Structure Work as Much as Possible
In Erikson’s color model, Yellows and Reds prefer variety and flexibility to routine tasks and tightly packed schedules.
THE IDEA
Just like Reds, Yellows shun routine, repetitive tasks and jam-packed schedules. They happily create schedules for others, but they can’t follow them themselves. Force them into one of your plans and you’ll see how your Yellow friends will begin to unravel.
When to use it
Designing job roles to match individual personality preferences for routine versus variety.
Adapting project management methodologies to allow for flexibility and autonomy in task execution.
Personal productivity planning for individuals who struggle with repetitive tasks.
Team management and delegation strategies to maximize motivation and reduce resistance.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Team Role Assignment
In a project team, a manager assigns a Yellow team member to a role that requires repetitive data entry. The Yellow employee becomes disengaged and struggles to complete tasks, leading to delays. If the manager had structured their work to include variety and autonomy, the employee would have performed better.
Personal Task Management
A Yellow individual trying to follow a strict daily routine of identical tasks quickly loses motivation. Instead, they design their day with different types of tasks and flexible time blocks, which increases their productivity and satisfaction.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you structure your own work to avoid monotony and increase engagement, especially if you identify with the Yellow personality type?
When assigning tasks to others, how can you tailor roles to accommodate different preferences for routine and variety?
What are the potential pitfalls of imposing a rigid schedule on a team member who thrives on flexibility?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)