The Pitfall of Surprising a Blue Personality
Blue personalities value order, structure, and planned activities. Surprising them, such as with unannounced visits, disrupts their plans and causes significant stress.
THE IDEA
It’s a matter of order and structure, of working at a relaxed pace or renovating the kitchen according to a clearly established plan. If half the family were to drop in all of a sudden, it would upset everything. You should never try to surprise a Blue. Since he may not have communicated his own plans completely, you can create quite a problem.
When to use it
When managing a team member who prefers structured workflows, avoid last-minute meeting changes without prior notice.
Planning a social event with a friend who enjoys detailed itineraries: discuss potential spontaneity in advance.
In a romantic relationship, if your partner is a Blue, ask before springing surprises like unplanned trips or guests.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Unannounced Office Visit
A Blue manager carefully schedules daily tasks and meetings. When a colleague surprises them with an impromptu brainstorming session, the manager becomes visibly anxious because it derails their structured agenda.
Surprise Family Dinner
A Blue parent has meal plans and household routines. Their partner announces that in-laws are coming over for dinner in an hour, causing frustration as it disrupts the planned evening.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a time you surprised someone with a sudden change. How did they react, and could their personality type have influenced that reaction?
In what scenarios might a Blue personality actually welcome a surprise? What conditions would make it acceptable?
How can you communicate unexpected events to a Blue person in a way that minimizes their stress?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)