Submitted by Jeff Rodarti
Last month, we attended the second class in the Great Leaders Series at the Mountain States Employers Council with Jan Baller. Jan introduced us to the DiSC assessment, which explores four distinct work styles: dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness.
Dominance- direct, results-oriented, firm, strong-willed, forceful
Influence- outgoing, enthusiastic, optimistic, high-spirited, lively
Steadiness- even-tempered, accommodating, patient, humble, tactful
Conscientiousness- analytical, reserved, precise, private, systematic[1]
Each style is equally valuable, and many people’s work behaviors are a blend of the four styles. And different circumstances, such as life experiences and education can impact and influence one’s own work style. Essentially, DiSC is a tool that helps us to better understand our own work style as well as how we relate to the work styles of others. Prior to the class, we each took a survey regarding our behavior in the workplace and in team settings. Jan provided us each with our own personalized reports based on our survey responses, detailing our DiSC profiles.
My profile, according to the assessment, happens to be a blend of steadiness and influence (Si). Without publicly psychoanalyzing myself, I found that I resonated with much of the narrative behind the Si style and priorities: loyalty, working behind the scenes, sincerity, optimism, and teamwork.
Moreover, the assessment included an analysis of the motivators and stressors for each of our work styles as well as how individuals with different styles tend to interact with one another. In my case, motivators include collaboration, making a positive difference in others’ lives, initiating change, and getting people involved. Stressors include saying no, dealing with angry folks, and moderating what is often a quick work pace. As a group, the LDG found that we represented each of the four styles.
Team cohesion is, in part, defined by how well each team members works with one another. The DiSC assessment provides a language for understanding that dynamic. Of course, no assessment or tool can ever fully capture our individual behaviors and styles. Still, the DiSC is a useful tool, helping us to practice more awareness around our own behaviors and priorities, how our styles work with others, and where our limitations may be found.
[1] Everything DiSC Workplace, John Wiley, 2012
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