The Surrounded by Idiots series by author Thomas Erikson
You cannot change somebody else, but you can change yourself.
At the heart of every communication breakdown is a misunderstanding. Often it is a misunderstanding of ourselves. The Surrounded by Idiots series exists to change that.
Created by behaviourist and bestselling author Thomas Erikson, these books have reached millions of readers worldwide and been translated into over seventy languages.
The core message is simple but powerful: behaviour can be understood, improved, and adapted. And when it is, everything changes.
Thomas EriksonBest-selling author
Where to start?
Each book can be read independently, but it makes sense to begin with Surrounded by Idiots.
That is the book that introduces the color-coded personality system, based on the DISC model, and it serves as a solid foundation for everything that follows.
The Books
Surrounded by Idiots
How to understand those who cannot be understood, especially yourself.
The original bestseller spread on every continent. A practical and humorous guide to navigating the red, yellow, green, and blue personalities and learning how to communicate with each of them.
Surrounded by Psychopaths
Not all manipulation is obvious. This book teaches you how to spot it, resist it, and protect your decisions before they are influenced in the wrong direction.
Surrounded by Bad Bosses
Managing the unmanageable. This book explores leadership behaviours that create confusion and shows you how to take control even when your manager cannot.
Surrounded by Setbacks
A book about falling and rising again. Resilience, reflection, and rebuilding. It explores how setbacks can become turning points toward personal growth.
Surrounded by Narcissists
What happens when confidence turns into control? This book offers a deep dive into the psychology of narcissism and teaches you how to maintain your sense of self.
Surrounded by Energy Vampires
We all know the feeling. Certain people or situations leave us drained. This book shows you how to recognize energy theft, set boundaries, and take your power back.
Surrounded by Liars
Studies suggest people lie within the first five minutes of meeting. This book explores why we lie, how to spot it, and how to foster more honest communication.
Why it works
Thomas writes with clarity and purpose. He does not write for academics. He writes for people. People who want better communication, stronger relationships, and a more confident version of themselves.
And it all begins with one simple shift.
Understand yourself. So that you can understand others.
New and improved! Get your own personalalized behaviour profile.
Take the 15-minute DISC test to better understand your personality type and behavioral style. The DISC assessment examines how an individual ranks in the four areas of behavior – Dominance, Influence, Stability and Compliance. Or, the four colours red, yellow, green and blue – if you prefer those.