If you are open-minded and realize that other people have value, that you could learn something or gain a new perspective…then Communication is your Friend.
Conversely, if you are a close-minded opinionated blockhead and you don’t think you can learn anything from anybody and nobody else has any value…then Communication a Foe.
Regardless The good news is by applying the Maxwell DISC Model of Behavior you can increase your level of communication with others.
DISC Is an acronym, which stands for D for Dominant, I for Influencing, S for Steady and C for Compliant communication styles. It further identifies Task-First behavior vs. People-First behavior.
These communication differences were first observed by the ancient Greeks in 440 BC and has evolved to where DISC has become the most widely accepted communication identification tool on the planet.
The starting point in increasing our awareness of this is in the acknowledgments and appreciation that we all have different communication preferences. Anyone with kids knows that they are different…they give, they receive, and they process information differently! Well, people/adults do the same thing… they give, they receive, and they process information differently!
For example:
D – Dominant Styles, a Task-First behavior: are aggressive, direct, decisive and have high egos. They’re also argumentative and may overstep authority. They may and can come across as rude and abrupt.
I – Influencing Styles, a People-First behavior: are enthusiastic optimistic and persuasive. They also lack attention to detail and are long winded, verbal communicators.
S – Steady Styles, People-First behavior: are good listeners friendly and are team players. They also resist change and take a long time to adjust and make decisions.
C – Compliant Styles, a Task-First behavior: are analytical, accurate, and precise. They also prefer not to verbalize feelings, get bogged down in the details and are prone to criticism of themselves and others.
It is important to note that whilst we have a natural leaning towards one or two of these styles, we are actually a blend of all four with different levels of intensity. (I am a CD Style)
As you can imagine the application for improved communication, and specifically DISC is endless e.g., From corporate board rooms to mom-and-pop shops. From local municipalities and town councils to large bureaucratic operations. From your local police to vast military operations. From the Sales Department to your kitchen table, again, the applications are endless.
In this brief overview, you can see we all give, receive, and process information differently! Hopefully, you gained a little insight and appreciation into the nuances of communication,
As George Bernard Shaw observed, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
It is our responsibility, if we want to improve communications and relationships, to speak and listen to others in the communication style/language that they understand.
I hope this was helpful,
John
John G. Manjounes
Executive Leadership Coach
Communication Consultant
- Executive Director, Maxwell Leadership Team,
- DISC Behavioral Consultant,
- Founder of GOAT Development Group
- #3 of 20 top Coaches in Columbia, SC in 2021 by Influence Digest+
