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How to get the most out of your colleagues, depending on their personality type

Abridged Edition

Penguin Readers Level 7: Surrounded by Idiots (ELT Graded Reader)

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. 
 
Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. 
 
The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers&rsquo; story comprehension and develop vocabulary. 
 
Surrounded by Idiots, a Level 7 Reader, is B2 in the CEFR framework. The longer text is made up of sentences with up to four clauses, introducing future perfect simple, mixed conditionals, past perfect continuous, mixed conditionals, more complex passive forms and modals for deduction in the past. 
 
Do you ever think you're the only one making any sense? Or have you tried to persuade someone of something, with no success? Surrounded by Idiots offers a simple, yet creative way for assessing and dealing with the personalities of people we communicate with&mdash;both in and out of the office. 
 
Visit the Penguin Readers website 
Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

With carefully adapted text, new illustrations, language practise activities and additional online resources, the Penguin Readers series introduces language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction. 
 
Surrounded by Idiots, a Level 7 Reader, is B2 in the CEFR framework. The longer text is made up of sentences with up to four clauses, introducing future perfect simple, past perfect continuous, mixed conditionals, more complex passive forms and modals for deduction in the past. 
 
Do you ever think you're the only one making any sense? Or have you tried to persuade someone of something, with no success? Surrounded by Idiots offers a simple, yet creative way for assessing and dealing with the personalities of people we communicate with&mdash;both in and out of the office.

How to Stop Lies and Half-truths Ruining Your Life

Surrounded by Liars

The funny and practical guide on how to handle the liars in your life, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots. 
 
Studies suggest two people who have never met before will tell three lies within the first five minutes. Astonishing, yes. But why do people lie? And how can you spot deception before it hurts you? 
 
In Surrounded by Liars, behavioural expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson unpacks the psychology of lying and how dishonesty affects our relationships, confidence and decision-making. 
 
Using his signature four-colour model, he explains how different personality types lie—and how you can detect their tactics. You’ll learn how to: 
<ul><li>Recognise subtle cues and half-truths</li><li>Understand the motives behind common lies</li><li>Confront dishonesty with calm and clarity</li><li>Protect yourself from emotional manipulation</li></ul> 
Insightful, entertaining and empowering, Surrounded by Liars will help you to detect the liars in your life and shatter their deception for good! 
 
Praise for Surrounded by Liars and Thomas Erikson: 'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining' Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it]' Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

Or, How to Slay the Time, Energy and Soul Suckers in Your Life

Surrounded by Vampires

'With his trademark humor and practical insights, Erikson will help you vanquish the 'energy vampires' in your life-even when it turns out you're the villain! Using his wildly successful behavior-based system, you'll learn how self-awareness is the key to preserving your time, energy, and sanity-no matter what comes your way.'

Gay Hendricks, bestselling author of THE BIG LEAP

'Thomas Erikson just gets it-this book is equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny. His observations are studied in a way that don't come across as either snarky or preachy-he's one of us and sees what we have always known-vampires are real! This book gives you tools to ward off those who would try to suck out your joy. Buy it!'

Jim McPartlin, author of THE ENNEAGRAM AT WORK

The funny and practical guide on how to spot - and slay - the time, energy and soul suckers in your life, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots. 
 
'With his trademark humor and practical insights…you'll learn how self-awareness is the key to preserving your time, energy, and sanity-no matter what comes your way.' Gay Hendricks, bestselling author of The Big Leap 
 
Do you often feel exhausted by conversations? Are there people in your life with belittle you through words or actions? Do you have colleagues who take up your time and don't actually do much? 
 
You could be surrounded by vampires! 
 
In Surrounded by Vampires, behavioural expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson reveals how to identify and deal with those who sap your energy - whether they’re colleagues, friends or even your own habits. 
 
With practical tools and sharp insight, you’ll discover how to: 
<ul><li>Recognise emotional and mental “vampires” in your daily life</li><li>Set limits and protect your time and wellbeing</li><li>Build emotional resilience and self-awareness</li><li>Reclaim your focus, motivation and inner calm</li></ul> 
Funny, wise and immediately useful, Surrounded by Vampires will help you banish the energy-suckers once and for all - and thrive in a life that feels lighter, calmer and more fulfilling. 
 Praise for Surrounded by Vampires and Thomas Erikson: 
 
'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining'?Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it]' Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

Or, How to Stop Other People's Egos Ruining Your Life

Surrounded by Narcissists

'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining, and readers will appreciate the insightful guidance. This is another home run from Erikson.'

