Using a DISC Personality Profile for marketing is one of the
strongest tools in my arsenal. Knowing my personality type and that of my clients and
colleagues helps me work more effectively. So much so, that I often recommend
that clients implement the simple test as part of their team building.
Have you ever noticed that your thinking style, interests, and behavorial
traits are different from your friends and colleagues? You may subconsciously
interact differently with people based on their personality. You often, without
thinking about it, customize your communications with people depending on how
you know they process or work.
Everyone is different. As Mister Roger says, “You are
special. There is no one else like you in the whole world.” Understanding your
own thinking style as well as your colleagues is powerful –it will increase
work productivity, teamwork, and communication. It can also help you to
recognize and express gratitude.
A great venue to discover thinking styles is a company retreat. Company retreats are often organized to
help team members bond in a more relaxed, casual, non-work atmosphere. There
are many do-it-yourself training and developmental tools on the market that you
can simply implement into your retreat agenda. Or, you can go as far as hiring
a professional facilitator to administer the tool, and provide deeper color
around the results.
So what are the
four personality types?
Dominance, Inducement, Submission, and Compliance.
I’m a “D” and the adjectives used to describe a “D” are
pretty spot on for me.
D=challenge, winning, control, dominance, bottom line
I=Approval, popularity, excitement, enthusiasm, breaking new
ground
S-Stability, traditions, acceptance, support, encouragement,
collaboration
C=Precision, order, logic high standards, clear
expectations, independence
At a recent clients’ company retreat I was able to see first hand the true
power and insight that a tool like this provides. After the event, I spoke with a few of the attendees to
learn how they immediately improved interpersonal communications, connected
more effectively with co-workers, and understood what they needed to be most
effective. The feedback speaks for
itself:
Darnell: “I am a C. It
was nice to know to why I was clashing with certain people. Some D's tend to
rub me the wrong way and I feel like I left the retreat with a better
understanding of why and adding a little more grace to those people who aren't
even aware of how they come across to different personalities. For example: If
Pam's words and actions feel a little pushy and overbearing., I can step back instead
of immediately being defensive or taking it personally. I can remember that Pam
is a D and accept that she more than likely means no ill will, it’s just her
take charge type of personality.”
Kristel: “I'm a D. It helps sometimes to understand why
some people think and approach situations completely differently from how you
approach things. I think it just
helps explain some reactions to situations. Andrew and I are both Ds and so we
will "challenge" each other often on things and he is very pushy
about it. That is his
"D" personality coming out.
I'm sure he would say the same about me. Knowing he is that way, helps to put it all in perspective (I
can think of since I"m a "D" too, how would I react to that
situation/question). On the flip
side, James is an "I", so he is not pushy but he is much more
effective in sales type situations.
I try to pay attention when he talks about how he presents things
because I think the "I" side of him can present that type of
information much more effectively than I can and since I have to try and sell
also, I try to learn as much from him as I can.”
This client continues to reflect back on this exercise, and takes into
consideration the four personality types when making large company-wise
decisions. I often hear the disclaimer, “Well, how are the Cs going to react to
this? What will the Ds have to say about that?” It’s great that they continue
to keep the different behavioral traits in mind when making company decisions.
What’s your personality type?
