1. DISC Communication Strategies

2. Ever Ask Yourself Definition of craziness?
Tried communicating over and over, not working?
Most say that’s life, but good news it doesn’t have to be that way. Nearly every contact can be a success.
Heard of the Golden Rule? Platinum rule.

3. Purpose Purpose - Enhance, Increase, Improve “Work Life” Success
Process - Define Terms, Group Activities, Graph Explanation
Work Applications, Action Plan
Payoff - New Insights = New Communication Solutions!
Apply Practical Strategies
Discover More Success with Peers. Boss. Customers.
We’ll look at what is a DISC Assessment, key pages, activities and put together an action plan. You have already figured out that getting along means adapting yourself to some degree. Social scientists call this social intelligence, (or emotional intelligence) And, it is just, if not more important than IQ for getting along in the world.
A lot of times when we do what comes naturally to us, we alienate others without realizing it because that same behavior may not be natural to them.

4. Adaptability…STRETCH, FLEX
It’s essential that we become aware of our natural tendencies, & other people’s natural tendencies. Your ideas don’t change. You’re still you, but you can change the way you present your ideas.

5. Travel question…
If you go to Italy, it would be wise to speak which language?
Increase receptivity.
Don’t want to be seen as the “ugly American.”
Before visiting other countries, learn basic words & actions. 5

6. Visiting four countries
Positive descriptors about each profession?
Dominant
Interactive
Steady
Compliant
First country we’ll visit is full of athletes. What are some positive characteristics of Athletes?
Athlete
Coach
Professor
Scientist 6

7. “d” – problem solver High Intensity Problem solve nowC
High Intensity
Problem solve now
Take charge of people and situations to reach goals
Accept challenge
Bottom-line & competitive
Low Intensity
Process first
More cautious & reflective
Give lots of thought
Prefer talking to low points of each scale, because we are multifaceted. Not just high letters. 7

8. “I” – People pleaser High Intensity Influencing others through ideas
Friendly, outgoing, expressive
Thrives on acknowledgement, compliments, and applause
Low Intensity
Being supportive of others
Prefers being behind the scenes
Does not have to be center stage 8

9. “S” – Planner High Intensity Steadiness and follow-throughC
High Intensity
Steadiness and follow-through
Strives for security and stability
Need to think and plan for changes
Plans, predictable
Low Intensity
Prefers a fast paced environment
Spontaneous
Sporadic
Koala - slower, steady pace; relaxed disposition;
and appearance of approachability and warmth. 9

10. “C” – procedures High Intensity Energized by following procedures
Achieving quality, accuracy
Ensuring logical order
Low Intensity
Does not want to deal with details and procedures
Come up with own rules 10

11. Strengths Dominant / Problem Solver
Asks questions that challenge tradition
Works quickly to resolve issues
Interactive / People Pleaser
Brings a sense of enthusiasm
Easily negotiates conflicts between teams
Steady / Planner
Excels at calming disagreements
Looks for different approaches
Compliant / Procedures
Clarifies complex issues
Demonstrates technical expertise
First country we’ll visit is full of athletes. What are some positive characteristics of Athletes? 11

12. Email Decoding What style is on display?
Can you think of anyone with this style at work?
Are your s on track?
If yes, give example
If not, what can you do the next time you are communicating with them? 12

13. joan
Conversation: Opens with informal message. Example: "What's Up?!" or "What's happening?!"
Pace: Spontaneous, speaks rapidly. Example: "I have a great idea for the business, oh, and did you receive my about my fantastic vacation?“
Tone: Enthusiastic, optimistic, inspirational. Focus: Builds alliances, generates ideas. Talks & Listens in feeling terms. Power Cues: Prestigious awards on wall. Loves to talk on phone. Example: "I just called because I'm bored..."
How to Talk with an "I": Approach: Wants YOU to be stimulating. Wants: Admiration, recognition & compliments. Pace: Conversational, playful, upbeat. Provide: Incentives for performance. Support their ideas, goals, opinions & dreams. Example: "What a great idea!" Save Them: Dealing with details, if possible. 13

14. greg
Conversation: Formal & Factual. Example: "Mr. Hall, where is the justification for your request?“
Pace: Methodical, procedure-driven, analytical. Example: "Please follow the timeline exactly as it is.“
Tone: Business-like, controlled, logical, listens quietly & then asks why. Example: "Our current software is working, why buy the new version?" Focus: Procedures, accuracy, quality. Example: "We will ship the parts when they are correct.“
Power Cues: Spreadsheets, technical manuals, books, reference materials are sequenced.
How to Talk with a "C": Approach: Be exact, logical, & structured. Example: "You will see the proposal begins with an in-depth analysis of our distribution vendors." Wants: Justification, facts, data & prefers . Example: "This report provides the pros & cons as to whether we should be running 2 or 3 shifts." Pace: Allow time to analyze & strategize. Provide: Organized, detailed agenda. Save Them: Interaction & congratulatory attention. Start with Business Overview, purpose, not a friendly anecdote. Example: "As you see in the outline, we will be assessing the viability of the stock." 14

