1. Success Through Internal Communication
Crash AACUC
August 9-11, 2017

2. “The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
George Bernard Shaw

3. Effective Communication
Only occurs when the message we intend is the message the receiver hears.
What are all the things that can get in the way?
What can we do to ensure that our message is effectively received?

4. Influenced by Behavior Styles
Defined as “what you say and what you do”
Observable – can be seen and heard
Situational
Response to the environment
Different from personality, which is relatively unchanging
Can be adapted to be more effective

5. Behavior Style Assessment
No right or wrong responses
Choose work setting
Read 4 phrases
Circle the number for the MOST descriptive
Circle the number for the LEAST descriptive
Follow instructions to score

6. Defining “D-I-S-C” Determined Ambitious Decisive Competitive Skeptical
Logical

7. Defining “D-I-S-C” Sociable Optimistic Enthusiastic Persuasive Verbal
Independent

8. Defining “D-I-S-C”
Loyal
Predictable
Passive
Patient
Systematic
Steady

9. Defining “D-I-S-C” Conservative Cautious Dependable Traditional
Accurate
Compliant

10. Motto or Song that describes your style
Table Exercise
List 3 – 5 Strengths
List 3 – 5 Limitations
Motto or Song that describes your style

11. D Strengths Bottom-line organizer High value on time
Challenges the status-quo
Problem solver
Risk taker
Takes initiative

12. D Limitations Appears to show lack of concern for others
Hard to admit wrong
Impatient
Reluctant to delegate

13. I Strengths Creative problem-solver
Encourager; motivates others to succeed
Sense of humor
Negotiates conflict
Good salesperson, story-teller

14. I Limitations Short attention span Impulsive, exaggerates
Less concerned about tangible results
Disorganized

15. S Strengths Reliable and dependable Understanding, friendly
Respects authority
Loyal, team player
Protects tradition

16. S Limitations Resistant to change
Sensitive to criticism and confrontation
Difficulty making quick decisions
May sacrifice results for harmony

17. C Strengths Conscientious and even-tempered Thorough in all activities
Ability to organize
Gathers, analyzes and tests information
Sets long-range goals

18. C Limitations Bound by procedures and policies
Gets bogged down in details
Prefers not to verbalize feelings
Easily depressed

19. Communicating with a D Be efficient and business-like Get to the point
Give conclusions – provide details when asked
Set and clarify goals and objectives
Talk in terms of results, not methods

20. Communicating with an I
Leave time for talk and social niceties
Let them “experience”
Talk in terms of people and stories
Use lots of examples
Indicate any recognition/reward as a result

21. Communicating with a S Don’t come on too strong
Earn their trust in small steps
Don’t ask for big decisions right away
Provide plenty of reassurance
Talk in terms of security
Indicate the effect on others

22. Communicating with a C Make sure you are well-prepared
Have plenty of facts and figures
Be prepared for skepticism
Answer all their questions
Go relatively slow to give time to think and analyze

23. Communicating with Others
Prepare a weather report for another DISC style.
D’s prepare report for S’s
I’s prepare report for C’s
S’s prepare report for D’s
C’s prepare report for I’s
Use flipchart; will give out loud

24. Adapting Your Style
Select the best approach to begin a meeting (establish rapport or get down to business)
Decide on how to best present information (detailed or big picture)
Set a timeframe for decision-making (will they need extra time to process or gather more info?)
Prepare people for change

25. Janet B. McDonald, CCUE, CUDE Sr
Janet B. McDonald, CCUE, CUDE Sr. Sales Market Manager CUNA Mutual Group Office Cell