Four Color Behavior Patterns
Thomas Erikson’s four-color model describes Reds, Yellows, Greens, and Blues through characteristic strengths and weaknesses. The account emphasizes that other people may interpret a behavior differently from the person displaying it.
THE IDEA
Quick Review of Core Behavior Patterns
Reds are quick and more than happy to take command if needed. They make things happen. However, when they get going, they become control freaks and can be hopeless to deal with. And they repeatedly trample on people’s toes.
Yellows can be amusing, creative, and elevate the mood regardless of who they’re with. However, when they are given unlimited space, they will consume all the oxygen in the room, they won’t allow anyone into a conversation, and their stories will reflect reality less and less.
The friendly Greens are easy to hang out with because they are so pleasant and genuinely care for others. Unfortunately, they can be too wishy-washy and unclear. Anyone who never takes a stand eventually becomes difficult to handle. You don’t know where they really stand, and indecision kills the energy in other people.
The analytical Blues are calm, levelheaded, and think before they speak. Their ability to keep a cool head is undoubtedly an enviable quality for all who aren’t capable of doing that. However, Blues’ critical thinking can easily turn to suspicion and questioning those around them. Everything can become suspect and sinister.
These descriptions concern how people might perceive the weaknesses of certain behavior patterns. This is a sensitive area and can be easily misunderstood. When I coach individuals, this is usually where things can get messy. Much is in the eye of the beholder. Who is right and who is wrong? The behavior patterns I am talking about are described as other people may perceive them, even if the intention of the person who just made a fool of himself might have been completely different.
One thing I know for sure regarding the different colors is that each color evaluates themselves in different ways. Reds and Yellows tend to inflate their strengths and believe that they have no weaknesses. They have powerful egos, and a great part of their success can probably be attributed to the fact that they don’t get bogged down in faults and shortcomings but instead look for opportunities and good news. Clearly, this can’t be maintained over time.
Conversely, Greens and Blues usually exaggerate their weaknesses and in certain cases even ignore their strengths. The consequences are clear. When you give positive feedback to a Green or a Blue, they sometimes appear to be immune to it and change the subject to something that went seriously wrong. Obviously, this is highly unproductive.
When to use it
Team building: Discuss observed behaviors and how they affect the group, using the color descriptions as prompts.
Conflict resolution: Identify color-based misunderstandings to address interpersonal conflicts more effectively.
Leadership development: Help leaders recognize their dominant color's weaknesses and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Sales and customer service: Tailor communication approaches based on the perceived color of the client.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Red Manager Taking Charge
A Red-type manager in a crisis takes immediate command, directing team members and making quick decisions. However, this can lead to micromanagement and ignoring input from others, causing resentment.
Green Team Member Indecision
A Green team member avoids taking a stance in a debate, trying to please everyone. Their reluctance to commit to a decision frustrates colleagues who need a clear direction.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Which of the four colors describes your typical behavior pattern the most? Are your perceptions of your own weaknesses aligned with the description?
Think of a situation where you interacted with someone of a different color. How did their perceived weaknesses affect the interaction?
How could you adapt your communication style when working with each of the four color types?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)