This article is part of a weekly series on how to build better working relationships using the behavioral assessment tool, DISC to grow the business and career you want.
This week, I discuss the blind spots that can cause limitations to effectiveness for each DISC style.
DISC measures your personality and behavioral style. It does not measure intelligence, aptitude, mental health or values. It describes human behavior in various situations, for example how you respond to challenges (Dominance); how you influence others (Influence); your preferred pace, i.e. decisive, need time to process (Steadiness); and how you respond to rules and procedures (Conscientiousness).
The goal of DISC is to help users build and maximize productive relationships. Users don’t need to change their personality traits; they need to recognize what drives and motivates others and determine the best ways to effectively interact with them.
What You Need to Know
All styles have many powerful and positive characteristics, but all styles also have traits that are not as positive and can create limitations to effectiveness and our relationships. Here are some tendencies to be aware of for each style.
Dominance – High "D" Style
Some Dominance Style traits that may have an adverse effect include stubbornness, impatience, and lack of compassion. Naturally preferring to take control of others, they may have a low tolerance for the feelings, attitudes, and "inadequacies" of co-workers, subordinates, friends, families, and romantic interests.
Influence – High "I" Style
The I style's natural weaknesses are too much involvement, impatience, being alone, and short attention spans which may cause them to become easily bored. When a little data comes in, Influence Styles tend to make sweeping generalizations. They may not check everything out, assuming someone else will do it or procrastinating because redoing something just isn't exciting enough. When Influence Styles feel they don't have enough stimulation and involvement, they may lose interest and look for something new again… and again… and again. When taken to an extreme, their behaviors can be seen as superficial, haphazard, erratic, and overly emotional.
Steadiness – High "S" Style
Steadiness styles have their own unique difficulties with speaking up, seeming to go along with others or any conditions, while inwardly, they may or may not agree. More assertive types might take advantage of this Steadiness style's tendency to give in and avoid confrontation. Additionally, the Steadiness Style's reluctance to express themselves can result in hurt feelings. But if they don't express their feelings, others may never know. Their lack of assertiveness and expression can take a toll on this type's health and well-being.
Conscientiousness – High "C" Style
The C style may suffer from a lack of moving forward and making decisions. A strong tendency toward perfectionism, when taken to an extreme, can result in "analysis paralysis," delaying their ability to act quickly. These overly cautious traits may result in worry that the process isn't progressing correctly or that the decision isn't the right one, which further promotes their tendency to behave in a more critical, detached way.
What You Can Do Next
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