Red Personality Under Stress
In Erikson’s model, a Red personality under stress blames others, becomes excessively demanding, shuts out colleagues, and works harder while harboring anger beneath the surface.
THE IDEA
What Does a Red Do When He Gets Stressed and Feels Pressured?
He blames everyone else. As a Red is often surrounded by idiots, it’s easy for him to single out scapegoats. And he can easily overdo things when he wants to take someone to task for having made a mess of things. Be aware! That’s my advice to you, because you’ll feel the sting of his wrath.
Reds are always more demanding than other colors. They expect a lot from themselves, and they expect a lot from you. When under stress, they’re also excessively demanding and driven—much more than usual.
The Red will shut out his other colleagues. He becomes closed, burrows into the task at hand, and works even harder. Remember that his anger and frustration are lurking just beneath the surface, so please be careful about what you do in his presence.
When to use it
When working with a Red leader during a high-stakes project, anticipating their stress triggers can help manage interactions.
In a team where a Red member is acting out, using de-escalation techniques can prevent conflict.
Self-awareness: A Red personality can use this description to recognize their own stress patterns and seek healthier outlets.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Scapegoating in a team
A Red project manager, facing a missed milestone, immediately points fingers at the design team for not delivering on time, ignoring the fact that he had set unrealistic deadlines.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Have you ever caught yourself blaming others when under pressure? How can you shift to a more constructive response?
What strategies can help a Red personality manage their stress without alienating colleagues?
How can colleagues effectively support a Red who is showing signs of stress?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)