Next Level DISCovery Part 1: Understanding Motivations and Behaviors with Shandel Sutherland

In a recent insightful talk, Shandel Sutherland, founder of Shandel Group, explored the intricacies of DISC, a powerful behavioral assessment tool, and explained how understanding motivations and behaviors can lead to personal and professional growth. Shandel emphasized that while motivations drive us to act, our behaviors determine how we achieve our goals. Here’s a deep dive into her talk and the key takeaways on how DISC can transform the way we understand ourselves and others.

Motivation: The Driving Force Behind Action

In the first part of her talk, Shandel explored the concept of driving forces and motivations. These intrinsic motivators propel us into action and shape the way we pursue our goals. She highlighted that it's crucial to understand what motivates each of us, as this significantly influences our behavior.

For instance, Shandel illustrated how different motivations can trigger different responses. She shared a personal example: while she might hesitate to help save the rainforest, she would passionately leap into action to combat sex trafficking. This difference in response showcases how our motivations can vary greatly depending on what resonates with us personally.

DISC: A Four-Quadrant Behavioral Model

Shandel introduced the DISC model as a tool to understand how we behave once we are motivated. DISC is a four-quadrant theory that categorizes behavior into four distinct styles: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Each style has its unique way of processing information and interacting with the world.

1. Dominance (D): High D individuals are often driven, results-oriented, and assertive. They value efficiency and are motivated by challenges.
2. Influence (I): High I individuals are enthusiastic, outgoing, and social. They thrive in environments where they can inspire and interact with others.
3. Steadiness (S): High S individuals are calm, dependable, and cooperative. They prefer stable environments and value harmony and support.
4. Conscientiousness (C): High C individuals are analytical, detail-oriented, and systematic. They value accuracy and enjoy environments where they can work independently on complex tasks.

The Power of Understanding DISC

One of the key messages from Shandel’s talk was that understanding DISC can foster better communication and collaboration within teams and organizations. By recognizing and appreciating different behavioral styles, we can create environments where people feel respected and valued for their unique contributions.

For example, Shandel shared how a high Dominance (D) individual might be perceived as abrasive or aggressive. However, understanding that this behavior stems from their drive for results can help others see their actions in a different light. Rather than viewing them as difficult, team members can appreciate their focus and determination.

Non-Verbal Communication and its Impact

Shandel also touched upon the significance of non-verbal communication in conveying messages. She pointed out that a staggering 93% of communication is non-verbal, comprising body language and tone of voice. This means that our intentions often get lost if our non-verbal cues do not align with our words.

Through a simple exercise, Shandel demonstrated how emphasizing different words in the sentence "I didn't say you weren't beautiful" can completely change its meaning. This highlights the importance of being mindful of how we convey messages, both verbally and non-verbally.

Personal Insights and Growth

In a heartfelt segment, Shandel shared a personal story about her relationship with her father, illustrating how different communication styles can lead to misunderstandings. Her father, a high Steadiness (S) individual, expressed pride in his own reserved way, which Shandel initially misinterpreted as indifference. This experience underscored the importance of understanding others’ communication styles and motivations.

Practical Applications of DISC

Shandel encouraged attendees to explore their own DISC profiles, paying attention to their natural and adapted styles. Graph 1 of the DISC assessment reveals how we adapt to our environment, while Graph 2 shows our natural style, which reflects our true selves when we are at our best and most relaxed.

By understanding these graphs, individuals can identify areas where they may need to adapt their behavior to reduce stress and enhance communication. Shandel emphasized that adapting to others’ styles, rather than expecting them to adapt to ours, leads to more effective interactions.

Final Thoughts

Shandel Sutherland’s talk on DISC motivations and behaviors offered valuable insights into understanding ourselves and others better. By recognizing our own motivations and behavioral styles, we can improve our interactions and foster more harmonious relationships, both personally and professionally.

Embracing the DISC model not only helps us communicate more effectively but also empowers us to create environments where everyone’s strengths are recognized and appreciated. As Shandel aptly put it, "People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do." Understanding and leveraging DISC can be the key to bridging the gap between intention and behavior.