Remember that person who you just “don’t get” from Part 1 (Are You the Bull in the China Shop/Office) of this 4 part series on behavioral styles. Well, here is a new behavioral style who may be a challenge for you or may actually be your style. Learning the DISC behavioral styles helps you feel confident and at ease, while communicating with people whose behavioral styles are different from your own.
The high “I” is the observable behavior of an inspirational/influential. You know that person who is still positive even when the team is out on a plank over an ocean of big sharks. They are saying, “No worries, I am sure they just had lunch.” No matter how bad the situation is, the high “I” is optimistic, gregarious and fun. While “life of the party” may be overstating the case for some high I’s, most are people focused and really care about being liked. DISC is the universal language of observable human behavior. It is a tool to help you recognize and adapt to different styles while remaining at ease. When we understand and can anticipate how a person will act, we are able to have more successful and fulfilling conversations because we realize that behavioral styles are neither positive nor negative. Our judgment based on our values make those styles appear acceptable or unacceptable to us. If we are very task focused, then those who are people focused may be a mystery to us. Judgments can arise around whether they are task focused “enough”.
So let’s take a closer look at our high “I” friends. High I’s fear not being liked and avoid conflict situations.
How to quickly recognize the high “I”
When dealing with people, they:
- love networking
- are unaware of rules, chances are they haven’t read the “rule” book
- influence verbally
- take risks at a moderate level
- are extroverts
- have an optimistic view of the world
- like public recognition
- can appear disorganized or messy
- are seldom on time
- are fun loving
- display creativity
How to quickly identify the low “I”
People whose behavioral style in influencing people is low on the “I” scale look more like this:
- influence people with facts and data often in writing
- prefer quiet interaction with individuals, rather than networking “events”
- tend to be aware of the rules
- more pessimistic view
- are introverted
- lower risk takers
- prefer more quiet recognition
- low thirst for adventure, if risky
- may prefer details to overviews
Whether the high I behavioral matches yours or whether it has been a source of interactive irritation, every team needs to have creative and inspirational types who bring people aboard on a project because of their enthusiasm and optimism. So how can you choose to be more effective in your interactions with that boss who is a high “I”?
Here’s the secret:
- Start with people questions first
- Ask about their family and friend interaction
- Give an overview with fewer details
- Be optimistic and display a “possibility” mindset
- Have details available. You will be asked for them when the high “I” is ready.
Knowing your own default behavior styles makes you more self-aware and therefore more self-disciplined in choosing the behaviors that match the person with whom you are communicating. 58% of job success comes from emotional intelligence. Self-awareness and self-discipline are the two foundational steps in becoming a more emotionally intelligent leader. Take the step today to invest in your own professional development and awareness.
Learn more about your own style and how to deal effectively with others by taking advantage of our irresistible end of summer special offer. It will change your personal and professional life.