Using DISC to understand your Team and Community

Using DISC to understand your Team and Community Area Chris May

Personality I am a spirit, I have a soul, I live in a body. Character is built and developed by the choices we make Personality is a part of the soul – it is innate, created by our Father. It determines how we see and interact with the world and people.

Guess What? Not everyone is like you!

DISC D Dominant, Driving, Doer I Inspiring, Interesting, Interactive S Supportive, Steady, Stable C Cautious, Competent, Careful Outgoing: DI People Oriented: IS Reserved: CS Task-Oriented: DC

2 1 Thoughtful OR Accepting OR Questioning Active

Active & Questioning Thoughtful & Questioning Active & Accepting Thoughtful & Accepting

1 2 Cautious & Reflective OR Accepting & Warm OR Questioning & Sceptical Fast-paced & Outspoken

Fast-paced & Outspoken Questioning & Sceptical Cautious & Reflective Fast-paced & Outspoken Accepting & Warm Cautious & Reflective

• • • Fast paced Direct questions Will tell you what they know Will want to take control of a conversation Poor listener • • • • Ask in depth and specific questions Will nod their heads when listening They will scan a room/analyse paperwork Work best independently Private with personal life • • Smiley, friendly Walk fast, talk fast High energy/enthusiastic Open with their body language Will quickly start talking about themselves Wants and enjoys recognition Slow pace Controlled in their movement Listen intently Conversation style is relaxed Ask how you are Reluctant to talk about themselves

Understanding “D” personalities Priorities: • Results • Action • Competency Is bothered by: • Wasted time • Small talk • Too many details • Indecisiveness • Lack of control • Challenges to their authority Trusts: • Confidence Communicating to “D” personalities Strategies: • Use a confident no-nonsense approach • Get to the point • Give them options and a sense of control • Convey respect for their authority • Show a desire to help them get immediate results Emphasise : • Immediate outcomes • The bottom line • Efficiency, ease of use • Profits, savings

Understanding “I” personalities Priorities: • Enthusiasm • Action • Relationships Is bothered by: • Dry or dull analysis • Too many details • Cold or detached people • Loss of approval • Negativity or pessimism Trusts: • Openness Communicating to “I” personalities Strategies: • Use an upbeat and lively approach • Give them a chance to tell their stories • Be open to disclosing information about yourself • Show empathy for their concerns • Demonstrate how your offering helps other people Emphasise : • Testimonials • Ease of use • Exciting opportunities • How your offering makes them look good

Understanding “S” personalities Priorities: • Sincerity • Relationships • Dependability Is bothered by: • Pressure • Pushy people • Uncertainty • Unpredictability • Sudden change • Conflict Trusts: • Kindness Communicating to “S” personalities Strategies: • Use a casual and low-pressure approach • Show warmth and sincerity • Present information in a step by step manner • Allow them space and time to process information • Provide reassurance Emphasise : • Ongoing support • Examples from the past • Stability and security • Warranties, service plans, guarantees

Understanding “C” personalities Priorities: • Quality • Competency • Dependability Communicating to “C” personalities Strategies: • Use an objective approach • Go through details • Have evidence to back up your claims • Use logic to connect your solutions Is bothered by: to their problems • Emotional or illogical people • Give them a chance to show their • Personal questions knowledge • Overly enthusiastic presentations Emphasise : • Pressure • Quality, high standards • Emotional appeals • Your expertise • Logical reasons Trusts: • Evidence of reliability • Expertise