What type of Leader are you?

Last time, we referenced the task-management tool; the Eisenhower Matrix. If we look at what traits one must have to “hang out” in each quadrant of the Eisenhower Matrix, we can start to see some Leadership types begin to take shape.??

That these Leadership types seem to line up with the four DISC behavioral styles is just a coincidence… or is it?? Review the 4 Leadership Types below and then how they align with the 4 DISC Styles.?

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• DOMINANT (D) Leaders have a tendency to fall in the Firefighter category.? Their high-risk tolerance and sense of urgency makes them thrive under pressure.? They are decisive and don’t mind making tough decisions, even in the face of criticism.? While D’s can be procrastinators (especially with routine, mundane tasks), this is because they are challenge-oriented and so, get into action when there is a crisis to solve.?

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• INFLUENCE (I) Leaders may fall into the Procrastinator category. Their love of people and building relationships often times has them prioritize socializing and connecting over meeting deadlines.? This people focus makes them less-detail oriented and time-conscious than the other styles.? Their optimism also works against them at times making them think they can accomplish more in a certain time-frame than they realistically can.?

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• STEADINESS (S) Leaders can also land into the Procrastinator category but for different reasons.? Because they are methodical, they like to follow a step-by-step plan.? When the plan goes off track (as so many do!), they often have a hard time re-prioritizing and getting back on track.? High S Leaders also may procrastinate due to their low-risk nature and desire for security.? If they don’t know the best way to proceed, they may hesitate to take action at all.??

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• COMPLIANCE (C) Leaders have a tendency to land in the Micromanager category.? Their analytical nature and high attention to detail tends to give them “analysis-paralysis” where they overly-fixate on minor details – sometimes missing the bigger picture.? Their perfectionism – while excellent for ensuring the quality of work – often leads to them “micro-managing” the work of others.???

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So then, what DISC Style would be found in The Strategic Leader category?? It may sound like the high Dominant person would be a shoo-in given that they tend to be the most forward-thinking and strategic of the DISC styles. However, many D’s long-term plans get consumed by the short-term “fires” that their nature can’t help but focus on and fight.?

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Another challenge Dominant Leaders have with something “Important but Not Urgent” like Succession Planning (the topic at hand) is that they tend to be the ones who solve the problems vs. teaching their team to solve the problems.? A main hallmark of Succession Planning is that leaders MUST grow other leaders.? Therefore, the focus has to be on developing your team to be able to solve the problems you now solve.?

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The truth is, any DISC Style Leader can be a Strategic Leader by committing to and scheduling those activities that lead to the longer-term goals of the organization.? The hardest part is when that little notification goes off on the calendar that says “It’s time work on XYZ…” being unwilling to delay it.?

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This is where outside help and accountability (in the form of a mastermind group, accountability partner or executive coach) can be invaluable.?

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~ Nancy Roberts

The DISC Wizard

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Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.? ~ Greek Proverb

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