Or, How to Succeed When Everything's Gone Bad

Surrounded by Setbacks

The funny and practical guide on how succeed when everything goes wrong, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots. 
 
Not everything goes the way we want it to - the world or people around us sometimes just spin out of control. So how do you handle everything life throws your way when you'd really prefer to tell everyone to get stuffed? 
 
In his uplifting and inspiring, behavioural expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson helps you turn challenges into opportunities and failure into growth.Drawing on the four-colour model that has inspired millions, Erikson shows you how to: 
<ul><li>Regain control when life feels chaotic</li><li>Replace frustration with problem-solving focus</li><li>Build resilience through self-awareness and perspective</li><li>Turn adversity into lasting success</li></ul> 
 
Warm, witty and full of real-world wisdom, Surrounded by Setbacks reminds you that success isn’t about avoiding problems, it’s about learning to handle them with courage and confidence. 
 
Praise for Surrounded by Setbacks and Thomas Erikson: 
 
'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining'?Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it]' Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

or, How to Deal with Idiots at Work

Surrounded by Bad Bosses and Lazy Employees

Surrounded by idiots at work? Fed up with a bad boss or lazy colleagues? Thomas Erikson, author of the runaway international bestseller Surrounded by Idiots, will help you handle them and get things done, the right way

'[An] encouraging treatise . . . The dual focus on both employee and manager separates this from the pack.'

The funny and practical guide on how to deal with difficult managers, colleagues, and teams, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots. 
 
Being driven crazy by a micro-manager? Frequently drowning under your boss's unreasonable expectations? Struggling with being handed out responsibilities but no authority? 
 
Behavioural expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson is here to help. 
 
In his inspiring – and, at times, funny – guide, Erikson shows how understanding your boss's behavioural tendencies, as well as your own, will lead to a more harmonious and productive workplace. Using his famous four-colour model, he shows you how to: 
<ul><li>Decode your boss’s or team’s behaviour</li><li>Manage up and handle tricky feedback</li><li>Boost motivation and productivity across different personalities</li><li>Communicate effectively in even the most frustrating environments</li></ul> 
Written with Erikson's signature humour and warmth, Surrounded by Bad Bosses (and Lazy Employees) will help you deal with hopeless managers and employees to build better relationships at work – and stay sane in the process. 
 
Praise for Thomas Erikson: 
 
'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining' Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it]' Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

or, How to Stop Being Exploited by Others

Surrounded by Psychopaths

How to handle life’s manipulators and avoid being exploited by them, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots

'A guidebook for deflecting psychological manipulators . . . Bluntly cautionary and applicable advice on the importance of vigilance.'

'This easy-to-read guide will calm fears by arming readers with practical tactics for thwarting a psychopath's strategies. Adults in the workplace and at home would benefit from Erikson's advice on how to recognize and understand different behaviors, as well as how to recognize red flags in all types of relationships.'

The funny and practical guide on how to handle life’s manipulators and avoid being exploited by them, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Surrounded by Idiots. 
 
Some people are exceptionally manipulative. They can convince anyone about anything and lure them with their charm. They enjoy controlling others and will do anything to get what they want. 
 
The bad news is that you can’t really escape them. But here comes the good news: you can beat them at their own game. 
 
In his inspiring – and, at times, funny – guide, bestselling behavioural expert Thomas Erikson explains how manipulative people exploit our weaknesses and personality traits - and how to protect yourself. Using his famous four-colour model, Erikson shows you how to: 
<ul><li>Identify the signs of manipulation early</li><li>Set healthy boundaries and stand your ground</li><li>Stay calm and confident in toxic situations</li><li>Reclaim your emotional energy and peace of mind</li></ul> 
Insightful, entertaining and empowering, Surrounded by Psychopaths will give you everything you need to handle life’s most skilled manipulators, identify the psychopaths in your life, and free yourself from their control. 
 
