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The DISC Sales Model: Understanding S Type Personalities

DISC Model S

This entry is the third of a four part series that will briefly describe each primary personality type in the DISC Model of Human Behavior.  Remember, that everyone is a unique combination of all four types.  That’s what makes you, you!  Today look at understanding  the “S” type personality.  

Everyone knows that someone who seems very non-committal about most things in their lives.  You ask them, “Where do you want to eat?”  The response is usually, “I don’t care.  Where do you want to go?”  Here’s a secret.  It’s not that they don’t care.  They care DEEPLY about making sure YOU are happy.  That is the wonderful peace that comes from being a “High S”.  🙂

Here are 5 phrases that describe people that are a “High S”:

 

Supportive

Stable

Steady

Sentimental

Status Quo

Shy

 

They are reserved and people-oriented.  If you’re unsure about how those two terms work together, you can read more about that here.

S’s will give you the shirts off their backs.  They love peace and friendly environments.  They are all about teamwork and helping others.  Under control, they are cooperative, great listeners, and reliable.  However, when they are out of control they can be resistant to change, indecisive, and used by others.  The highlight of their day is making someone else’s day.  They make great counselors, nurses, real estate agents.  

When they communicate they use a steady even-tempered delivery.  However, they are often the last to voice their opinions as they don’t like conflict.  They are very patient and make for the most loyal friends.  They are great at finishing projects.  They are the first to say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Their motto is:  Ready, Ready, Ready….

They represent about 30-35% of the population.

In summary, S’s in the workplace or your family are going to be steady people who are compassionate.  To get them to respond, provide a friendly environment for them to live or work and they will support your efforts.  S’s are the glue that holds organizations and families together.  Thank goodness for S’s!! 🙂

For more information about DISC, or to inquire how Alex can help your business increase sales and build better teams, simply fill out the contact information below.  Thanks for stopping by!






Alex Swire-Clark

The Rapport Advantage™

Connect Quicker With People, Close More Sales, Build Better Teams

Contributions by Robert A. Rohm, Ph.D.

 

The DISC Sales Model: Understanding I Type Personalities

DISC Model

This entry is the second of a four part series that will briefly describe each primary personality type in the DISC Model of Human Behavior.  Remember, that everyone is a unique combination of all four types.  That’s what makes you, you!  Today look at understanding  the“I” type personality.  

 

My four year old daughter, Phoebe, is in her car seat laughing hysterically. She has a fistful my 6 year old daughter’s hair.  The 6 year old is not very excited about the situation.  My wife looks up in the mirror and says,

“Phoebe!  Let go of her hair right now.”

Phoebe says back with a big smile, “Nope!  Not today freaks!!!”  Everyone in the car burst into laughter.  That was the running joke all the way home.

I type personalities have a natural way of making others feel comfortable, getting people to smile, and overall just enjoy life to the fullest.  Now the real question is: Where did she learn that phrase?  Answer: Her High I type father of course!! 🙂

 

Here are 5 words or phrases that describe people that are a “High I”:

Inspiring

Influencing

Impressionable

Interactive

Impressive

Interested In People

They are outgoing and people-oriented.  If you’re unsure about how those two terms work together, you can read more about that here.

I’s will light up the room just by walking in the door.  They have never met a stranger.  They are full of enthusiasm and fun.  Under control, they are spontaneous, expressive, and friendly.  However, when they are out of control they can be emotional, unfocused, and lack direction.  The highlight of their day is making someone else laugh or smile.  They make great teachers, actors, and public speakers.

When they communicate they use expressive tones with a lot of inflection.  They love to tell stories and anecdotes.  They are usually poised and charming.  They can be easily distracted by their surroundings.  They love to have fun.  They don’t ask, “Where’s the party?”  They ARE the party!

Their motto is:  Ready, Aim, now wait just a second!  Can’t we talk about this?

They represent about 25-30% of the population.

In summary, I’s in the workplace or your family are going to be big personalities that are fun to be around.  To get them to respond, give them a way to have fun while they are doing what you ask.  I’s will help you and those around you loosen up and enjoy more experiences together!

 

The Rapport Advantage team works with organizations that want to build better relationships internally, with prospects, and clients so that they can connect with people more quickly, close more sales, and build better teams.  This increases productivity and reduces stress.  For more information please give us a call or fill out our contact form here.

