Complementary Color Combinations
In Thomas Erikson’s color framework, task-focused Reds and Blues can complement each other through attention to results and process. People-focused Greens and Yellows may find common ground while needing to keep track of the work.
THE IDEA
Complementary Combinations
It also works to look at the other axis and make pairings based on each color’s focus. Both Blues and Reds are task oriented. Reds are certainly more interested in the result than in the process itself, and Blues are more concerned with the process and tend to ignore the result—but they’re at least speaking the same language. Both devote themselves to work and only spend limited time chatting about football or home improvement—except maybe at lunchtime. They would complement each other in a good way. If we liken this to a car, a Red is the accelerator, while a Blue is the brake. Both are needed in order to drive successfully. The trick is not to push both pedals at the same time.
Similarly, there is some logic in placing a Green with a Yellow. The tempo at which they work will be different, but both of them will be curious about each other. Both believe that people are interesting and important. While one likes to take it easy, the other likes having fun. They’ll easily find a similar focus. The Green will allow the Yellow to take as much space as he wants. One talks; the other listens. It can work out well. In addition, Greens are good at calming down the slightly hysterical Yellows, who sometimes have a hard time staying grounded. Of course, there’s a risk that they’ll fail to devote sufficient time to the work itself, but they will have a very good time. People around them might feel that they’re only having a good time and not actually delivering anything. As both can find it difficult to say no, it might also be a good idea to avoid entrusting them with too much money.
When to use it
Pairing colleagues who bring attention to both delivery and process
Assigning complementary speaking and listening roles in a client meeting
Using the accelerator/brake analogy to resolve conflicts between process-focused and result-focused team members
Agreeing on deadlines and financial controls based on the work and each person’s responsibilities
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Blue and Red: Accelerator and Brake
In Erikson’s framework, a Red pushes for quick results while a Blue pays attention to planning and procedure. A project team can use the accelerator-and-brake analogy to discuss when speed matters and when a proposed action needs checking.
Green and Yellow: Talking and Listening
Erikson describes a Green as a calm listener and a Yellow as an enthusiastic talker. A pair with those habits may enjoy working together. They can also agree on responsibilities and deadlines to keep conversation from displacing the work.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Who on your team focuses on results, process, conversation, or support? How could those observed habits complement one another?
Think of a successful pairing you've experienced. Did it align with the complementary combinations described here?
What are the potential pitfalls of pairing two Yellows or two Blues? How does that compare to the complementary pairings?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)