Using the DISC Personality Profile & the Platinum Rule in Business
If one were to ask the question, "Why do people fail to get along?" The answer is typically, "People are complicated and very different."
While each of us know this consciously yet subconsciously, we often react negatively to how others communicate or fail to communicate with us. We often take it personally – very personally. I have often caught myself reacting to what another person says – particularly how they say it.
After working with teams from large company to small family-owned businesses over the last decade, the opportunity is obvious. Through better understanding of ourselves and one another coupled with commitment – teams can become much, much more effective.
The DISC Personality Profile is a powerful way to create self awareness and ultimately interpersonal awareness and effectiveness. All it takes is one person – you – to learn this powerful way of understanding and adapting your communication style to the needs of others.
You've heard of the "Golden Rule" - Treat others the way that you would like to be treated… This is amongst the worst advice provided. I'm a red-headed stepchild. I want people to get to the point and fast. Be brief - be bright – be gone.
The "Platinum Rule" – Treat others the way that they would like to be treated – Is powerful. Adapt – flex – meet the needs of the other person and they are much more likely to "hear" and help you get what you seek.
When we treat others the way that they want to be treated - give others what they need – we often get what we need.
Using the DISC model to treat others how they want to be treated…
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The "D" - is how a person handles problems. A "high D" Behavioral Style suggests a person is focused on solving problems and tasks and they are often "extroverted" in their attempts to do so. A "high D" may not seem to be the most friendly person as they may not talk about people. The "opposite" of the "D" is the "S".
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The "I" - is how we handle people. A "high I" Behavioral Style suggests a person is focused on people and will often be "extroverted" in their efforts to influence others. A "high I" will likely seem friendly and will likely talk at length flowing from subject to subject. The "opposite" of the "I" is the "C".
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The "S" - is how we handle pace or change. A "high S" Behavioral Style suggests a person is focused on maintaining the current "pace" or status quo and are more "introverted" yet friendly in their relationships with a smaller group of people. A "high S" will likely seem friendly once they get to know someone and will be seen as a good listener and potentially family-oriented.
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The "C" - is how we handle procedures. A "high C" Behavioral Style suggests a person is focused on tasks and will often be "introverted" in their efforts to influence others. A "high C" is focused on procedures – getting things done in a particular manner. Doing things correctly is quite important to the "high C".
Keep in mind that each person you meet is a mix of the DISC and at varying times, you may see a little different Behavioral Style "presentation". Therefore it is important to avoid labeling a person as a "high D" because situationally, people can present any of the four main styles.
Have you ever completed a DISC Personality Profile for yourself and your team? It can create incredible insights into how others behave. When team members (and you) begin to realize that how people behave is "hard-wired" and often fairly involuntary, you can "reshape" your mindset about them and begin to "flex" your Behavioral Style to meet the needs of the situation.
