Effective Communication Skills: How to Quickly Guess a Person’s DISC Style

One of the most common questions about using the DISC model is this: “How do I know another person’s personality style?” Well, the short answer is: you can’t know another person’s style without assessment results. You can, however, make an educated guess about their primary style (or at least how they are interacting in the current situation) by observing their words and behaviors and answering two simple questions (phrased in the language of the DISC model): Are... [Read more]

Being Too Nice Can Hurt You

A few weeks ago, I read an interesting article titled On the Job, Nice Guys May Finish Last. The title immediately caught my attention, and I had to take a look. In reading the article, I saw an immediate connection to my work and for other people interested in using the DISC model in their professional and personal lives. The point made in this article is particularly significant for people with supportive tendencies (people who are people-oriented and reserved). People with strong supportive... [Read more]

The 7 Deadly Sins of Conflict Resolution

As I watch and participate in conflict conversations and conflict resolution efforts, I notice patterns of behavior that consistently produce bad results. In a recent conversation with one of my coaching clients, we started to discuss these patterns of behavior. We jokingly began to call them “The 7 Deadly Sins of Conflict Resolution.” The conversation stimulated my thinking about what NOT to do in conflict resolution. Sometimes, knowing what NOT to do can be as helpful as knowing what... [Read more]

Communication Tips: Connecting With Reserved, Task-Oriented People

One way to improve your communication effectiveness is to communicate in a way that best fits the other person’s DISC behavioral style. When you find yourself communicating with a person who is reserved and task-oriented (primary Cautious behavioral style), remember these key communication tips: Slow down — they usually want you to give them time to process what you’re saying before they respond. Use data and third-party information to support your position — they want to know that... [Read more]

Communication Tips: Connecting With Reserved, People-Oriented People

One way to improve your communication effectiveness is to communicate in a way that best fits the other person’s DISC behavioral style. When you find yourself communicating with a person who is reserved and people-oriented (primary Supportive behavioral style), remember these key communication tips: Slow down — they usually want you to give them time to process what you’re saying before they respond. Show that you care about them — if you come across as focused only on the task... [Read more]

Communication Tips: Connecting With Outgoing, People-Oriented People

One way to improve your communication effectiveness is to communicate in a way that best fits the other person’s DISC behavioral style. When you find yourself communicating with a person who is outgoing and people-oriented (primary Inspiring behavioral style), remember these key communication tips: Smile — they tend to be very much in-tune with your body language and facial expressions as a way to “read” your emotions. Show some enthusiasm — if you seem bored, they will be... [Read more]

Communication Tips: Connecting With Outgoing, Task-Oriented People

One way to improve your communication effectiveness is to communicate in a way that best fits the other person’s DISC behavioral style. When you find yourself communicating with a person who is outgoing and task-oriented (primary Dominant behavioral style), remember these key communication tips: Get to the point quickly — offer the results or conclusions and then your data or analysis. Focus on results and outcomes — process and feelings are less important to them than results. Give... [Read more]

Connecting With People

This series of articles contains specific tips, insights, and techniques for connecting with people better. This article is from the Connecting With People series. Use the links below to read more from this series. Connecting With People Communication Tips: Connecting With Outgoing, Task-Oriented People Communication Tips: Connecting With Outgoing, People-Oriented People Communication Tips: Connecting With Reserved, People-Oriented People Communication Tips: Connecting With Reserved,... [Read more]

DISC Model Frequently Asked Questions

This is a series of articles that answer frequently asked questions about the DISC model of human behavior. This article is from the DISC FAQ's series. Use the links below to read more from this series. DISC Model FAQ's: Can Four Styles Really Describe Everyone? DISC Model FAQ's: Could I Have More Than One DISC Behavior Style? DISC Model FAQ's: Can I Have One DISC Style at Work and Another DISC Style at Home? DISC Model FAQ's: Is One Style Better Than the Others? DISC Model FAQ's:... [Read more]