DISC Styles have different views of winning and success.
When DISC is used in the workplace, the focus is modifying behavior and on enhancing communication. While DISC is extremely effective for these modalities, knowing the assessment and DISC personality types of your team can also help you handle the effects of winning. For some, a big win or success is a celebration – but for others, it could be an occasion to gloat (we’re looking at you, high D-Style) or to hide from the resulting attention.
Success or big wins can also impact the way your team gets along and how well your organization functions. When you have a comprehensive understanding of the four DISC types and a good idea of how each of your key team members align, you can make sure that your big wins stay wins – and that they do not cause strife or discomfort in your workplace.
Which DISC Style Gets the Most Wins?
Since DISC style reflects preferences and tendencies, not a measure of performance or competency, there is no “best” style, and each of the four types can be successful. Leaders fall into all categories, so there is no definitive way to rank which style is most likely to succeed. What you can do, though, is understand what the results of winning would look like for each team member and how those big successes will impact your entire team and workplace.
D-Style and Winning
These decisive and strong-willed individuals are so competitive that it seems like they are well positioned for wins. Their need to make fast decisions, which they fully believe in, doesn’t always result in a win, or in making the right choice for a project or team. When they are right, you’ll know it, because the D-style team member will be ready to crow about it.
The same drive that compels them to be competitive with others, or even with their own past performance can easily propel this task oriented individual over the line from celebrating to gloating. Offering fast recognition and celebrating a big sale or success in a way that highlights this team member’s accomplishments and contributions can help cut down on the gloating aspect – when they feel they are getting the recognition they deserve, they’ll be less likely to remind you of the success again and again. A note in the company newsletter, public praise and positive reinforcement go a long way toward ensuring everyone is aware of their recent win and eliminate what others could see as bragging or gloating.
I-Style and Winning
They’re positive, cheerful and upbeat, so winning should make them even happier – right? Members of this sunny and spontaneous group are well positioned for success; they will thrive on feedback and celebration. For the I-Style personality, a success often means the chance to be taken more seriously and can impact their behavior in the future.
The optimistic nature and fun disposition they bring to every event or meeting can make it seem like they don’t require much positive reinforcement to be happy – but celebrating a win in a public way can go a long way toward making the I-Style team member happy. A cake, quick break room gathering or even a shout out online lets this people-oriented team member know you’re aware of their accomplishment and gives them the attention they crave.
S Style and Winning
Their trademark laid back style can mask an interest in and the willingness to work toward success at work. While they may not be as loud about it as their D-Style counterparts, your S-style team members are vested in winning and capable of putting in long hours to gain the success they want.
Since fairness is so important to this even natured, good tempered individual, failing to recognize their part in a team project or failing to mention their role is a mis-step. They don’t need to brag or talk about their win, but they do need sincere recognition. Fail to provide positive feedback and you may not see such diligent work the next time you assign this motivated team player an assignment.
C-Style and Winning
They’ll work hard to ensure your project is a success and you can be sure that all the vital details will be covered – but throw a party for them and this introverted team member will likely shy away in discomfort. While your hard-working C-Style employees bring plenty of skills and drive to the table, they don’t want to be part of the celebration. Expect to see your C-style worker grab a piece of cake and head back to his own office or work station. They are not comfortable with public accolades.
This discomfort with a large, noisy and crowded celebration doesn’t mean that you should not recognize success. A meaningful note or conversation from you can give this logical, analytical style worker the feedback they crave without so much pressure for social interaction.
Modifying your DISC Styles
Understanding the way your team reacts to good news, to wins and to successful projects can ensure you are delivering positive feedback in a way that truly resonates. A thorough understanding of what each team member craves, along with their potential response to a big win allows you to maintain a harmonious workplace and ensures that the big win you’ve shared is a positive and affirming experience for all.
Learn more about DISC and using it to enhance communication and collaboration in your own workplace. DISC assessments unlock insights into not only how your team thinks and behaves, but into the things they find most rewarding. The raucous party your I-Style team members celebrate a win with will repel your more introverted C types, so this approach won’t be much of a reward at all.
Comprehending the styles of your team is the key to rewarding and celebrating success and providing positive feedback for all.
