Erikson explains that there are four key behavior types that define how we interact with and perceive the people around us. Understanding someone's pattern of behavior is the key to successful communication. Erikson provides practical advice for interacting with people based on their color profiles.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword / by David Bonnstetter -- Introduction: The man who was surrounded by idiots -- Communication happens on the listener's terms -- Why are we the way we are? -- An introduction to the system -- Red behavior: how to recognize a real alpha and avoid getting in his way -- Yellow behavior: how to recognize someone whose head is in the clouds and get him back to reality again -- Green behavior: why change is so difficult and how to get around it -- Blue behavior: in pursuit of perfection -- No one is completely perfect: strengths and weaknesses -- Learning new things: how to use what you've learned -- Body language: why how you move matters: how do you really look? -- A real-life example: the company party-- how to understand everyone you meet -- Adaptation: how to handle idiots (i.e., everyone who isn't like you) -- How to deliver really bad news: the challenge of speaking your mind -- Who gets along and why it works: group dynamics at their finest -- Written communication: how to evaluate someone when you can't meet in person -- What makes us as mad as hell?: temperament can reveal everything about a person -- Stress factors and energy thieves: what is stress? -- A short reflection through history: people have always been like this -- Voices from real life -- A quick little quiz to see what you've learned -- A final example from everyday life: perhaps the most enlightening team project in the history of the world.