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Next Level DISCovery - Part 2

Shandel Sutherland • August 5, 2024

In today's fast-paced working environment, understanding how different personality types handle situations can significantly improve team dynamics and productivity. This blog post is part of our series on DISC profiles, focusing on the high D (Dominance) and high I (Influence) traits from the DISC assessment, as covered in our recent workshop.


The Importance of Writing Things Down


First and foremost, it’s crucial to jot down notes and key points during discussions and workshops. Research suggests that we forget 85 percent of what we hear by the next day. This is particularly important as we dive into understanding personality profiles. Writing it down helps retain the valuable insights that can transform your team’s interactions.


Dominance (D): Addressing Problems and Challenges


High D Traits:

  • Urgent and forthright approach to problems.
  • Quick to take action, sometimes without gathering all information.
  • Strong need for control and timely action.
  • Quick to anger but also quick to recover.

Low D Traits:

  • Methodical and careful approach.
  • Gathers all information before proceeding.
  • Less urgency, focuses on detailed steps.


Analogy for Understanding High D and Low D


Consider a scenario in a house with two windows and a child screaming, "Help me!" If there’s smoke, everyone grabs the child immediately. Without smoke, questions arise—like whether it’s a real emergency. High Ds always see smoke and act urgently, whereas Low Ds take a more measured approach.


Emotional and Behavioral Insights


High Ds:

  • Feel alive solving problems but need to recognize that not everything is an emergency.
  • Their quick-to-anger nature means they can blurt out things in the heat of the moment.
  • They fear being taken advantage of and losing control over their time.
  • Need clear and concise communication—preferably time-bound—to avoid stress.

Low Ds:

  • Take longer to get angry and may hold onto issues for a long time, resulting in rare but intense outbursts.
  • Value time as an asset to be invested wisely.
  • Approach situations methodically and are less concerned with immediate action.


Influence (I): Handling People and Information


High I Traits:

  • Use feelings and personal charm to influence others.
  • Natural optimists, seeing opportunities before problems.
  • Highly value social acceptance and fear social rejection.
  • Thrive on being liked and accepted, which drives their interactions.

Low I Traits:

  • Prefer facts and data.
  • Realists—often seen as pessimists—who focus on potential problems first.
  • Don’t require social acceptance as intensely as high Is and can see social rejection as a break.


Emotional and Behavioral Insights


High Is:

  • Are effervescent, engaging, and thrive on social interactions.
  • Need to feel accepted to operate comfortably.
  • Use optimistic outlooks to fuel creativity and problem-solving.

Low Is:

  • Prefer clear, data-driven communication.
  • Approach discussions with skepticism but adapt once all questions are answered.
  • Value logical analysis over emotional appeal.


How to Collaborate Effectively with High Ds and Is


  1. For High Ds:
  • Offer concise and clear communication.
  • Respect their need for control over time; specify the time required for discussions.
  • Recognize their problem-solving nature and channel it constructively.
  1. For High Is:
  • Separate ideas from the individual's self-identity when providing feedback.
  • Use optimism and emphasize social acceptance.
  • Encourage their creative input and collaborative efforts.


Conclusion


Understanding DISC profiles and how different personality traits operate within your team can drastically improve workplace efficiency and morale. High Ds and High Is bring valuable skills and perspectives, but they require specific communication styles and interactions to operate at their best. By leveraging these insights, you can navigate through workplace challenges effectively and foster a harmonious and productive environment.

Keep an eye out for the next parts of our series where we’ll dive into the S (Steadiness) and C (Conscientiousness) traits, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of all DISC personality types.

Breaking the Cycle of Misery: A Leadership Journey

By Shandel Sutherland • November 24, 2024
Introduction Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of stress, frustration, and burnout? As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what truly matters. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of the "cycle of misery" and how to break free from it. Understanding the Cycle of Misery The cycle of misery is a common trap that many leaders fall into. It's characterized by a negative mindset, a focus on problems, and a tendency to blame others. When we're in this cycle, we become our own worst enemies, constantly worrying and stressing over things that are outside of our control. Key Signs of the Cycle of Misery: Fear and Insecurity: Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Anger and Frustration: Blaming others for problems and taking things personally. Lack of Confidence: Doubting your abilities and questioning your decisions. Isolation: Withdrawing from others and avoiding social interaction. Negativity: Focusing on the negative aspects of situations and people. Breaking Free from the Cycle To break free from the cycle of misery, we must focus on the following: Self-Awareness: Recognize the signs of the cycle and be honest with yourself about your current state. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce stress. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Seek Support: Talk to a mentor, coach, or therapist to gain perspective and guidance. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions. Connect with Others: Build strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. The Healthy Cycle of Growth In contrast to the cycle of misery, the healthy cycle of growth is characterized by positivity, resilience, and a focus on solutions. By cultivating a growth mindset and practicing self-care, we can break free from the cycle of misery and achieve our full potential. Conclusion Remember, it's okay to experience challenges and setbacks. The key is to recognize when we're slipping into the cycle of misery and take proactive steps to break free. By focusing on our values, practicing self-care, and connecting with others, we can create a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

Lead with Authenticity

By Jake Hinton • October 7, 2024
Embark on a transformative leadership journey where authenticity meets growth. This article delves into the pathways taken by a CEO to foster authentic leadership, emphasizing the shift from comfort zones to growth areas. Explore how resilience, accountability, and value alignment pave the way for effective leadership. By understanding oneself and embracing challenges, leaders can inspire their teams and nurture organizational success. Join us in uncovering the ripple effect of personal growth and its impact on building strong, authentic relationships.
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