The DISC Sales Model: Understanding D Type Personalities

Disc Model: D type personality

This entry is the first of a four part series that will briefly describe each primary personality type in the DISC Model of Human Behavior.  Remember, that everyone is a unique combination of all four types.  That’s what makes you, you!  Today we are going to start with understanding D type personalities.  If you’re a High D, this is all about you.  If you’re not, this will help you understand why they do what they do!

 

Fearless.  

No holds barred.  

Kick butt and take names.  

Those are the phrases that should come to mind when you’re describing a D-type personality.   Here are 5 D words that describe people that are a “High D”:

 

Dominant

Direct

Demanding

Decisive

Determined

Doer

 

They are outgoing and task-oriented.  If you’re unsure about how those two details work together, you can read more about that here.

 

D’s will tackle your greatest problems or die trying.  No challenge is too great for them.  They are full of confidence and will let you know it.  Under control, they are quick to respond, courageous, and goal-oriented.  However, when they are out of control they can be rude, impatient, and abrasive.  They are great leaders and are always ready to step up.  They make great athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives.

 

When they communicate they use forceful tones.  They are direct and to the point.  You won’t catch them using “touchy-feely” terms.  They use big gestures and a forward lean to direct conversations.  They love debate and competition.

 

Their motto is:  Ready, Fire, Aim!! (Collateral Damage is going to happen.)  They represent about 10% of the population.

 

In summary, D’s in the workplace or your family are going to be big personalities that are quick to make decisions and get to the point.  To get them to respond, be direct and focus on the end result.  Be ready to pick the pace and you’ll get along with a High D just fine!

We work with organizations that want to build better relationships internally, with prospects, and clients so that they can connect with people more quickly, close more sales, and build better teams.  This increases productivity and reduces stress.  For more information please give us a call or fill out our contact form here.

Sales Secrets: Understanding DISC -Part 3: What Is Your PQ?

Understanding DISC Part 3

DISC Model
DISC Model of Human Behavior

What Is Your PQ (Personality Quotient)?

We spend years in school developing our intelligence to effectively use our mind. Developing our unique personality to effectively use our behavior is just as vital to successful living. Your Intelligence Quotient, or IQ, measures your intelligence. Your Personality Quotient, or PQ, refers to your ability to understand yourself and others for effective communication and teamwork. Studies have shown that technical skill, beginning with intelligence and developed through education and experience, accounts for only 15% of success in the workplace. The other 85% of workplace success comes from people skills! These skills are developed through learning better ways to behave and interact.

The Elevator Test: Which Type Are You?

The elevator doors are about to close on an eager rider who is trying to get on the elevator. Four people are already inside the elevator. One of the people in the crowded box is in a hurry and does not want to wait (outgoing and task-oriented). There is also a bubbly, energetic passenger who holds the door open while greeting the newcomer (outgoing and people-oriented). A third rider is happy either way and smiles while waiting patiently (reserved and people-oriented). The final passenger is concerned as she calculates the weight to see if the elevator can handle another person (reserved and task-oriented).

While not perfectly scientific, this scenario illustrates the Dominant (outgoing / task-oriented) person who is focused on getting somewhere fast; the Inspiring (outgoing / people-oriented) person who is energized by all the interaction; the Supportive (reserved / people-oriented) person who reacts calmly and tries to get along regardless; and the Cautious (reserved / task-oriented) person who wants to make sure the added person doesn’t exceed the weight limit! As you can see, there were four different people who responded to the same event in four very different ways!

This is just the beginning!

One of the dangers of learning about understanding DISC is that you may think you now know all there is to know about it. We have just scratched the surface of the dynamics involved in personality styles. Did you know there are not just 4 personality styles? We identify 41 specific personality blends that are all very different. Even within the 41 personality blends, there can be a wide variety of nuances.

We work with organizations that want to build better relationships internally, with prospects, and clients so that they can connect with people more quickly, close more sales, and build better teams.  This increases productivity and reduces stress.  For more information please give us a call or fill out our contact form here.

Sales Secrets: Understanding DISC -Part 1: Why Do People Always…

A Powerful Way to Understand People, Using the DISC Personality Concept

Part 1: Why Do People Always…

 

Why Do People….. It’s a question I’ve been asking myself for years.  Have you ever asked yourself that?  

Why do people always…

-put makeup on when they’re driving to work

-buy more at the grocery store than what their list says

-get the same thing at a restaurant every time

-raise their hand to ask a question at EVERY meeting

-remain silent during a meeting

-laugh when they get nervous

-get tense when they answer the door?

