Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow
Erikson’s Red pattern emphasizes decisive action and persistence when others hesitate. His apartment-building story illustrates that style’s ability to confront an unresponsive provider, while the prompts ask where the same approach might backfire.
THE IDEA
Only Dead Fish Go with the Flow
Reds are both groundbreaking and strong willed. Why not also add “results oriented” and “decisive” when we’re at it? For Reds, it’s not sufficient to do things like everyone else does. And just because it’s tough doesn’t mean we should avoid doing it.
Reds aren’t afraid to make decisions. When everyone else hesitates, thinking and weighing the risks, a Red makes the controversial decision. A Red’s determination is usually unyielding. Once he’s decided, then it’s full steam ahead.
Their fearlessness dares them to tackle things that make others hesitate. This is usually evident when things get rough, and they are undaunted by tough choices or tricky decisions. It is no coincidence that many entrepreneurs are Reds. Setting up new businesses—especially if they are based on completely new business concepts—is, in our current economy, not for the faint of heart. It’s not a bad thing to have a force of nature in the driver’s seat. It takes a strong mind to move things forward, someone who understands that risks are part of everyday life and that everything boils down to hard work from morning to night—for many years. Reds understand this from the beginning and are in no way intimidated by it.
Do you need someone to pursue a problem in your apartment complex? Maybe you’ve gotten on the wrong side of your landlord, who says that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your heat. Or maybe the contractor who repaired the roof and installed the new elevators was negligent and won’t take responsibility for it. Any time you try to get things straightened out, you’ve been brought to standstill by a barricade of unanswered calls and info@ addresses. You’re just about to give up when you suddenly remember the guy on the second floor living above you. Isn’t he kind of Red? Wasn’t he the one who dared to go against the super at the last meeting and get the trash policy changed? Yes, that’s the guy!
Throw the guy from the second floor into the process, and then you’ll see things begin to happen. You might have to motivate him a little, explaining that he has a lot to gain from it himself. But he will make things happen—he’ll subdue the landlord and get the contractor in line. And he won’t lose any sleep just because someone got angry with him in the process.
Generally speaking, a Red’s strengths are very powerful. They are extremely clear in their communication, and you don’t have to look far to identify Red behavior. Of course, over the years many Reds learn to restrain themselves somewhat, but it doesn’t usually last very long. They’ll be back to full throttle—and all that that entails.
When to use it
Leading a startup or new business venture that challenges existing norms.
Navigating bureaucratic obstacles (e.g., dealing with unresponsive service providers or government agencies).
Making tough decisions under pressure, such as during a crisis or competitive threat.
Championing unpopular but necessary changes within a team or organization.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The Red neighbor solving apartment issues
In Erikson’s apartment-building story, a persistent neighbor takes up complaints that have stalled through unanswered calls. The anecdote illustrates his Red pattern: confronting resistance and continuing to press for a response.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a time when you went against the flow to achieve a goal. What motivated you, and what was the outcome?
How might a 'Red' approach backfire in a situation requiring consensus or diplomacy? Can you recall an example?
In what areas of your life do you tend to hesitate—and what would a Red do differently?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)