Praise for Surrounded by Psychopaths and Thomas Erikson: 
 
'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining' Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it] Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

The Four Types of Human Behaviour (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood)

Surrounded by Idiots

How to handle anyone life throws at you

'Anyone who does not read this book is actually an idiot.'

'A useful guide to communicating with the uncommunicable . . . clearly, dynamically presented and easy to grasp.'

'Readers will be delighted. Most everyone can benefit from this book, especially those in the workplace. In addition, parents, educators, and students will find these insights valuable.'

The witty and practical bestseller and global phenomenon that helps you to understand and communicate better with those around you. 
 
THE NUMBER 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 
 
Do you ever think you're the only one making any sense? Have you ever tried to reason with your partner with disastrous results? Do long, rambling answers drive you crazy? Does your colleague's abrasive manner get your back up? 
 
You are not alone. 
 
Communication expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson has dedicated himself to understanding how people function and why we often struggle to connect with certain types of people. 
 
In his simple but groundbreaking book, Erikson reveals the four types of human behaviour -Red, Yellow, Green and Blue - and how understanding them can transform every interaction in your personal and professional life.By learning how to read personality cues, adapt your communication style and handle conflict confidently, you’ll: 
<ul><li>Build stronger relationships at work and home</li><li>Improve teamwork and leadership skills</li><li>Boost empathy and self-awareness</li><li>Finally understand why people behave the way they do</li></ul> 
Packed with humour, insight, and practical strategies, Surrounded by Idiots?will help you understand and influence those around you, even people you currently think are beyond all comprehension. 
 
And with a bit of luck you can also be confident that the idiot out there isn't you! 
 
Praise for Surrounded by Idiots and Thomas Erikson: 'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining'?Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it]' Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

Thomas Erikson

The Four Types of Human Behaviour and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life)

The witty and practical bestseller and global phenomenon that helps you to understand and communicate better with those around you. 
 
THE NUMBER 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, NOW FULLY REVISED AND UPDATED 
 
Do you ever think you're the only one making any sense? Have you ever tried to reason with your partner with disastrous results? Do long, rambling answers drive you crazy? Does your colleague's abrasive manner get your back up? 
 
You are not alone. 
 
Communication expert and bestselling author Thomas Erikson has dedicated himself to understanding how people function and why we often struggle to connect with certain types of people. 
 
In his simple but groundbreaking book, Erikson reveals the four types of human behaviour - Red, Yellow, Green and Blue - and how understanding them can transform every interaction in your personal and professional life.By learning how to read personality cues, adapt your communication style and handle conflict confidently, you’ll: 
<ul><li>Build stronger relationships at work and home</li><li>Improve teamwork and leadership skills</li><li>Boost empathy and self-awareness</li><li>Finally understand why people behave the way they do</li></ul> 
Now offering even more insight, this fully revised and expanded edition - based on questions and feedback from Thomas’s more than 10 million global readers - brings you 30% more material than before, honing this classic, comprehensive toolkit to new heights. 
 
Packed with humour, insight, and practical strategies, Surrounded by Idiots?will help you understand and influence those around you, even people you currently think are beyond all comprehension. 
Praise for Surrounded by Idiots and Thomas Erikson:'Outstanding . . . Erikson impresses with his trademark facility for making research-based discussions accessible and entertaining' Publishers Weekly 
 
‘A good resource for understanding how different personalities communicate and deal with feedback…Everyone should read [it]' Business Insider 
 
‘Equal parts logical, emotionally astute, and gut-wrenchingly funny…Buy it!' Jim McPartlin, author of The Enneagram at Work 
 
‘Everyone can benefit from this book’ Booklist 
 
‘Life changing’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Has enabled better communication with my peers and colleagues as well as my family.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Clear, insightful easy to read book with plenty [of] practical advice’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A must-read to guide you on understanding yourself and others’ 5-star reader review

Thomas Erikson

Books by Thomas Erikson

Series by Thomas Erikson

Surrounded by

Articles featuring Thomas Erikson

Fascinating books about Psychology

How to get the most out of your colleagues, depending on their personality type

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