15. Michael
Conversation: Opens with a personal greeting.  Example: "Hi there Susan, how are you today? How are those lovely kids?"
Pace: Methodical, Process-driven, Contemplative.
Tone: Friendly, Compassionate & Soft-spoken. Focus: Relationships, natural listeners. Example: "Joe, if you need help on that report, just let me know.“
Power Cues: Family photos, mementos, & serene artwork.
How to Talk with an "S": Approach: Non-threatening, wants to know something personal about you first. Wants: To know where they fit into the group & that their work matters. Pace: Give them time to prepare. Example: "We will be reviewing department changes 2 months from now on June 29th." Provide: A secure environment with as little surprises as possible. Save Them: Embarrassment. Prefer quiet, one-on-one recognition rather than high profile. Example: "Mary, great job on the presentation yesterday.  It's being seriously considered by the executive team." 15

16. SUSAN
Conversation: Charges right into issue. Example: "Market's going down, how are you?“
Pace: Fast & abbreviated. Example: “Ryan? Susan. Bob there?“
Tone: All business, confident, demanding. Focus: Solve problems...quickly! Power Cues: Determine time & place. Example: "I'll call you at 3:00 PM tomorrow."
How to Talk with a "D": Approach: ABC's - Be Abridged, Brief & Concise. Wants to Know: What it does, by when, and what it costs. Pace: Maintain fast pace or be perceived as incompetent. Provide: Options & supportive analysis. Save Them Time: Be efficient & help them accomplish their goals. 16

17. Group chart D I S C 6 5 4 3 2 1 17

18. Style Summary
Page 12 of Your Report 18

19. PAIR & Share Share communication tips at bottom of page.
Partner asks how to provide those communication actions.
First individual provides specific positive feedback, then specific suggestions for how to communicate differently
Partner writes down insights
Share Communication Tips at Bottom of Page
Partner asks how can I provide those Communication Actions
First individual provides specific positive feedback, then specific suggestion for how to communicate differently
Write down insights 19

20. Graphs I and ii - Similar
Adapting Style Graph I
Natural Style
Graph II
If both Adapting Style & Natural Style are similar:
You tend to use same behavioral traits across environments.
Work feels inline with how you would like to be communicating.
Page 5 of your report 20

21. Graphs I and ii - Different
Adapting Style Graph I
Natural Style
Graph II
If Adapting Style is significantly different than Natural Style:
Going out of comfort zone (style) to get job done.
Shows flexibility.
If prolonged, can cause stress.
Helpful – recall what responsibilities you were carrying out the day you took the DISC.
Page 5 of your report 21

22. Identify which is which, give hints by reading descriptions below.
It's a "D" Office When: Desk: Massive desk keeps others at a distance. Often has papers stacked neatly and bulging In/Out basket. Non-Verbal Message: "Let's get down to business." Chair: Large chair behind "power desk." Often remains seated when you enter. May not have a chair for visitors. Non-Verbal Message: "I'm powerful. I'm in control." Walls: Trophies, awards, diplomas, commendations. One wall may have large planning timeline or calendar. Non-Verbal Message: "I know how to win."
It's an "I" Office When: Desk: Multiple projects and messages are highly visible. Reflects their optimism for getting a lot accomplished. Non-Verbal Message: "I'm a creative problem solver" Chair: Comfortable, swivels, easy to get out of. Often leaves chair to sit next to you for a lively conversation. Non-Verbal Message: "I need to feel I know you before we can talk business." Walls: Motivational slogans, posters and action-oriented photos. Often adds background sounds (music, radio) to energize their environment. Non-Verbal Message: "Live your life to the MAX."
It's an "S" Office When: Desk: Unassuming desk with family photos and mementos arranged for viewing from chair. Non-Verbal Message: "My work is not my life." Chair: Comfortable & functional. Prefers friendly side-by-side seating arrangement. Non-Verbal Message: "I'm personable & accessible." Walls: Conservatively-framed landscapes, motivational posters & certificates recognizing community service. Non-Verbal Message: "I'm traditional, contemplative & giving of my time."
It's a "C" Office When: Desk: Neat, uncluttered, usually facing a wall, with useful objects accessible. Non-Verbal Message: "I want to be left alone to work." Chair: Functional. Seating is arranged to maintain distance from visitors. Non-Verbal Message: "Communications will be conducted in a controlled business-like manner." Walls: Charts, graphs & models about specific products/services are arranged with pristine accuracy. Non-Verbal Message: "I'm an expert in my field."

23. DISC Communication Strategies