behavioral styles

Are We Groomed To Be Cautious?

“The hands that rock the cradle rule the world.”

The majority of care givers and early childhood practitioners have a preference for the Reserved/People Oriented or S-Style behaviour.

It means that the persons responsible for the socialization process in the critical early stages bring a conservative and risk-averse philosophy to the task.

Examples of S-Style mantra include:

“One thing at a time and that done well”. This flies in the face in the demand for multi-tasking in the rat race world in which we live.

Another favourite is: “When a job has been begun, never leave it till tis done.” One would need to have the uncanny skill to start the most important job all the time and that it remains the most valuable use of your time throughout the completion process.

S-style behaviour in the D-I-S-C Framework is the counterpoint to adventurous characteristic of the D-style – Steadiness versus Dominance.

Does S-Style socialization dampen entrepreneurial fervor? What are your thoughts?

Advertisement
0 CommentsLeave a comment

Dealing with Dominant Behaviour

Another tip in relating to the Dominant behavioral style is to recognize the tendency to speak in animated tones.

This may come across as forcefulness and even aggression. Look past that and deal with the facts.

Body language notwithstanding you can in fact can your point heard and even accepted – if your argument is sufficiently compelling.

Challenged dealing with the Dominant behavioral style?

Play a central role in their goal attainment. You will be seen in a totally different light – positively.

0 CommentsLeave a comment

Moses’ Missing Mindset

Moses's Missing Mindset

Moses demonstrated a lot of qualities that are linked to D-style behavior in the D-I-S-C Framework. These include decisiveness and daring.

Moses also displayed the classical D-I-S-C Framework recognition of an absence of Patience in the D-style mindset.

Moses smashed the tablets of stone to pieces when he realized that the Israelites had created idols.

Most notably, Moses struck the rock to produce water in a bout of frustration at the disgusting behavior of the Israelites. He was instructed to “speak to the rock”. That bit of impatience actually cost him his place in the Promised Land.

We should also recall that he killed the Egyptian who was abusing one of his countrymen.

Moses seemed to have a relatively short fuse. That is in keeping with D-I-S-C Framework analysis of classic D-style behavior.

0 CommentsLeave a comment

Is Focused Specialization The Best Strategy?

A long standing adage is “One thing at a time and that done well”.  Even more important is the historical focus on shaping careers towards specialization.

Indeed, those who would go against the tide of specialization will be warned about the risk of becoming “jack of all trades” – without being the master of any.

I have noticed that using the D-I-S-C Framework, individuals who are Reserved tend to be more convinced that specialization is the ideal strategy. Persons favoring the Outgoing orientation are more willing to explore multiple opportunities.

Individuals favoring the I-style are widely discriminated against. The face a glass ceiling with respect to the levels of management that they can attain. They are routinely criticized for a lack of focus and the failure to “stick to one thing.”

Now this article bravely advocates that focused specialization is not a good idea. Read more…

 

 

0 CommentsLeave a comment

Success with People – DISC Funecdotes

Early days – Nursery rhymes

D quickly reads the story of the cow and his leap over the moon. “I am finished Miss. Can I get another story to read?” The teacher leans towards considering D a fast learner.

I sets about colouring the story. The entire scene is played in 3-D mentally. The cow has a rocket placed on its back and it all comes in full color. The teacher wonders if I needs additional help with reading.

S reads the story twice to ensure that it is fully understood and all the facts have been noted. S then starts reflecting on just who this cow might be. What is this cow feeling at this point in time? Is there a family? They must feel proud about him. Miss thinks about adding S to the list of those needing additional work in reading.

C does a quick preview of the story and gets the storyline.  C thinks the story is unrealistic, meaningless and a waste of time. C then asks the teacher for a series of mental arithmetic practice problems. The teacher is somewhat confused but is pleased with C’s commitment and industry.

0 CommentsLeave a comment