Using DiSC™ on a Daily Basis Part 2
from Monica Oakley

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In "DiSC on a Daily Basis", Part I, you were introduced to the 4 behavioral styles and probably saw yourself in at least two of them! All of us are a blend or composite of these 4 styles.

Use of a style is situational—you will respond differently in different environments. So it is important to think about how you respond at home vs. work, under stress, and with other DiSC types. With this self awareness, you can modify or flex to another's style, or utilize your preferred or natural style—the choice is yours!
 

Before we discuss adaptation tips, keep in mind:

• There are no right or wrong styles
• DiSC™ is a self-discovery tool, not a test
• Behaviors are situational, not permanent
• The styles should not be used as judgmental "Labels"
• Personal adaptation is your choice, your option

Adaptation or flexing to another's style is a conscious decision to modify your natural response to improve understanding, enhance communication, and improve results. Over using your communication strengths can become your weakness. Flexing does not mean that you have to change who you are—it means that you can modify
your behaviors for mutual understanding.

 

There are three primary channels of communication:

1. Visual - they way you look: Non-verbal, body language component
2. Vocal -  the way you sound: Tone, pace, enunciation,
3. Verbal - the words you say: choice of words, structure

Successful adaptation is achieved by understanding the impact of all 3 channels.

 

Here are some tips for Visual, Vocal, and Verbal adaptation for the 4 styles.

D: Dominance Be Confident and Credible

Visually: Sustain eye contact, use few purposeful gestures, avoid appearing hesitant or timid

Vocally: Use clear, moderately loud tone, voice sentences with energy and authority

Verbally: Answer the "What is this about?" question
Use concise sentences, give overviews and summaries,
avoid lengthy explanations, give options, and always state problems as challenges

i: Influence Be Enthusiastic and Energetic

Visually: Smile, be animated in expression, sustain eye contact

Vocally: Speak warmly, with rapid pace, with emphasis and emotion

Verbally: Answer the "Who are you, who do you know?" question. Let i do most of talking, use open-ended questions, storytelling, humor

 

S: Steadiness Be Sincere, Collaborative

Visually: Maintain relaxed, open, comfortable expression

Vocally: Use warm, friendly, quieter tone, pause, listen

Verbally: Answer the "How are we going to do this?" question. Show attention to planning, consideration for others, coordination, support and feedback. Allow them to talk about the past
 

C: Conscientiousness Be Logical and Precise

Visually: Respect their personal space, use reserved posture and facial expression, do not expect sustained eye contact from them, use few gestures, be certain to write down details they give you

Vocally: Speak in calm, lower tone, with pauses between
sentences. Avoid loud, direct, emotional tone

Verbally: Give information in the past, present, future format
Avoid "off the cuff" remarks, give facts, avoid feeling statements, give them time to think before asking for their thoughts.

These are a few examples of where a little modification can achieve great results! 
 

Try DiSC™ strategies on a Daily Basis!