It Looks Like a Hand Grenade Went Off in Here
Erikson describes Yellows as prone to clutter, missed tasks, and resistance to imposed routines. He recommends simple lists and structures that the person is willing to use.
THE IDEA
It Looks Like a Hand Grenade Went Off in Here
The most cluttered desks I have ever seen have all belonged to Yellows. Computer screens with so many Post-it notes stuck to them that you can barely see the screen. The most topsy-turvy garages and the most overloaded attics belong to Yellows as well. But this is only the visible. Ask to look at a Yellow person’s calendar. Or handbag. Don’t even think about looking in a Yellow’s closet. And this is still only the purely physical.
Meetings are moved or forgotten; things disappear; whole cars are lost in parking lots. Keys are gone without a trace. Furthermore, many Yellows have no ability to plan their day. They can go to the supermarket five times in a row and buy three things at a time because they didn’t write down what they needed. This can be because they don’t know what they want until they get there or because they’re sure they’ll be able to recall the nineteen things they need to buy. (Yellows have a very generous view of their own ability. They’ll tell anyone who wants to listen that they have the best memory in the world.)
Conclusion: If you really want to help a Yellow get organized, make sure he gets at least some structure in his life. Help out by creating a simple list. If you are going shopping: Write down everything yourself. Your partner or pal will forget half of the items.
Create a structure for him. Yellows are the ones who are most in need of structure in the form of diagrams and checklists. Paradoxically, they hate all of that. They won’t let themselves be “shoehorned” into a system not of their own choosing. Be diplomatic. If you press too hard, you can get some powerful reactions:
“Why does everything have to be micromanaged? Are we living in a fascist state, or what?”
When to use it
Helping a disorganized team member by creating shared checklists for recurring tasks.
Managing a project with someone who dislikes imposed routines by agreeing together on useful deadlines and reminders.
Personal productivity: recognizing your own tendencies and using small systems (e.g., a shopping list) to avoid repeated trips.
Coaching or mentoring someone who resists structure by framing it as a tool for freedom rather than restriction.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Cluttered Desk and Computer Screen
Erikson describes desks and computer screens crowded with notes, papers, and other items. The notes intended as reminders can become difficult to find among the clutter.
Forgetful Shopping Trips
A shopper relies on memory, forgets items, and returns to the supermarket several times. A list could make the trip easier if the shopper agrees to use it.
Lost Keys and Forgotten Meetings
Someone repeatedly misplaces keys, misses meetings, or forgets where the car is parked. A consistent place for keys and a calendar routine address those specific difficulties.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a time when your own disorganization caused a problem. How could a simple list or checklist have prevented it?
How can you diplomatically offer structure to a colleague or friend who is clearly overwhelmed by chaos without triggering resistance?
What are the strengths of a 'Yellow' personality that might outweigh their disorganization in certain situations?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)