Surrounded By Idiots

Erikson explores how different types experience anger, and what their triggers may be. He claims that Reds lose their temper the most often and the most easily, but that their episodes usually do not last very long. While Reds do not consider themselves to be angry people, their temperamental displays may make them seem this way to others. Erikson warns Reds that losing their temper makes others keep their distance from them, robbing the Red of valuable interactions and feedback.

Meanwhile, it is more obvious and gradual when a Yellow will become angry, as this expressive type tends to show their emotions in their gestures and tone of voice. While Yellows may become very upset, they tend to feel bad about it later, and usually try to make up for their behavior. This forward-looking type is also quick to forgive and forget.

Greens, on the other hand, have a huge capacity for holding on to repressed anger and resentments. This type often represses their true opinions in order to reduce conflict, but their negative feelings can build over time and may eventually come bursting out. Erikson encourages the reader to make a safe environment for Greens to constructively disagree in order to prevent them from compiling stress and anger for months or years.