We know that we are all part of an eco-system – whether that is an organization, a family, a team or community. We all have a role to play in a bigger organism. But do you know your role? And do you truly value it? Do those around you know it and value it? There are lots of different ways we can categorize ourselves (ethnicity, gender, personality, gifts, talents), but one of the most useful is our behavior style.

Our behavior style is relevant in any situation from family and work to leadership and learning. So let’s take a quick look at the four DISC behavior styles and see if you recognize your own.

Do you stick with decisions? Are you decisive and move a room to an action? Chances are you are a D-style and while some won’t appreciate your decisiveness, your ability to review information and make an actionable decision is a benefit to your team.

Do you motivate those around you? If you have ever been “accused” of being a cheerleader, chances are you an I-style. Your outgoing, talkative nature can inspire some but annoy others. How can the team keep playing without encouragers?

Do you remain steady, even in crisis? Have you been known to wait patiently while people around you are in a tiff about waiting (huffing and puffing and making faces?). You could be an S-style. Your laid-back nature provides a calming force to those around you, and that’s not just needed when something is on fire, but even before the logs are stacked!

Do you think critically and enjoy facts? Maybe you prefer to know all the significant digits in pi while others are fine to round it. You likely fall into the C-style category. Your attention to detail can be an asset to your team, but your tendency to over-think things can slow you and the team down.

This isn’t a competition and understanding how these roles work together is the key. The eye can’t say to the hand “I don’t need you”. So how do you learn your style and use it to improve relationships and team dynamics? Sign up for an Extended DISC coaching session and learn more about yourself and how you work with others.

 

Image used with permission. Copyright Extended DISC NA, Inc. 2018