Last week I was working with a client, analyzing her team informally. I had suggested some reservations about one team members get up and go speed. She quickly said that it was ok, because that employee is a Beaver. She went onto explain that the DiSC system of understanding personality includes Beavers which are analytical, self-disciplined, industrious, organized, aesthetic, and sacrificing. Her industrious spirit and the need to have all the tools in place to get started were ok for her.
That got me thinking about what I needed or who I was. After taking the short test on the Tony Robbin's site it shared these ideas about dealing specifically with me:
- Things to do to effectively communicate with Jacqueline:
- Ask 'what' oriented questions that close the issue or topics.
- Don't get off the track and talk about other issues or items.
- Provide immediate incentives for willingness to help on the project.
- Free-up enough to be engaging, stimulating, and fast-paced.
- Provide testimonials from people seen as important and prominent.
- Ask for input regarding people and specific assignments.
- Put the details in writing, but don't plan on discussing them too much.
- Things to avoid to effectively communicate with Jacqueline:
- Avoid making guarantees and assurances when there is a risk in meeting them.
- Avoid rambling discussion and wasting time.
- Don't stick too rigidly to the agenda.
- Don't 'dream' too much with the team or you'll lose time.
- Don't talk down to anyone.
- Be certain all decision-points have reached closure and action-plans are the result.
- Avoid getting bogged down in facts, figures, or abstractions.
All pretty right on, there is a whole lot more. In fact they send you a 22 page document. After spending years in corporations and doing a tremendous amount of training on all kinds of workplace ideas I wonder if, in smaller businesses and on volunteer teams, it would be helpful to spend a little time learning about how other people work. Granted, I wouldn't want to hold to rigidly to it, but if I had a better understanding of X and Y I might be able to work more effectively with them. If I could get clients to take the test that would be even better because I could meet their needs more effectively.
To take your own test you can go here: http://www.tonyrobbins.com/ue/disc-profile.php
This Innermetrix Disc Index is a modern interpretation of Dr. William Marston's behavioral dimensions. Marston's research uncovered four quadrants of behavior which help to understand a person's behavioral preferences. This Disc Index will help you understand your behavioral style and how to maximize your potential. - Tony Robbins
