The Intersection of DISC Styles, Time and Planning the Family Vacation

I have thoroughly enjoyed putting these blogposts together that focus on DISC Styles and Time. If you missed any or want to find them again, just click here.

As we finish this series of DISC and Time, and start working on our Summer Plans, I thought it would be interesting to look at how each DISC Style’s view of Time would influence the discussion and goals of the Family Vacation. You can apply these insights to any plans you are making – whether with family or friends.

If you aren’t sure what the DISC System is, here is a short summary of the 4 Styles:

• 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

***Please note that most people are a blend of these 4 Styles, often with 2 or 3 Styles being strongest.

Now let’s do a quick review of how each DISC Style approaches Time:

• D-Style: Do It NOW!!
• I-Style: Let’s do it together and have FUN!
• S-Style: Let’s do the PLAN and be a Team!
• C-Style: Let’s do it RIGHT regardless of how long it takes!

Now to apply these Styles to planning the Family Vacation, picture this:

Your family of 6 is sitting around the dinner table. [Note: I recommend starting this conversation after a meal so everyone’s blood sugar is up… speaking from 65+ years of experience with these conversations. I also recommend giving everyone at least a week’s notice that this conversation needs to happen and check to see if everyone will be available on this date.]

Since I am both a High I and a High S-Style, and also the Keeper of the Family Calendar, I like to have a few supplies ready for this meeting:

• The Family Calendar with dates already marked of summer camps, ball teams, workshops, swim lessons, etc.
• Options for our Family Vacation ready to jumpstart the discussion
• My ever-present clipboard and paper ready to take notes

Because all 4 Styles are represented in our family, in vastly different levels, it is crucial that everyone is given a voice in this discussion – they are seen and heard. This alone is Challenge #1.

• My Planning S-Style likes to speak first: “Before we look at options, let’s discuss our Goals for our Family Vacation.”
• D-Styles will often talk next: “My goal is to leave as early as possible, drive as far as possible without stopping any more than we absolutely have to and get to our destination quickly.” [Note: this is followed by moans and push backs all around the rest of the table.]
• C-Style: “It’s important to list our goals. We need to focus on the details of this trip so we meet all our expectations.” [Note: Moans and fidgeting from the D-Style who has already sat longer than they are comfortable doing.]
• I-Style: “Whatever we choose, let’s remember the main goal is to Have Fun!” [Cheers follow from the other High I-Styles in the Family.]
• My S-Style then usually insists we go around the table and each share our goals while I write them down. Hopefully, each person will be truly listened to and heard. (Also my High S goal.)

Now it is time to get down to the actual choosing of the Vacation:

• My S-Style Planner talks first: “Here are some options of things we’ve done in the past that we loved, or possible new places to visit and explore.”
• The High I’s all talk at once: “I loved ____! Can we do that again?”
• Our C-Style reminds us: “There are so many amazing places to visit and explore- I’ve made a spreadsheet of options. Here’s a copy for everyone.”
• The High I’s respond with enthusiasm: “How many can we try in one trip? These all sound like great fun!”
• And at this point, the D-Style is losing their mind: “Let’s just pick one and go for it! And stop discussing every option!”

Believe it or not, every year we did manage to plan and execute an amazing Family Vacation. Sometimes we traveled too fast for too far; sometimes we stayed longer because the fun factor was high. But we always came home with precious memories and thankful for the experience.

I hope this little review and scenario was helpful to you as you plan special events for your summer, taking into account the different DISC Styles involved.

QUESTION: Did reading this Family Vacation discussion give you more insights? I’d love to hear your thoughts and observations. Please share in the comment section below.