We work with all sorts of technology everyday and when used correctly, it helps us get our work done efficiently and accurately.
It seems companies like Microsoft, Google and Apple are relentlessly launching new products and tools for improved collaboration, data analysis and problem-solving but technology does not address the fact that we work in companies and on teams with many other people.
The challenge then, is that most of our day we’re working with other colleagues. Trying our best to communicate and collaborate effectively can be challenging at times, particularly with those that have radically different styles than us.
As the DiSC Assessment shows, we are all different but predictably different!
DiSC is about observable behaviors which is what we see and experience everyday in ways colleagues communicate, problem-solve, interact with others and generally, how they see the world!
So if we can better understand our own communication preferences and be skilled or at least informed about others’ communication styles, then we can make adjustments to better connect with others that are quite different from ourselves. It all started with William Marston:
William Moulton Marston’s Legacy ![william-marston-435]()
William Moulton Marston’s life story is an interesting one—filled with accomplishments that at first seem totally unrelated. He was a lawyer, a psychologist, invented the first functional lie detector polygraph, created the DISC model for emotions and behavior of normal people, authored self-help books and created the Wonder Woman comic.
Communicating with a “D”
When communicating with a person who is ambitious, forceful, decisive, strong-willed, independent and goal-oriented:
Be clear, specific, brief and to the point.
Stick to business.
Be prepared with support material in a well-organized “package.”
Factors that will create tension or dissatisfaction:
Talking about things that are not relevant to the issue.
Leaving loopholes or cloudy issues.
Appearing disorganized.
When Communicating with an “I”
When communicating with a person who is magnetic, enthusiastic, friendly, demonstrative and political:
Provide a warm and friendly environment.
Don’t deal with a lot of details (put them in writing).
Ask “feeling” questions to draw their opinions or comments.
Factors that will create tension or dissatisfaction:
Being curt, cold or tight-lipped.
Controlling the conversation.
Driving on facts and figures, alternatives, and abstractions.
When Communicating to a “S”
When communicating with a person who is patient, predictable, reliable, steady, relaxed and modest:
Begin with a personal comment–break the ice.
Present your case softly, non-threateningly.
Ask “how?” questions to draw their opinions.
Factors that will create tension or dissatisfaction:
Rushing headlong into business.
Being domineering or demanding.
Forcing them to respond quickly to your objectives.
When Communicating to a “C”
When communicating with a person who is dependent, neat, conservative, perfectionist, careful and compliant:
Prepare your “case” in advance.
Stick to business.
Be accurate and realistic.
Factors that will create tension or dissatisfaction:
Being giddy, casual, informal, and loud.
Pushing too hard or being unrealistic with deadlines.
Being disorganized or messy.
Your next step should be to take the DiSC Assessment and apply at work and home to better deal with “other humans”
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