise of helping you master communication by understanding yourself and others at a deeper level. It provides tools to reduce conflict, increase cooperation, and approach conversations with confidence rather than frustration.
Readers who enjoy self-development with a mix of humor and real-world application will find this edition worth adding to their collection.
August 29, 2025
This is a very interesting book. If you think that it is someone letting off steam because of the people around him, nothing could be further from the truth. It asks the reader to step back and look at how he or she is relating to those individuals and whether the problem is communication rather than the fact that the world is filled with idiots. This book should be required reading if you work in the corporate world particularly or just need to interact with your fellow humans. It would have been invaluable if I was still consulting with independent contractors and their staff.
It is written in clear text that is simple to read and understand. Any fan of Meyers Brigg will be it enlightening. According to the book, we all fall into four colours. Red, yellow, green and blue. It goes into detail of the characteristics of all four in varying situations and outlines how best to get along by understanding how they may be interpreting what you say and do. There is the old adage that the message must be sent, received and understood. The book could go a long way towards facilitating the last two and mostly the understood. We are, as the book says, in the minority. The minority of one among multitudes. Anything that can help us navigate successfully, is definitely welcome.
Four purrs and two paws up.
It is written in clear text that is simple to read and understand. Any fan of Meyers Brigg will be it enlightening. According to the book, we all fall into four colours. Red, yellow, green and blue. It goes into detail of the characteristics of all four in varying situations and outlines how best to get along by understanding how they may be interpreting what you say and do. There is the old adage that the message must be sent, received and understood. The book could go a long way towards facilitating the last two and mostly the understood. We are, as the book says, in the minority. The minority of one among multitudes. Anything that can help us navigate successfully, is definitely welcome.
Four purrs and two paws up.
November 14, 2025
Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson was a really good book that made me categorize my friends and helped me understand them more and learn how to communicate. But I do understand why people dislike this book because the farther and farther I got, the more repetitive it became before it felt useless. At the beginning of the book, it said that most people were a mix of two colors and only 5% of people were actually one color. But the format of this book teaches how to communicate with each color or that 5% of people. It is more confusing how to actually use this book when everyone is a mix of the colors, so it became less fascinating. I would give this 3 out of five stars and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn personality in a simple, clear way.
The thing I found most interesting about this book is all the research Erikson has done to complete this book. You can tell that he knows what he is talking about and does believe that this theory works. This is contagious and makes me believe that it's true. I also found it fascinating that he was right, I could see these colors in my friends and family, and though this book is really controversial, I think that what he was trying to portray was true; he just said it in a way that made it isolated and controversial.
The thing I found most interesting about this book is all the research Erikson has done to complete this book. You can tell that he knows what he is talking about and does believe that this theory works. This is contagious and makes me believe that it's true. I also found it fascinating that he was right, I could see these colors in my friends and family, and though this book is really controversial, I think that what he was trying to portray was true; he just said it in a way that made it isolated and controversial.
July 17, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
Have you ever wondered why some people are easier to communicate with than others? What makes some more approachable? Easier to talk to? Easier to work with? Or maybe just they are the ones who when given a task, no follow-up is needed because everyone knows it will be taken care of accurately and on time. And then there are those who are the opposite of all of these qualities... We must work with and communicate with all types of people, so knowing how to do effectively is key.
In his book, Erikson begins by assigning a color to each type of personality to make each easy to refer to throughout the book. He also describes the ideal environment for each personality-type, as well as the most stressful one, and finally identifies which groups are more inclined to work well together & which are more likely to clash.
In the introduction, it is mentioned that this book is an expansion to his original text by the same title which I had not read. So, I found this one to be extremely enlightening and something I can use to help me as I reflect on my relationships with colleagues.
Have you ever wondered why some people are easier to communicate with than others? What makes some more approachable? Easier to talk to? Easier to work with? Or maybe just they are the ones who when given a task, no follow-up is needed because everyone knows it will be taken care of accurately and on time. And then there are those who are the opposite of all of these qualities... We must work with and communicate with all types of people, so knowing how to do effectively is key.
In his book, Erikson begins by assigning a color to each type of personality to make each easy to refer to throughout the book. He also describes the ideal environment for each personality-type, as well as the most stressful one, and finally identifies which groups are more inclined to work well together & which are more likely to clash.
In the introduction, it is mentioned that this book is an expansion to his original text by the same title which I had not read. So, I found this one to be extremely enlightening and something I can use to help me as I reflect on my relationships with colleagues.
January 11, 2026
Surrounded by Idiots is an accessible and engaging introduction to personality-based communication, especially in a workplace context. Thomas Erikson’s use of the four-color model (Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue) makes behavioral patterns easy to understand, remember, and apply. The strength of the book lies in its practicality — it quickly gives you a vocabulary for recognizing different communication styles and adapting your approach to work more effectively with others.
That said, the book leans heavily on simplification. While the framework is useful as a heuristic, it risks encouraging labeling if taken too literally. Human behavior is more nuanced than four categories, and Erikson occasionally presents traits in ways that feel more anecdotal than scientifically rigorous.
Overall, this is a valuable read for managers, team leaders, and anyone working in collaborative environments. It’s best approached as a communication tool rather than a psychological theory — when used with self-awareness and flexibility, it can genuinely improve how you understand and interact with others.
That said, the book leans heavily on simplification. While the framework is useful as a heuristic, it risks encouraging labeling if taken too literally. Human behavior is more nuanced than four categories, and Erikson occasionally presents traits in ways that feel more anecdotal than scientifically rigorous.
Overall, this is a valuable read for managers, team leaders, and anyone working in collaborative environments. It’s best approached as a communication tool rather than a psychological theory — when used with self-awareness and flexibility, it can genuinely improve how you understand and interact with others.
