Communicating Effectively: The Power of the DISC Model

Have you ever wondered how to communicate more effectively with others? Communication is a vital part of our lives, and it truly is an emotion. It's amazing how our feelings influence the way we communicate. For instance, if you're feeling on edge after a rough morning, your anxieties will shape your interactions unless you shift your state of mind. The best way to do this? Move your body or listen to some music! Personally, I do both! Dance like no one is watching! It's a fantastic way to reset your mind and improve your mood.

Today, I want to spotlight the DISC model—a framework we at Leadership Through Data use for better communication with our teams and clients. Big thanks to @alision edgar for introducing us to this approach; I love colour and incorporating colour into the workplace has been incredibly beneficial. So, what is the DISC model?

Understanding the DISC Model

DISC is a behavioural model introduced by Marston in his 1928 book,?Emotions of Normal People.?It is an incredible tool that helps us understand and categorise different behavioural styles. It comprises four primary styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style has its own unique preferences and tendencies, which can significantly impact how we communicate and negotiate.

Dominance (D)

Individuals with a Dominance style are results-oriented, decisive, and prefer a direct approach. They value efficiency and achievement.

Influence (I)

Those with an Influence style are sociable, enthusiastic, and enjoy engaging with others. They appreciate collaboration and positive relationships.

Steadiness (S)

People with a Steadiness style are reliable, patient, and value stability. They prefer cooperative and harmonious interactions.

Conscientiousness (C)

Individuals with a Conscientiousness style are detail-oriented, analytical, and value accuracy. They appreciate structured and methodical approaches.

Why are colours used to represent the DISC personality types?

Colours are utilised to depict the four DISC personality types because they offer a visual representation that helps in understanding and remembering each style more easily. Each colour illustrates the fundamental traits of its associated personality type, aiding in comprehending the essence of each style.

Colour Profiles

In addition to the DISC model, understanding behavioural styles can also be approached through colour profiles. These profiles represent different personality types and characteristics:

Blue: Analytical, detail-focused, and systematic. Blues are often precise and value thoroughness.

Red: Bold, decisive, and driven. Reds are direct and thrive in competitive environments.

Yellow: Enthusiastic, sociable, and energetic. Yellows are great at networking and bring positivity to their interactions.

Green: Calm, supportive, and dependable. Greens value harmony and often act as peacemakers in groups.

In short, combining these frameworks:

Dominance (D) = Red

Influence (I) = Yellow

Steadiness (S) = Green

Conscientiousness (C) = Blue

These colour profiles represent different personality types and corresponding characteristics. Understanding these profiles can help tailor your communication and approach to better connect with individuals based on their traits and needs.

Although people can show traits from all colours, they usually have one main colour. For instance, I identify as green-yellow, but my red traits are stronger in my role. With less than 5% blue, discussing process with me will quickly lose my interest. There are various online tests that can help you and your team determine your primary colour profile or you could have a rough guess using the image in this blog to identify your colour profile.

I highly recommend the book Surrounded by Idiots for further insights and practical guidance on implementing these concepts. . Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behaviour (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood) (Vermilion): Amazon.co.uk : Erikson, Thomas: 9781785042188: Books.

I hope you find this beneficial! Reach out if you want to talk some more. Let's communicate better and make our interactions more meaningful and effective!

Stay enthusiastic and keep dancing!