Adjustments are often brief, temporary, and targeted to specific situations. But, that doesn't mean that change is easy. Change can mean moving outside your comfort zone and it requires energy. DISC helps you prepare by predicting how you are likely to react in change situations. You can decide if your natural reaction works or if you need to consciously be prepared. What works for you is not the same for others.
Then again, you could be someone who's energized by it; the thought of something new is thrilling. How do you approach change?
D-styles believe things don't move forward without change; they even like change for change's sake. I-styles, with their natural optimism, see change as fun and exciting. S-styles, preferring the status quo, question why change is needed when things are currently working. C-styles want information and proof to support why change is needed.
Let's look at the DISC styles and change in more detail.
Ds are more likely to embrace change; seeing it as an opportunity to progress and reach their goals. Competitive by nature, Ds like being first and pioneering new ways of doing things. They tend to take bigger risks to achieve bigger rewards. If something doesn't work, they will impatiently try something else. For Ds, it's sometimes more about the destination then the journey. They need to remember that it's not always change for change's sake.
I-styles are more likely to see the world optimistically and this includes change. Change feels exciting and creates new opportunities. Their enthusiasm is often contagious. They're able to motivate others with change. I-styles may need to slow it down and examine both sides of the issues.
S-styles are often associated with change resistance. They prefer the past and present, where they have steady and predictable routines. Change feels less comfortable for the S-style. They are emotional even if they don't express it openly so they may have strong reactions. S-styles often look for support and direction when faced with change. Sometimes, S-styles just need to do it; for them, the hardest part is to get started.
C-styles focus on getting things done correctly, and that often takes time. They want to know why they need to get to Point B when asked to go from A to B. If they decide to proceed to Point B, they will be systematic and cautious. Change, especially without clear data and reasoning, is illogical and uncomfortable. C-styles need to be able to let go and accept change; new ideas can generate better outcomes.
DISC helps identify your more comfortable change behaviors and the ones which take more energy from you. If change doesn't feel natural, could you prepare options, find support, or practice change situations to develop yourself? If change is natural, ask yourself if you've reviewed both sides of the issue, is it truly necessary, or do you simply need to slow down?
Like the seasons, we know things change. Even the most successful people have to change at times. In fact, the most successful people have two ideal traits in common; first is confident self-awareness and second is the ability to adjust to fit the situation. These people own their strengths and manage their challenges. In addition, they know when their style works and when they need to make adjustments because your style will work...until it doesn't.
You can absolutely change! DISC supports your success by helping you better manage change. Are you prepared?