We use the DiSC profile with out staff team.* I’m a high D, high i, with a fair bit of C and hardly any S. It’s really helpful. And because it is simple and behaviour-oriented, it’s easier to process, in my experience that the EYUT, GHTJ, ABCD Myers-Briggs thingo. Better to have a slightly simplistic, Mickey-Mouse tool that’s easy to use, than a highly accurate and hard to remember tool, in my opinion.
Anyways, I thought I’d share some random bits and pieces about the DiSC profile. Some of this is observations I have picked up that I haven’t read so explicitly in the typical profile descriptions. Please don’t be offended if some of my observations might seem critical of your personality type. I assure you that I will be just as critical of the other types - including mine!
Some observations on S:
- S loves familiar routines and rhythms. If you can give a familiar routine and rhythm you will get more out of them.
- But in this, S types can find it hard to thing outside that routine. If criticised they will defend the familiar. They will tend to present evaluations within the bounds of the familiar.
- S people can seem details-oriented but often it’s in the sense of a hobbyist or a specialist, rather than seeing everything globally and analytically as a C type might. They may even completely discount facts and ideas for personal/intuitive reasons. As a result, beware of putting too much trust in their reports and systems.
- S people, while highly relational, are relational in an introverted, holding things close, feeling things deeply kind of way. As a result sometimes they can come across quite clumsy - or even harsh - in personal interactions because they have over-thought stuff so much first!
- The less comfortable with something an S it seems like the less it fully exists in their world. Giving an S a task they are not familiar with will probably lead to vague or non-existent reporting and lack of urgency.
- In a big way, caring for the people they care about is caring for them and motivating for them.
- Because S types are so relational they are often hopeless with task-oriented communication - like SMS and email. Frustratingly vague, curt, muddled. But they are masters at social media - S types makes the best bloggers and Facebookers, if they can handle the negative comments!
- It is so important to raise ideas, plans, and especially criticisms with them early, and then give them time to think and process and feel through it all - and then invite them to share their thoughts, worries and feelings.
- If you want to motivate an S, don’t give them more information and inspiration. Instead draw close to them. I’ve been amazed how investing in the personal life of S type personalities ends up re-energising them with work, helping them feel focussed, confident and empowered.
*You can purchase it here - we used the Workplace Profile. You can also take a free one here.
via Blog - Christian Reflections http://genevapush.com/blogs/xian_reflections/thoughts-on-the-disc-profile-1-thoughts-on-s (NB: to comment go to thegenevapush.com/xian_reflections)
