In times of change, we tend to avoid adapting to others’ personality styles. Our reduced capacity to adapt can cause us to revert to unhealthy habits, especially in conflict situations.
If you don’t know your DiSC personality style, use this simple chart to identify where you are. It’s also a good tool to use to identify where others might be as well, in order to adapt to their natural style.
D – Are you outgoing and task-oriented?
i – Are you outgoing and people-oriented?
S – Are you reserved and people-oriented?
C – Are you reserved and task-oriented?
If you’re a D…
Things to avoid during change include:
- Becoming passive-aggressive
- Digging your heels in even further
- Looking to even the score
- Overpowering others and becoming aggressive
- Saying things you may regret
Things to do during change include:
- Stick up for your own rights
- Speak up about problems
- Address issues head on
If you’re an i…
Things to avoid during change include:
- Saying things you may regret
- Becoming overly dramatic
- Gossiping
- Dwelling on past, wounded relationships
- Glossing over problems
Things to do during change include:
- Address issues head on
- Express your feelings
- Show empathy
If you’re an S…
Things to avoid during change include:
- Dwelling on past, wounded relationships
- Glossing over problems
- Staying quiet about your own needs
- Caving to everyone else to avoid tension
- Retreating from the conflict
Things to do during change include:
- Show empathy
- Listen to others’ perspectives
- Encourage with your clam demeanor
If you’re a C…
Things to avoid during change include:
- Retreating from the conflict
- Avoiding emotional situations
- Overpowering with logic and facts
- Becoming passive-aggressive
Things to do during change include:
- Encourage with your calm demeanor
- Focus on logic and objectivity
- Stick up for your own rights
It’s important to recognize unhealthy behaviors in the moment, stop yourself, and start focusing on the healthy behaviors you possess that will inevitably help resolve the situation.
When you recognize unhealthy behaviors in others, it’s also important to help them move past them and into healthy behaviors. And if they are exhibiting healthy behaviors, encourage them to keep it up.
Thanks for reading,
Alan Feirer
This is the seventh post in an 11-part series discussing what leaders can do to effectively navigate through times of change. Follow along as we explore the Kubler-Ross Change Curve, differences in DiSC personalities, and the roles of symbolism during change.
Post 1: Leaders Help Others Navigate Change
Post 2: Leaders Recognize Denial & Frustration in Others
Post 3: Leaders Recognize the Moment of Resignation in Others
Post 4: Leaders Encourage Through the Final Stages
Post 5: A Real Life Change Curve Example
Post 6: Leaders Stay Above the Line
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