Growing all the Time

 Growth is a sign of life.

Without growth one doesn't stagnate - there is regression, because the rest of life just leaves one behind.

Growth is necessary to thrive.

Without growth, one can't keep up with the pace of life especially with the unprecedented challenges of life today.

Growth has to be intentional 

Learning to conference call

And that means adapting to new normal; enhancing current or getting new equipment, learning and adopting new soft skills.

And passing new learning on is one of the best ways to remember! 

Labeling

It doesn't make it right - labeling people I mean. Just because you are good at this, it doesn't give you the right to label people and explain their actions/inactions without first finding out more, and without first finding out their perspective.

Take note people, don't judge too hastily.

Actually it's the first rule of DiSC - don't label.

Which seems contradictory considering what I spend a lot of time doing on this site.

But you see, this site is dedicated to DiSC.

And the understanding of personalities.

And I don't post every day.

Nor do I label the people I meet.

Hope the distinction is clear.

Manipulation

He said she'd done it before, and his profile was such-and-such.

I was not convinced, having interacted with him for a short while. I expected him to be different.

But he had already a test less than 6 months earlier. Was I right to do another so soon?

In the end, I chose to.

Because I knew I needed it done "as is" rather than to be "manipulated".

Sure enough, when the response came in, it was different from the first test.

What's more, my results showed he was eminently suitable for the job at hand.

So I was glad that I did it again!

Video to Share

I use this video sometimes for my DiSC sessions. Any thoughts on how I might do so?


Boss! - Funny home videos are a click away

Fighting Back by Standing Firm

I observed her from the back. I could see her shoulders square. Her back straightened. A check on her side showed a jawline taut. She was going to fight back.

And fight back she did.

Tired of being harassed. Tired of being spoken badly of. Tired of being bullied.

She spoke up. Strongly, firmly and decisively.

It required effort and bravery.

And she succeeded.

The mouse has turned.

The "S" had had enough.

And when the "S" says enough is enough, they mean it.

Knowing Me Knowing You

He knew his wife. He knew what she would like.

He also knew me. He knew what I would say.

So he asked me and he told her.

He wanted to hold a small party for her birthday. At my place.

And so he did.

And as you can see, she was delighted.
He is a wise man indeed.

To Thank Someone

If someone who has served faithfully for many years is about to leave, and you wanted to honour him/her in a special way, what would you do?

Let's be more specific. If it was say a female, with a high "C" or high "S" profile. What would you do?

Well, these folk don't feel very comfortable in large crowds. So having a small intimate group would be better.

But if the person has been involved with working with a large group, what about having input from them? That's when messages of appreciation come in. The larger group can convey messages and theses messages be passed on by the smaller group.

If she was a high "C" the messages of appreciation must contain facts e.g. not just how good she was, but in what way was she good - detailed, think things through, meticulous, thorough, and good at planning?

If she was a high "S" the words spoken to her should include adjectives describing her personality and character e.g. integrity, loyal, gentle, willing, kind.

If she is both high "C" and "S", then it's good to bring the tissue box out as you do the appreciation!

DiSC & Love Language

Everyone wants to be loved. It's the basic need to be significant and accepted.
Everyone wants to be loved. It's the basic need to be significant and accepted.

But not everyone speaks the same language.

If you really want to tell a high "S" how much you love and appreciate them, then don't talk about how well they have done in a project. Tell them something nice about themselves as a person - "You are so diligent! I really appreciate how you put so much of yourself into that project." The positive strokes you want to give will go further.

A high "I" doesn't mind what you say so long as you say something nice about them. They would love it if even more if the praise was public and for others to hear. Be effusive if you can.

What about a high "C"? Tell them how good their work is. They are project people. Make sure you substantiate what you say with facts though. No wishy-washy praise for them!

When you want to affirm the high "D", compliment them on their achievements. They are power people who enjoy being reminded of how well they have done.

So this valentine, may you speak and receive the right love language!

Highs and Lows

It often happens to an "I".

You're going along at full tilt, getting involved in anything and everything. What with the Chinese New Year so close with the Christmas. So many events, so many things happening. Holidays feel good and you can get involved in so many things. Then suddenly you have to stop. Back to the routine. Back to school or work.

The thought of that can be depressing for an "I". It's a low that comes after the high.

But not for long. The classic "I" is not kept down for long! Oh no, the "I" will bounce back quickly and be upbeat once again, usually over another subject.

However, it is still good to help prepare a young "I" - otherwise they might throw tantrums, sulk and get depressed. Warn them to watch out for such feelings. They will learn to deal with them.

Desire and Do

"It's one thing to desire to do something.
It's another to actually get around to doing it."

Does that sound like you?

Do you spend time mulling over whether or not to do something that has been asked of you?

Or do you just jump in and get on with it enthusiastically?

Would you rather do things when with others or would you prefer to deliberate and discuss before you proceed?

Do you dislike people pushing you to make quick decisions or do feel that some decisions are not implemented fast enough?

Both how and when you decide and take action are based on your personality. That in turn, has an impact on your working relationships with other people on your team.

Taking some time to evaluate this for yourself will enable you to be part of a more effective team as well as improve your team performance.

Round Peg in Round Hole

Would you put an "I" personality to do accounts?

How about placing a "C" to man the Reception?

Try asking a "D" to count the number of tickets sold - one by one.

You would have to work very hard to keep an "S" calm when instructed to give 10-minute pep talk.

It's important to fit people in the right roles. Knowing their personality as well as the abilities is vital for good and right placement of people to get their best performance and results.

Don't put a square peg in a round hole.

When Choosing a Gift

When you are choosing a present for someone, do you get something you like or do you get something you think they would like?

Many people do the former without realising it.

I once knew of a male relative who wanted to do the latter. As men go, he was typical of many in that he didn't LIKE to shop. However, since it was his beloved sister he was buying for, he wanted to give her something that she liked.

Personality-wise, he was just the opposite of her. He was a serious, no-nonsense chap. She brought light and laughter to him by her antics and ways. Despite their personalities, they dearly cared for each other.

That day, when he finally came back from the shops, it was obvious that he had put some thought into it, and it was definitely something she would like. No, she would love!
When asked how he made his choice, he simply replied, "Whatever I hated, she would love."

And so it was, she loved it.

And he used his understanding and acceptance of different personalities with good effect!

(No, it wasn't this gift, but doesn't this make some of you go "So cuuute" and others of you go "What a waste of money"?)

Tapping Into Unconscious Choices

Breakfast was the same for everyone seated at the table. Each had a slice of garlic bread, a piece of baked tomato, two sausages baked with bacon strips, together with a cheese omelette and some baked beans. (Extra servings available)

Towards the end of the meal, one child chose to finish the meal with his garlic bread. Another chose to finish with the sausage. This might seem trivial to notice. But it actually shows their character.When asked, the garlic bread holder had chosen it because "it needs most effort to eat this". This was a "C" approach - analyse and make decision. To him, mealtimes were a necessity. Hence his decision, an analytical one, to slowly chew this through at the end of the meal having completely finished the rest on his plate.

The sausage choice, however, was dictated by "it's the nicest". A emotional word - nice. That's the choice of an "I" or "S". They go for feeling words.

This information can be, and is, employed in marketing.

What is your product?

What is your market?

Choose your words well and you can reach your target group... and sell well.