The Humble Know-It-All (Blue Personality)
Erikson describes Blues as knowledgeable people who may wait to be asked before sharing what they know. His anecdote illustrates how a team can miss useful input when quieter participants are not invited into the discussion.
THE IDEA
“It’s Not a Big Deal—I Was Just Doing My Job.”
How can a know-it-all be unassuming? It’s impressively modest to avoid making a fuss, even if you know everything.
It’s rare that a wholly Blue person would feel the need to stand on the rooftops or to toot his own horn in order to make it clear to the world who the real expert is. It’s usually sufficient that you, the Blue, are clear about who knows best.
There are downsides to this modesty. More than once I’ve stood in the middle of a crowd of people as we all tried to puzzle through a problem together. On one such occasion, a Blue came forward after two hours and casually pointed out the answer. For him, it was never really a problem at all. He knew a thing or two, but because Blues often miss the big picture, they don’t always act immediately. I asked him why he didn’t say anything two hours earlier. And, like a typical Blue, he said, “Well, you never asked.”
It would be easy to feel aggravated by such a comment. But at the same time, I understood him. It’s more my problem than his that he wasn’t invited to join the discussion. He knew that he knew the answer, and that was good enough.
There’s also no need to cheer, applaud, or call a Blue up to the podium when he’s done something tremendous in an amazing way. Sure, it doesn’t really do any harm to cheer. He’ll just nod, accept the praise and the prize check, and then return to his desk, where he’ll continue working on the next project. But he may well wonder what the fuss was really all about—he was only doing his job.
When to use it
During team discussions, invite contributions from quieter members who may have relevant knowledge.
When assigning roles, consider pairing a Blue with someone who can actively solicit their input.
In performance reviews, recognize that Blues may not highlight their achievements; ask specific questions to uncover their impact.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The Delayed Answer
In Erikson’s account, a person he identifies as Blue came forward after two hours of group discussion and pointed out the answer. Asked why he had not spoken earlier, the person said no one had asked him.
Understated Achievement
A Blue completes an impressive project but does not seek recognition or praise; he simply returns to work, considering it just part of his job.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Have you ever hesitated to share your knowledge because you weren't asked? How did that affect the outcome?
How can leaders create an environment where Blues feel invited to contribute without being specifically called upon?
In what ways does modesty in expertise benefit or hinder group problem-solving?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)