Task-Oriented vs People-Oriented: A Common Source of Conflict

In one way or another, I have commented on this common difference between people in this blog and in other articles. It seems that I have, in many cases, made the point in an indirect way. Today, I thought I would make a more explicit observation about one of the common differences between task-oriented people and people-oriented people (from the DISC model): Task-oriented people generally “think” about things (including relationships). People-oriented people generally “feel”... [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 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]

The DISC Model of Human Behavior – A Quick Overview

Guy Gives a Quick Overview ofThe DISC Model of Human Behavior As a teenager and young adult, I thought people were totally irrational and unpredictable. In my thirties, I learned about patterns of behavior that people tend to follow in many areas of their lives and in many situations. Understanding these patterns helped me to realize that people are not totally irrational. Most people simply see the world, prioritize their activities, communicate with others, and act according to relatively predictable... [Read more]

Better Relationship Tips For Task Oriented People: Redefine Your Task

This week, I was on the road conducting Bud To Boss training. As I called home on Sunday evening, I found myself unable to listen to my wife telling me about her day. Try as I might, I could not get my mind to focus on what she was saying. I could only think about what I still had to do to prepare for the next day before going to bed. Sadly, this is not the first time I have struggled to have a fruitful conversation with my wife while I am traveling for business. After we ended our phone call and... [Read more]

Conflict Resolution Tips: People Oriented Individuals with Task Oriented People

  In my last blog post, I gave three tips to help task oriented people resolve conflict with people oriented individuals. In this post, I’ll change the perspective by suggesting three tips that go the other direction. 1) Express what you “think” rather than how you “feel.” If you have a stronger people orientation than task orientation, you likely process interactions with others based on how you feel about them and the situation. This perspective may even apply... [Read more]