December 29, 2025
Having taken assessments before reading this, I was quite familiar with my own colors as well as those of people I have worked with. The research on prevalence of each type in society was presented in an engaging and humorous style; I appreciate the sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek bits that were evident in just-right doses.
What I found confusing and overwhelming were the later sections on driving forces. Like any Blue worth their weight I wanted to be able to integrate and make use of this knowledge but it was too brief, spanning only one chapter, and threw me off from absorbing the material on combinations of colors and adapting to others.
Overall, it is good awareness about others' behaviors, and refreshing to know most people are green and not red (even in the US). I still believe in the power to adapt to the circumstances; empathy is critical to guide one to shift from task-oriented to relationship-oriented. Adaptation does take energy, as the author suggests, but mainly due to a lack of empathy. I would love to see how human empathy maps across the four types.
What I found confusing and overwhelming were the later sections on driving forces. Like any Blue worth their weight I wanted to be able to integrate and make use of this knowledge but it was too brief, spanning only one chapter, and threw me off from absorbing the material on combinations of colors and adapting to others.
Overall, it is good awareness about others' behaviors, and refreshing to know most people are green and not red (even in the US). I still believe in the power to adapt to the circumstances; empathy is critical to guide one to shift from task-oriented to relationship-oriented. Adaptation does take energy, as the author suggests, but mainly due to a lack of empathy. I would love to see how human empathy maps across the four types.
October 11, 2025
My problem with self-help books is that they tend to categorise things in rather convenient boxes. Although the author agrees that most of us have a combination of the four "colours" that make up our persoanlity, the book still tends to put people in one colour or the other. In our book club, when this book was discussed, almost everyone chose to ascribe one colour or the other to themselves, in all honesty. When the possibility of all four colours playing a part in different times and situations in a person's life, practically everyone agreed! This book is worth reading for understanding the various elements of our personality traits, but not soo much weight should be placed on this kind of compartmentalisation.
July 23, 2025
I gave up on this because I didn’t find it helpful at all. When I requested it from NetGalley, I’d hoped it could help with those awkward moments of meeting somebody at a party or potluck and having to get through conversation without awkwardness or inadvertent conflict. Instead, he endlessly lists the traits of people he splits into four colors, but absolutely no one I know comes even close to being a mostly red, mostly yellow, mostly green, mostly blue. I could take the endless adjectives he supplies and say, this person is a little this, a little that.
Maybe the book would get more helpful if I read on, but my time is valuable, so I’ll never find out.
NetGalley provided an advance copy of this work of nonfiction, which RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2025.
If you're read the whole thing and found valuable insights, I'd love to hear from you about what you learned.
Maybe the book would get more helpful if I read on, but my time is valuable, so I’ll never find out.
NetGalley provided an advance copy of this work of nonfiction, which RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2025.
If you're read the whole thing and found valuable insights, I'd love to hear from you about what you learned.
July 28, 2025
Surrounded by Idiots Revised & Expanded Edition by Thomas Erikson was an insightful read. I found colors being assigned to each personality type an effective tool to understand the books concept. With many examples, I was easily able to understand the concepts and what each personality type found to be their ideal and stressful environment. The tone of the book made it easy to read and I found it engaging and at time humorous. Learning how different people communicate in teams and tense situations was eye opening.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Essentials for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Essentials for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
December 16, 2025
Highly illuminating.
I've been through this analysis of personality types before, many years ago at work. The DISC model
(Dominance, Inspiration, Stability and Conscientiousness) is standard fare in training courses aimed at better co-operation and teamwork. Good to revisit it at more leisure and reflect on people of my acquaintance and where they might fit into the model.
It's a fairly blunt instrument, as all such models are. Human personality and behaviour is far too varied and complex to be fully captured. Even so, it's helpful for shining a light on why someone might act the way they do -- and for looking at yourself in a mirror and asking the same question.
I've been through this analysis of personality types before, many years ago at work. The DISC model
(Dominance, Inspiration, Stability and Conscientiousness) is standard fare in training courses aimed at better co-operation and teamwork. Good to revisit it at more leisure and reflect on people of my acquaintance and where they might fit into the model.
It's a fairly blunt instrument, as all such models are. Human personality and behaviour is far too varied and complex to be fully captured. Even so, it's helpful for shining a light on why someone might act the way they do -- and for looking at yourself in a mirror and asking the same question.
September 24, 2025
I didn’t read the original edition, but this version includes charts and graphs that add clarity. The book explains DISC personality types through colors, which I found both interesting and relatable. Most people fall into a blend of two or three colors, and it’s a helpful way to view behavior with understanding rather than judgment.
The author’s promised snark and sarcasm kept the book engaging when it could have been dry. A recommended read for anyone looking to better understand and communicate with others.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author’s promised snark and sarcasm kept the book engaging when it could have been dry. A recommended read for anyone looking to better understand and communicate with others.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
there are a lot of people who are against categorizing people saying that people think in a million different ways, well yes it is true. this book is not a way try to categorize people into different colors and out of experience dont say to people that they are this color unless they ask.. but this is really efficient in communicating to people. this book made me realize that there is a correlation between the way people express their ideas and how they expect to recieve them. its all about pace and tone and all that... really worth it.
June 14, 2025
Interesting book on the DISC personality categories, how to identify yourself and others and how to manage those characteristics. Most of us are a blend of these traits but have one dominant personality. He also explains how to best manage these personalities both in business and personal life. It makes you think about how people are different and you shouldn’t judge them so harshly. You also need to think about how best to communicate with them to be effective.
August 26, 2025
This book was interesting, basically a different take on personalities and their groupings. I have not read the original edition, so this was all new to me. I think there are some good takeaways about interacting with types of people, but I think the author does a good job of mentioning caveats and that there truly is no "one size fits all approach".
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
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