Book of the Month – Thomas Erikson – “Surrounded by Idiots”

Selected by: Aris Diyanto, Member of the Anggraeni and Partners Library

Thomas Erikson, a Swedish author and behavioural expert, uses the DISC personality model to explain how people can be grouped into four “colours” – Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue – each with its own strengths, challenges, and way of communicating. First published in Sweden and now translated into many languages, the book explores how recognising these differences can help us work and communicate more effectively.

Reds are decisive and results-oriented, moving quickly to achieve their goals, though they can sometimes seem intense. Yellows are creative, enthusiastic, and great at connecting with people, but may lose focus on details. Greens are calm, dependable team players who value stability, but may be reluctant to speak up. Blues are precise, logical, and committed to high standards, though they may overthink and take longer to decide.

The book is written in clear, accessible language, with plenty of everyday examples that make the ideas easy to understand and apply. It’s a useful and relatable read for anyone looking to improve teamwork, communication, and understanding in both professional and personal settings.