What if the real reason your team can’t get along... is you?
In this mind-shifting episode, international best-selling author and human behavior expert Thomas Erikson (yes, the guy behind Surrounded by Idiots) joins Decidedly to decode how understanding personality types can transform your business, relationships, and leadership style.
Using the DISC model—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue—Thomas explains why some people drive you crazy, how to stop sabotaging your own leadership, and what it really takes to build a thriving, cohesive team.
Whether you're scaling a company, leading a team, or navigating family dynamics, this conversation will help you understand yourself and others with clarity, compassion, and maybe a little humor.
KEY TOPICS
What the DISC personality model really means—and how to identify your type
Why you might be the one creating conflict on your team (yep, even with good intentions)
How impatience, perfectionism, or avoidance can sabotage decision-making
The difference between personality traits and internal motivators—and why both matter in hiring
How to build a diverse team without sacrificing unity or performance
Why “winning” isn’t always the goal—and what actually keeps people motivated
What happens when family and business collide (and how Thomas makes it work)
How self-awareness becomes your secret weapon in leadership and life
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:53 Understanding Different Motivations
03:55 Guest Introduction: Thomas Erickson
04:36 The DISC Assessment Explained
11:38 Self-Awareness and Leadership
17:56 Building Effective Teams
21:14 Recruitment and Internal Drivers
26:43 Personal Stories and Reflections
31:04 Balancing Competing Ideas
34:50 The Importance of Motivation in Business
36:35 Constructive Competition
43:21 Defining Success and Legacy
49:10 Aligning Family Business Goals
59:51 Decision Making Tips for Business Owners
01:02:23 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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SHAWN’S BOOK: Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want
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CONNECT WITH THOMAS ERIKSON
Instagram: @thomaseriksonwriter
Thomas Erikson is a behaviorist and the bestselling author of the Surrounded By series about human behaviors. The series has been translated into close to 60 languages and has sold over 8 million copies.
His mission is to make people’s lives easier by making them more aware of themselves and helping them better understand what it takes to achieve the best possible communication.
He is a highly sought-after public speaker, giving 120 keynote speeches annually on topics such as human behaviors, self-awareness, narcissism, and leadership.
Thomas is a mentor to top-level executives and entrepreneurs all over Europe. He lives by the simple quote: You can’t change somebody else, but you can change yourself.