If you found yourself saying, “Well, I don’t do any of those,”  I can guarantee you that the question you might ask will get that same response from another person in the room.  The questions we ask about human behavior are built around our own behaviors.  We use those as a standard for understanding how others behave.

That philosophy is flawed!  Each person’s perspective is built into who THEY are.

Some people call it “personality” and some refer to it as “temperament.”

Ever notice how different that your family and friends can be from you?  If you are like me, you have asked yourself, “Why did they do that?” or “What were they thinking?”

The starting point of understanding people is to realize and accept one simple fact:

Everyone is not like you!

Have you ever said the same thing to two people and received two totally different reactions? How can saying the same words produce such different results? Each person “heard” you differently based on his or her personality style! You said the same thing, but what they “heard” was different.

Different is not bad, it is just different! A lack of understanding of ourselves and others can lead to real problems such as tension, disappointment, hurt feelings, unmet expectations and poor communication. As you know, it is hard to work with a problem, especially if you do not understand what is going on inside the mind of another person.

There IS a Simple Way to Understand People!

The good news is that there is a simple key to understand how people behave and how they are motivated. We call the concept “The DISC Model of Human Behavior.” This concept will allow you to unlock the mystery behind developing good people skills and creating better relationships. You will be able to use what you learn in this introduction to reduce conflict, improve productivity and relate with others more effectively.

Some Background on the DISC Model of Human Behavior

Twenty-four hundred years ago, scientists and philosophers, most notably Hippocrates, began to recognize and categorize differences in behavior that seemed to follow a pattern.

Since then, many psychologists and scientists have explored behavioral patterns. Dr. William Marston wrote “The Emotions of Normal People” in 1928 after earning his doctorate from Harvard University. Marston theorized that people are motivated by four intrinsic drives that direct behavioral patterns. He used four descriptive characteristics for behavioral tendencies which are represented by four letters of the alphabet: D, I, S and C. Thus the concept of “DISC” was introduced.

On a side note – I learned about “DISC” over 25 years ago from a good friend who helped me to understand my daughter. The concept was so revolutionary in my own family that I began my own research. Since then I have trained thousands of people and written many books on the subject. No one is more passionate about what I am sharing with you than I am, because these are the very concepts that changed my life!

 

Building on a “Wellness” Model

Many behavioral models focus on what is wrong with a person to identify “personality disorders.” The DISC model is based on normal behavior, not abnormal behavior. DISC is a “wellness model” that is objective and descriptive rather than subjective and judgmental.

Therefore, DISC is a practical way to understand yourself and those around in the common settings of everyday life.

A Positive Approach

The DISC wellness model is a good framework for understanding people. DISC should be used in a positive way to encourage a person to be his or her best – not as a way to “label” someone.

Healthy, positive relationships come from having an accurate understanding of yourself and others. DISC is a powerful tool for obtaining a new appreciation for our personality styles and their effect on our everyday lives.

We apply the DISC model with four main ideas that allow it to be used appropriately as an effective and encouraging tool:

 

We use a POSITIVE approach to highlight and encourage a person in his or her STRENGTHS.

We use a POSITIVE approach to address a person’s possible BLIND-SPOTS without assuming a weakness exists.

We recognize that each person has a unique blend of ALL the major personality traits to a greater or lesser extent.

We recognize that behavioral patterns are fluid and dynamic as a person adapts to his or her environment.

We have a saying that, “your strengths should carry you while your blind-spots should concern you.”  Being able to identify and articulate your strengths can be very empowering. Being able to identify and uncover blind-spots can also be very empowering! The next few posts can be the start of your own empowering discovery process.

Now you know where the DISC concept came from and the importance of having a positive, flexible approach.  Our next blog post takes a look at the Model of Human Behavior using the DISC!

For more information about DISC, or to inquire how Alex can help your business increase sales and build better teams, simply fill out the contact information below.  Thanks for stopping by!






Alex Swire-Clark

The Rapport Advantage™

Connect Quicker With People, Close More Sales, Build Better Teams

Contributions by Robert A. Rohm, Ph.D.

Concise Adult Version

This 6-page report provides essential feedback with an accurate measurement of your personality blend. Your report will include the following:

  • Words that describe you
  • Your strengths
  • Keys to Excellence
  • Your value on a team
  • Your DISC personality graphs