When I Thought I Was a Green...

I recently read Surrounded By Idiots by Thomas Erikson. It is a commentary and analysis of human behavior using the DISC Assessment.

As I was reading, naturally, I began to assess myself. I thought I was a Green/Blue - turns out I am a Blue, with a high degree of Red. Haha...I guess Reds really do not know themselves.

But, as I thought more about it, I think people have different personalities when dealing with different situations. Especially in a more "traditional" culture as the one we have here in Southeast Asia where speaking out and initiating conflicts can be considered sinful, people tend to be chameleons.

As the book focused on the dynamic and personalities in the workplace, now, that I think about it...yes, I am a Blue/Red in the office. I love doing data analysis to guide decision-making and I need a high level of convincing to change my thoughts. I can only work with *certain* people - I work best with high performers as I have very very low patience level at work. Of course, the most "Red" aspect of me is that I do not care how, I just need to know that the job is done. Heh.

My biggest problem with my Red personality is that I tend to miss small details. I prioritize in deciding rather than investing time into the process of deciding. Therefore, I tend to miss details and having to later revise back the decision. This is always a waste of time, which is a huge frustration.

I found a solution (from a book, I cannot remember which) - every time I feel that I am about to make a quick decision, I imagine that I am driving. When we drive, we need to keep a certain distance from the vehicle in front of us to avoid a crash. So, I visualize the decision as the car in front and I create a distance. So, I slow myself down from making a snap decision to avoid a crash.

This book really helps me as a Blue/Red to be more understanding towards other people - especially those who are overly-excited Yellows and indecisive Yellows.

Highly recommended, will definitely write another reflection on it.

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