How Does Each DISC Style Uniquely Look at Their Use of Time?

My next series of blogposts are going to focus on how each DISC Style uniquely views Time and ways to improve each Style’s Time Management.

But first, let’s do a quick overview of the four different DISC Styles.

First, think of someone (maybe it’s you) who:

• D – Has to TAKE CHARGE
• I – Always ADDS FUN
• S – Is so very PATIENT
• C – Loves the DETAILS

To expand on these descriptions:

• D-Style: Gets things done, is decisive and authoritative
• I-Style: Is enthusiastic, outgoing, positive and persuasive
• S-Style: Is steady, dependable, cooperative and patient
• C-Style: Likes procedures, is systematic, precise and conscientious

Then it is to be expected that each Style would approach Time Use very differently:

• D-Style: Do It NOW!!
• I-Style: Let’s do it together and have FUN!
• S-Style: Let’s do the PLAN!
• C-Style: Let’s do it RIGHT!

To illustrate what this might look like in real life, here is a scenario my daughter, Jenn, shared with me. She also teaches the DISC System in her workshops in ways she has found especially helpful to her clients. [For more information on Jenn, please see her LinkedIn page at Jenn Miller Cribbs.]

Picture this:

You are part of a team at work who has been tasked with an important long-term project. Your team includes people representing each DISC Style. As you sit down at the conference table, here is how each Style will probably approach your goal:

• C-Style speaks up first: “We should never move on something without having all the information about it and being clear about how we are going to approach it. This is an important project, so it is crucial to create a detailed plan so we can have a clear picture of where we are and how we will reach our goal. It is also important to consider the consequences for the future from the plan. The result will be foolproof; it might take a little longer, but the end result will be worth it.”
• D-Style: “We don’t have time for that kind of long involved process! We need to get moving on this project NOW or we will miss our opportunity! Don’t give me spreadsheets! We need Action Steps!”
• I-Style: “You are stressing everyone out – we are already feeling overwhelmed and you’ve forgotten there are human beings involved. What we need is to celebrate success. This project could provide wonderful opportunities for people, not just solve a problem.”
• S-Style: “Right! We can’t forget to take the people affected by this project into consideration. How will our actions be sustainable and continue to benefit them?”
• At which point, C-Style will pipe up: “So we will need to do a survey and get more information. I can make a spreadsheet on our results.”
• And at this point, D-Style is losing their mind…

Please remember that most people are a combination of Styles, but one Style is usually the strongest. All the DISC Styles are important and valid. The goal is to better understand each other and learn ways to communicate and work together well.

QUESTION: Did you see any of your preferences of how you use Time in the above descriptions? I’d love to hear your thoughts and observations. Please share in the comment section below.