Leading Virtually to Different Styles

Working to understand the different DISC styles is the key all of your interpersonal communication. Hard to believe? Yes, it may be hard to believe, but it works. Eighteen years in this business, I can tell you, yes it works. Caution: DO NOT pigeonhole people into styles. It is just our preferences. Where we find ourselves being most comfortable. Where we PREFER to be. Remember, we have all of these 4 styles within us. Sometimes we migrate to the other styles depending on the situation.

IF YOU’RE A PREFERRED DECISIVE STYLE: – Be careful not to overstep authority and boundaries by moving too fast. – Be mindful of your communication. Keep it open rather than blunt and task driven. Try some small talk. – Let others lead and be in charge. Sit back and take a breath.

HOW TO SUPPORT A DECISIVE STYLE: – Maximize your time with them. – Take a walk, exercise together. See if you can do something physical. – Rather than engaging in long meetings, have shorter and more frequent “get things done” meetings. Use these techniques work for a few weeks. Take an inventory of how you are doing. Where you are work harder, how others can help you in practicing agility.

IF YOU’RE AN INTERACTING STYLE: – Let others talk. Don’t monopolize the conversation. Listen to others thoughts and opinions. – Know that things need to move quickly. Try to focus on key details not just the overall picture. – Create fun. Lead a game, share pictures, eat lunch together. Keep the energy going.

HOW TO SUPPORT AN INTERACTING STYLE: – Reach out to them. Find out how they are doing. Engage in small talk. – Turn on the cameras. Chat before business. – Use your body language to engage with them. Smile, nod, use eye contact. Try these techniques for a few weeks. Take inventory of how you are doing, where you can work harder and practice agility.

IF YOU’RE A STABILIZING STYLE: -Be open to change even without having all the data and details. – Use your creativity to find new ways of doing things. Help create the team environment. – If you have questions, ask and speak up. You are an important part of the organization/team too.

HOW TO SUPPORT THEM – Create outlets for their thoughts and creativity so they can use their energy in productive and team building ways. – Engage in small group video meetings to see others, chat and connect. – Have lunch, a snack, an afternoon “pick-me-up” together. Then take an inventory of how you are doing. Practice Agility.

IF YOU ARE A PREFERRED CAUTION STYLE: – Know that things do not have to be perfect. Don’t be afraid to move forward even if it is not exact. – Share your practical and reasonable solutions. – Speak up and engage. Push yourself to talk.

HOW TO SUPPORT THEM – Give them space to dive into their work with fewer interruptions. – Provide information before a meeting to allow them to process and read materials before-hand. – Allow for smaller meetings and give them enough time to ask questions. See how these techniques work for a few weeks. Practice agility.