Steadiness and Influence

Today at work I took the DISC workshop, which identifies default behavior patterns in people.  DISC is an acronym for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness, which are drawn in quadrants. While all people have qualities in each quadrant at some point or another, generally, people have strengths that fall in just one or two.

I just pulled this little image off the internet. My star (adapted style--what I try to be, for others) and my circle (my natural style) are both on the bottom, in the middle, in section #17.  My traits are oriented within Steadiness and Influence.

Steadiness means I value stability, predictability, thoughtfulness, listening, a moderate pace, systematic work, cooperation, and sincerity. The limitations are that I can be overly willing to give, putting my needs last, and can seem indecisive when I need to take some time to figure something out. Per the workshop, when I'm stressed or in the middle of a conflict, my go-to reaction is to comply, because what I want more than anything is harmony.  If I can't do that or it isn't working, my next default is to avoid--but then it just simmers and I can explode.

Influence as a trait emphasizes sociability, and I scored nearly as high here as I did in Steadiness.  Influence means shaping the environment by persuading others. I like to be involved with other people, and make a favorable impression, with charm and enthusiasm. I love social recognition, and am afraid of rejection, losing influence, and being blamed. I can be impulsive, disorganized, and lack follow-through. But I am optimistic! Having a tendency toward Influence means that in situations of stress or conflict, I need to express myself and gain acknowledgment. I need to be heard. But I hate conflict, so my secondary reaction is to comply, or accommodate.

While steadiness is dominant, I really think my conflict style comes out more in the Influence quadrant. I am really trying to express myself when something doesn't feel right, rather than try to avoid it or go with what someone else wants.

Overall, this was a useful workshop, and I'm glad to have spent my morning there, learning about types of human behavior, and the needs and patterns that accompany those styles.

I also looked at this chart and wondered about my relationship. I think Ryan is more C/D than I am. He is very goal-oriented, likes to be challenged, and asks tons of questions, wanting facts.  He analyzes, he moves quickly, and he's all about deadlines.  Opposites do attract!

I felt very quiet at lunch time, like I had to make a lot of room in my head to lay this all out for myself and let it sink in. I think as time goes on, I'll be able to use this information to help me better see the world through other people's eyes, and adapt my communication style to meet their needs.