All Talk, but No Walk
Erikson describes Yellows as enthusiastic talkers who may delay dull or uncomfortable tasks. He recommends gentle encouragement to help someone begin without feeling controlled.
THE IDEA
All Talk, but No Walk
I might as well get straight to the point here to avoid confusion: Yellows talk more than they work. They have a penchant for talking about everything they need to do rather than actually doing anything. Everyone who knows a genuine Yellow knows exactly what I’m talking about.
Okay, so many people have trouble getting motivated to work, especially with boring tasks. But Yellows find it particularly hard to leave the starting block when faced with uncomfortable tasks. It may be about having to call a dissatisfied customer, or getting an oil change, or going to the pharmacy. If it’s dull and uninspiring, it won’t happen. Their excuses for avoiding these tasks will be numerous and imaginative.
Because a Yellow’s perspective on time is based in the future, they spend more time talking about the future than dedicating their energy to getting there. Seldom have so many crazy plans been drawn up or so many insane goals set as is done by Yellows. Because they think aloud, people around them believe that these fantasies are going to happen: “Wow! It sounds amazing!”
Conclusion: To help your Yellow friend you need to make sure that he puts his shovel in the ground and starts digging. Push him, but push gently. Treat him a little bit like you would treat a child. Be kind but clear. If he notices that you’re becoming his taskmaster, things may become difficult. Yellows hate feeling controlled. They need the most help to get into gear, but that doesn’t mean they like it. They are free souls and don’t obey anyone else.
So you need to be diplomatic. Softly and gently explain the value of actually doing the job itself, now that he knows what needs to be done. Take a moment to explain to a Yellow how the great popularity he already enjoys can actually be increased even further if he just happens to get finished. Everyone will love him, and he will be more beloved than ever.
Does that sound simple? It is simple. All you need to do is overcome your resistance to inflating someone’s ego in such an obvious way. But it will work.
When to use it
Managing a team member who enthusiastically proposes ideas but rarely follows through.
Helping a friend who procrastinates on routine but necessary chores like doctor appointments or car maintenance.
Improving your own productivity by recognizing when you are stuck in the 'talking phase' and need to take the first step.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Calling a dissatisfied customer
A Yellow avoids making an uncomfortable phone call to a dissatisfied customer, talking instead about how important it is to handle the situation but never actually dialing.
Getting an oil change
A Yellow puts off getting an oil change for weeks, discussing the need for it but finding excuses each day.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a time when you or someone you know talked extensively about a plan but never executed it? What held you back?
How could you find out what is making a task hard to start and offer help the person would welcome?
What strategies can you use to reduce the gap between talking about a task and actually starting it?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)