Blue Under Stress
Erikson describes stressed Blues as becoming more pessimistic, critical, and preoccupied with mistakes. In his account, they may slow down while other people become more hurried.
THE IDEA
What Does a Blue Do When He Gets Stressed and Feels Pressure?
He becomes excessively pessimistic. Oh yes. It actually gets worse than usual. Suddenly everything becomes pitch black, and he falls into a pit of despair. Lethargy is common, and nothing is of interest anymore. Gloom and doom will rain down on all of us. He also gets unbearably pedantic. When they feel stress, many people increase their pace in order to compensate. Not a Blue. He stomps on the brakes. Now isn’t the time for making any mistakes. Those around him can expect constant criticism. He’ll suddenly point out every little mistake he observes—and there are quite a few. He might also become an unbearable know-it-all.
When to use it
Use this model to understand why a team member becomes overly critical during high-pressure projects.
Apply in leadership training to help managers recognize different stress responses and adapt their communication.
In conflict resolution, examine the pressures and concerns behind a critical reaction before assigning it to a personality pattern.
In self-improvement, use to identify personal stress behaviors and develop coping mechanisms.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Project Manager Under Deadline
A project manager with a Blue personality, when facing a tight deadline, becomes excessively pessimistic about the project's success, insists on checking every detail, and criticizes team members for even minor errors, slowing down progress.
Accountant During Audit
An accountant with a Blue personality, under the pressure of an audit, becomes lethargic and withdraws, while simultaneously obsessing over every number and pointing out discrepancies in others' work.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How do you typically react when you feel stressed? Do you slow down and become critical like a Blue, or do you speed up?
If you identify as a Blue, what strategies can help you manage the tendency to become overly pessimistic and pedantic under pressure?
How can you support a colleague who shows Blue stress behaviors without triggering more criticism?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)