Lisa B. Marshall is a communication expert. She is author of Smart Talk and host of The Public Speaker and Smart Talk podcasts.
Do wish you were more persuasive? More influential? Do you know what holds you back? Today, especially with flatter organizations, it takes more than good ideas to get ahead; it takes the ability to communicate in clear, concise, and compelling manner.
In conjunction with my very popular "Influence to Maximize Effectiveness" seminar, which I delivered at the September SSP Conference, clients often also request a DISC profile for high-potential employees and high-performance teams to help identify and maximize strengths. As a special bonus for SSP members, I invite you to take this DISC communication style assessment ($100 value) to learn how to increase your personal effectiveness.
Understanding Communication Styles via DISC
Research shows that successful people share a common trait: self-awareness. By understanding your communication style, and the style of those around you, you are better able to inform, persuade, and influence.
So what are the four DISC styles? Although they’ve been labeled a bunch a different things over time, the meaning has remained the same. Here’s a quick summary of the four primary styles identified in the DISC profile:
Dominant/Driver: How do you identify a person with “D” (dominant or driver) style? People that score high in the “D” behaviors speak fast, move fast, and want results yesterday! People that are of this style will do everything they can to figure out how to go around obstacles and if they can’t go around—they may just go right through the obstacle! If you need something done you can rely on a “D” to get something done. If I were to choose a single word to describe this type it's "Now!"
Influencer/Interactive: How do you identify a person with “I” (influencer or interactive) style? People that score high in the “I” behaviors also speak fast and move fast, but are far more personal than the dominant driver. This person is always telling stories: very interactive, positive, and talkative. It’s difficult for this person to keep track of details and keep organized. If you need someone to promote an idea or event you can rely on this type of person. If I were to choose a single word to describe this type, I would choose "expressive."
Stable/Steady: How do you identify a person with “S” (stable or steady) style? People that score high in the “s” behaviors are sensitive and steady. They are slower in movement and are more emotionally connected to the listener. This person will ask you and other teammates for input and is often the glue that keeps teams together. What is difficult for this person is conflict—they don’t like rock the boat. You can rely on this person to coordinate or connect with someone in their network. If I were to choose one word to describe this type, I would choose "feelings."
Compliant/Cautious: How do you identify a person with “C” (compliant or cautious) style? People that score high in the “C” behaviors are interested in order, precision, and accuracy. They are slower moving and slow to speak, but when they do speak they may be a bit direct. You can count on this type of person solve problems, plan effectively, and invent processes. If you want something done right you can rely on this type of person. If I were to choose one word to describe this type, I would choose "details."
Of course, your communication style changes depending on the context of the situation. And although every person uses a blend of styles, we tend to rely on one or two primary styles in most of our communication. This is particularly true when we are under stress.
By being aware of your style and the styles of those around you, you can be flexible in your communications to best suit the needs of your listener. By taking the assessment and downloading your custom report you’ll learn ways to achieve results using your preferred behaviors. At the same time you’ll gain a better understanding of your limitations and blind spots. This DISC profile can illuminate behaviors you may want to strengthen.
Lisa B. Marshall is a communication expert, author of Smart Talk, and host of The Public Speaker and Smart Talk podcasts.
