Natural Combinations
Erikson proposes that Blues and Greens may share a calm, reflective pace, while Reds and Yellows may share an outgoing, fast-moving one. He uses these pairings to discuss potential ease and friction in collaboration.
THE IDEA
Natural Combinations
In Erikson’s model, Blue and Green could be a suitable combination, without much effort from either of them. They would certainly recognize themselves in each other’s ability to breathe calmly and to think twice before doing something. Since both are introverts, each of them feels secure with the other. It’s the same kind of energy. Neither of them will build castles in the air, because they prefer to keep both feet on the ground. They don’t stress but allow themselves to dive deeply into things. Sure, they may find it difficult to make decisions, but the decisions that they do make will probably be well thought out.
Similarly, Red and Yellow work smoothly together, since they both want to shoot from the hip and always move forward. Here we also have the same kind of energy, only a different type. Both are powerful and outgoing, and because both are verbal, they can easily find the right words. Certainly, they’ll have a different focus in the conversation, but the dialogue will still flow. Both set high goals and think quickly. A team of Yellows and Reds will set a fast tempo, and while they are both clear about what they want, they’ll motivate those around them to achieve great things. The challenge probably lies in the fact that a Red can perceive a Yellow as being too talkative, but since neither of them is a world-class listener, they’ll both just switch off when it suits them.
When to use it
Considering observed working pace and communication preferences when forming a project team.
Advising colleagues on communication styles during cross-functional collaboration.
Self-reflection to understand why some work relationships feel effortless while others require more effort.
Using a workshop to compare colleagues’ preferred ways of working and agree on practices that fit the task.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Blue and Green Combination
Erikson describes Blues and Greens as sharing a reflective pace and a preference for thinking before acting. He suggests that this can make collaboration comfortable, while also making it harder to reach a decision.
Red and Yellow Combination
Erikson describes Reds and Yellows as outgoing and quick to act. He suggests that they can maintain a fast tempo together, while differences in conversational focus and listening may still cause difficulty.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Identify two people you work or live with. Which color type do you think each has, and do they form a natural combination? What evidence supports your assessment?
Think of a team you belong to. How might pairings based on natural combinations improve decision-making and reduce friction?
When someone works at a different pace from you, what agreements about discussion and decisions could help?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)