The Four Behavioural Characteristics

Every single person on this planet is unique. Each twin is a unique being, each man is distinctive and each female is one of a kind. Even with this knowledge, there’s a simpler understanding to human beings, which can be defined in four main behavioural characteristics known as DISC. By The Way, DISC is also used as a method by some HR departments to define the characteristics of potential employees.

Within each ‘title’ there are ‘four’ sub titles which are used to further narrow the categories each individual fits in.

Below are the names of each characteristic along with adjectives to give a rough idea of the traits that fall into each category.

Dominance (task orientated and driven by results) = dominant, driven, doers, decisive, determined, direct and demanding.

Influence (outgoing and driven by people) = inspirational, influential, interactive, impulsive, interested in people and impressionable.

Steadiness (reserved and somewhat people orientated) = steady, stable, supportive, sensitive, security, status quo.

Compliance (reserved and tasks) = cautious, calculating, competent, compliant, conscientious, careful and consistent.

Of course, each characteristic contains its strengths and weaknesses, for instance, those that fall into the Steadiness category tend to shy away from change. This is often seen as a bad thing as generally, in order to progress in life, you need to be susceptible to change. On the other hand, those that fit into the dominance characteristic are often not sociable and lack people skills. People in the compliance category can often be very analytical and will not perform certain tasks, unless they are aware of the ins and outs, the why’s and how’s, and the facts and statistics. Although in order to persuade a dominance person, that individual will often need to provide said facts and statistics.

Dealing with Different Personality Traits

In order to successfully deal with various personality traits, you have to adapt yourself to suit each person. This doesn’t mean change who you are, it just means be weary of different people’s thought process and reactions.

Personality type D: these people tend to think fast, are quick paced and direct. They don’t beat around the bush and prefer interacting with people who go straight to the point. They generally need to work on building a rapport with colleagues and employees and build relationships with people. Upon typing an email to a colleague they may say,

“John, have you researched which country uses the most apps yet? Thanks, Hetty”.

When dealing with a D it is better to be brief and send bullet points when possible.

Personality type I: fun, loving, outgoing and natural entertainers are traits that sums up such a character. They feel energised by social interaction and dislikes email communication. In the event that they do send emails, they tend to be relaxed and conversational in style. Here is an example:

Hey John,

How are you? How was your weekend? Did you manage to go to your friend’s party in the end?

We spoke about researching which country uses the most apps in the world. I’ve managed to research the top twenty countries across Europe, America and even Africa. How is your research going?

Thanks!

Hetty xx

When dealing with an I it’s best to send messages with a personal touch and keep things light and friendly with a sense of humour and a dash of praise.

Personality type S: such people are loyal, patient and caring. Their easy going personality is also reflected in the digital communication. When they send emails, they often come from a perspective that includes the well-being of everyone around them. Here is an example:

Hi John,

How are you?

We spoke last week about conducting research regarding the countries that use the most apps in the world. How has your research been going? I have found some sources. Would you like me to assist you in anyway?

Thank you.

Best wishes,

Hetty.

When dealing with S type personalities, it is best to take a gradual approach and take slightly longer to explain things whilst showing consideration towards them.

Personality type C: such people are organised and methodical and are generally on the introverted side of the social spectre. Social interaction can be tiring for them but give them a pen and paper and they could write for days. Emailing is one of their best friends as it enables them to convey high amounts of information instantly.

Here is an example:

Hi John,

How are you?

We spoke last week about conducting research on the countries that use the most apps in the world. I have found some very useful links and resources, and as such have compiled them into the attached document for you to view.

How is your research coming along?

I found that A, B, C and D….. and the statistics conveyed on E website states that F and G are A and B. It was suggested on F website that G and H are I and Y is Z. However, G and P is similar to D….. and the email can go on and on and on…..

Best wishes,

Hetty.

In dealing with such traits, it is best to be specific, especially if time is not on your side as they will take longer to read your email and carefully draft a response, thereafter reading over their response a dozen times before hitting the send button.

Learning about different people’s characteristics and adapting to suit each person can and will increase harmony in the workplace, home and in social circles.

I hope this helps, but don’t thank me, thank Savran which is an organisation that helps to develop people. I love its slogan – “Be Savvi, be successful”.

If it wasn’t for a workshop that Creative Access organised at ITV, I would not have known about Savran and its wonderfulness, so thanks Creative Access!

Hetty