Senior Trainer, Christina Bowser and CEO of Extended DISC Markku Kauppinen discuss the six basic profile types as a way to better identify the DISC styles of people. In this webinar we assume that you already have a basic understanding of the DISC styles and profiles. Click here for the accompanying power point.
People are intrigued when we show the six basic profile types in workshops and trainings. One reason is that it gives us another way of really understanding the DISC profiles. We find it useful to describe a person's style as a D-Style or a DI, but if you have another angle or way to identify that person then it can be even easier. Hence, any information that helps us to understand a person better can also help us know ourselves better as well.
The first is one we already spoke about which is to better understand the DISC styles beyond D-style, I-style etc. The second to is gain better insight into improves interactions with other people. When we have more information to be able to look at Profile I and Profile II in the DISC report we have more tools to use.
Often, we go into auto-pilot when we interact with others so it's important to take a moment to reset. When you are done interacting with one person think about what adjustments you need to make to communicate with the next person. You won't always adjust the same way every time. Knowing another way to identify the other person's DISC profile can make the transition quicker and easier. This works even with people you know. Take the time to think about what things you should and should not be doing when interacting with each person.
We are looking at the Profile II or natural style for a person. The of the six profile types covered is the "I Lead/I Sell" profile. The person will be a combination of D-style and I-style above the graph line or the right side of the Diamond model. Next is the "I Execute" profile. This profile is a combination of S-style and C-style. This profile will show up on the left side of the Diamond model.
Then we look at the profile that shows up on the bottom half of the Diamond model. The "I Participate" profile is one that has I-style and S-style. Next is the "I build/I create" profile which shows up on the top half of the Diamond model. This profile combines D-style and C-style.
Last are the less common profiles. The "I Plan" profile is a combinations of D-style and S-style. This is less common because D-style and S-style tends to be more opposite. Finally, is the "I Communicate" which is a combination of I-style and C-style which is also an opposite profile.
When we are interacting with others we need to adjust to make the interaction better. We will get into trouble if we only use one DISC style all the time or stay in auto-pilot mode. If we have a deeper understanding of what a person's DISC profile represents, then we are more likely able to change. Take a few minutes to think about which profile type the other person is. Now you can make adjustments to improve your exchange.
Think of how the interaction can go when you are with a person who's profile is opposite of yours. For example, if you are a "I Sell" profile, on the top of the model versus someone who is an "I Execute," on the bottom half. This can cause conflict, but awareness can help turn it into positive exchange.
You can look for a grouping of team members. Using the profile types when you are looking at the team maps can give even more insight into the behavioral style of the team. Sometimes when we have a lot of similar styles in a team then our behavioral strengths and weakness can be amplified.
Ultimately, it comes down to achieving behavioral modification. Learning one more way to understand the DISC profiles can help us to more awareness of ourselves and others. The six basic profiles type can help here. We choose whether we make changes to our style or not.