You’ve identified someone as a “High D” DISC behavior style…what now? You adapt your behavior style to communicate in a manner which is preferred by that person. How?
Here are some tips for making communications with a “High D” DISC behavior style (extrovert, task oriented, fast-paced speech, controlling, etc.) more effective:
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Pick up the pace of your conversation and stick to business, unless they offer social chit-chat.
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Be brief, concise and to the point. Value their time!
- Be well-organized and prepared.
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Present the facts logically and efficiently.
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Support their goals and objectives.
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Take issue with facts, not the person, if you disagree.
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Read the body language – look for impatience or disapproval.
Remember, this is not about conning and manipulation. It is about adapting your behavior/communication style in an effort to have the most effective communications with another behavior style and achieve a win/win outcome.
Do you know your behavior style? Are you ready to incorporate assessments into your hiring process? Call or email us today!
On Monday, we began a discussion about the DISC behaviors assessment. Today, I want to discuss some quick ways to identify a person’s behavior style without the benefit of an online assessment. By recognizing someone’s behavior style and adapting to their preferred method of communication, you will have a much great chance of communication success and achieving win/win for both parties.
DISC Grid with Behavior Clues
To identify someone’s DISC behavior style:
- Begin by determining if they are Direct/Extroverted or Indirect/Introverted. If a person is Direct/Extroverted, they are most likely a high “D” or a high “I”. If a person is Indirect/Introverted, they are more likely a high “S” or high “C”.
- Once you have determined them to either be a “D” or an “I”, or an “S” or a “C”, consider if the person is more task oriented or people oriented.
- If the person is extroverted (D or I) and task oriented, they are most likely a high “D”. High “D’s” are typically driven and ambitious. They represent about 18% of our population. Some famous high “D” behavior styles include George Bush, Bobby Knight, Michael Jordan, Cher, Madonna and General George Patton. When communicating with a high “D” remember to be brief, concise and to the point.
- If the person is extroverted (D or I) and people oriented, they are most likely a high “I”. High “I’s” are very verbal and social. They represent about 28% of our population. Some famous high “I” behavior styles include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Arnold Palmer, Julia Roberts, Ronald Reagan and Robin Williams. When communicating with a high “I” remember to allow time for personal conversation, allow them to talk, value their opinion and openly share information.
- If the person is introverted (S or C) and people oriented, they are most likely a high “S”. High “S’s” are usually passive, loyal and process oriented. They represent about 40% of our population. Some famous high “I” behavior styles include Michael J. Fox, Laura Bush, Princess Diana and Mr. Rogers. When communicating with a high “S” don’t be emotional, be supportive and encouraging.
- If the person is introverted (S or C) and task oriented, they are most likely a high “C”. High “C’s” are usually analytical, precise and detail oriented. They represent about 14% of our population. Some famous high “C” behavior styles include Mr. Spock, Albert Einstein, Al Gore and Alan Greenspan. When communicating with a high “C” don’t be critical and be prepared with a detailed plan.
As stated earlier, by adapting your communication style based on other’s behavior styles, you will be able to gain cooperation, build winning relationships, prevent/resolve conflict and increase your influence.
Want to incorporate DISC profiles into your business? Please call or email us today!
