DISC-Based Strategies

DISC-Based Strategies for Maximizing Strengths & Minimizing Struggles

DISC not only brings to light the strengths and the struggles of each personality, but it also provides perspectives on strategies each personality can use to create better connections and develop stronger relationships.

Take a look at the table below to learn what a few of them are for each personality type.

Strategies for Each Personality Type

D	Lighten Up - Learn to lighten your approach and value some socializing that helps build relationships and strengthens the relationship. Tone Down - Become more aware of the volume of your voice and tone it down. Master the use of "the inside voice." Go Slower - Give others time to share their ideas and thoughts and genuinely take into account what they have shared. Value others' pace to life.
I	Stay Focused - Put reminders in your phone (or elsewhere) to help you minimize distractions and stay focused on key details or things others will count on you to know and act on. Take Action - Set up specific systems in your daily routine that require you to make specific plans for taking action. Then, invite others to hold you accountable for following through with those plans. Listen to Others - Intentionally stop talking and listen to the thoughts, ideas, and opinions of others. Show you care by how much you listen.
S	Trust Yourself - Trust your own ability to make good decisions. Do the work to get ideas and information, but have confidence in your process and trust your judgment. Be Decisive - Stop vacillating between two or more choices. Just make a decision. If the consequences aren't perfect, accept them and make another decision. Set Limits - Create boundaries and tell others what they are. Do not allow yourself to be pulled in to taking on others' problems and responsibilities as if they were your own.
C	AFFIRM OTHERS - Speak words of affirmation, appreciation, and acceptance more often. Set reminders to recognize others for the value and meaning they bring to your life. VISIBLY CARE - Make your genuine caring more visible. Simply say thank you more, or write a short handwritten note, or remember someone's birthday. MODERATE STANDARDS - Remember that perfection is rarely required. Recognize others' abilities and the contributions they make. What you reward will not just get repeated, but often be repeated with improvements.

Apply What You Have Learned

Learning new strategies is hard work. They feel foreign and awkward. I am not going to ask you to take a quiz about all of those strategies. I don't think that would be very productive.

Instead, I challenge you to choose whichever strategies are listed above that best apply to you and apply them for the next 7 days. Then, actually put them to work every single day!

I encourage you to create sticky notes as reminders. Or, put alarm reminders in your phone. Or tell others what you are working on and ask them to hold you accountable. Make the best effort you can to use those strategies.

Expect some setbacks. It won't be perfect sailing. These are not magic wands. There will be fits and starts, bumps and hiccups. But, after 7 days reflect back on what you have done. Honestly

calendar page with the number 7 in large font

evaluate what the relationships with others are like. Don't expect vast improvements and startlingly new behaviors from them. But, I am certain you will begin to small changes.

What’s Next

After you complete the quiz, telling me of the strategies you're going to use for the next week, you will be prepared to take the DISC assessment. I'll give you instructions on how to do that in the next lesson.