How can you use different personality types to give better feedback?

1 What is DISC?

DISC is a framework that categorizes people into four main personality types: Dominant, Influential, Steady, and Conscientious. Each type has different strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and motivations. By understanding your own and others' DISC profiles, you can communicate more effectively, avoid conflicts, and build rapport.

3 How to give feedback to Influential types

Influential types are outgoing, enthusiastic, and persuasive. They value recognition, collaboration, and fun. When giving feedback to Influential types, you should be positive, friendly, and supportive. Focus on the impact and the benefits, rather than the details or the drawbacks. Avoid being boring, impersonal, or harsh. Praise them for their creativity and influence, and encourage them to share their ideas and feelings.

4 How to give feedback to Steady types

Steady types are calm, loyal, and dependable. They value stability, harmony, and cooperation. When giving feedback to Steady types, you should be respectful, empathetic, and sincere. Focus on the relationship and the expectations, rather than the change or the pressure. Avoid being abrupt, insensitive, or demanding. Appreciate them for their consistency and reliability, and reassure them of their value and security.

5 How to give feedback to Conscientious types

Conscientious types are analytical, meticulous, and quality-oriented. They value accuracy, logic, and standards. When giving feedback to Conscientious types, you should be clear, precise, and objective. Focus on the facts and the evidence, rather than the opinions or the assumptions. Avoid being vague, emotional, or subjective. Acknowledge them for their expertise and diligence, and provide them with constructive and specific suggestions.

6 How to adapt your feedback style

To give better feedback, you need to adapt your style to the personality type of the person you are giving feedback to. But how do you know their personality type? You can use some clues from their behavior, language, and preferences. For example, Dominant types tend to be fast-paced, confident, and decisive. Influential types tend to be expressive, optimistic, and sociable. Steady types tend to be relaxed, supportive, and patient. Conscientious types tend to be careful, systematic, and cautious. You can also ask them to take a DISC assessment or share your own profile with them. By doing so, you can create a common language and a mutual understanding of how to give and receive feedback effectively.