DISC Styles and ASAP

We spent the last four weeks looking at how each DISC Style views Time. To review those blogposts, just click here.

Next, we will focus on each Style’s Use of Time. But before we launch into that subject, I came across some notes from a talk I had with my daughter, Jenn, in regard to DISC Styles and Time – and how each Style views ASAP, As Soon As Possible. I think her descriptions will be extremely useful.

So picture this scenario:

You are part of a team, whether it is at work, in the community, or even with your family. You have been assigned a task – it could be a project for your company, a new initiative in your neighborhood or choosing the best vacation spot for your family, for examples. In each of these situations, you need to achieve the goal ASAP.

The tricky part comes as each DISC Style interprets ASAP through their own Time Lens:

C-Style – “ASAP means as soon as I can gather all the pertinent information and plan the important action steps, then triage the steps involved. It is important to give this process the time it needs to do it right.”

S-Style – “ASAP means as soon as we can talk to everyone and see how they feel about it; but we must be sure they are all at a point they can move forward without a lot of stress; that what we do is sane and possible.” Note: this could take even longer than the C-Style’s process. The S-Style’s goal is to solve for the feelings of everyone in the space. It is crucial that everyone has a chance to share and tell their concerns. ASAP is however long it requires to take care of everyone. They are also resistant to change if it is not clear how it is sustainable.

I-Style – “ASAP means we need to focus on the bigger scope – our goal fits into 3 possible buckets – we should look at each of them carefully, then pull people in and look at how to accomplish items in each bucket. It is also important to set up benchmarks to celebrate success. I will agree early but will look at other options along the way – leaping into the future and networking. Then we could also do these other possibilities and should be open to them. The key is to get everyone involved. Nothing is impossible. And always – More Networking – my colleague knows this person who will be at this gathering and can lead us to the information we need. Let’s GO!”

D-Style – “ASAP means the direct line to the finish. If you are dragging us away from that line, you are costing us. We must focus on the quickest path – let’s drive to it. There will be dead bodies, there are always dead bodies… we will pick up the pieces.” They are constantly checking in on everyone, micromanaging the process; asking, “Have you made progress? I expect it all to be done. What do you mean you haven’t done anything? I want results now. And it is important to get the thing done that you set out to get done and not some watered-down version of it.”

Each DISC Style thinks they are right. Their view of ASAP is the way that seems best to them – the only reasonable path – so the bigger goal is to seek to value what the other person instinctively brings to the table, approaching it with respect and understanding.

My husband (a High, High D-Style) and I (a High I and High S-Styles) have just come through a year-long process of building a new house, semi-retiring and moving over 500 miles from where we were living. There were times we handled the daily ASAP’s fairly well, and times we knocked heads. But it helped tremendously to know how differently we approached the same goal and how to work together in a timely way to accomplish it.

QUESTION: Can you see how your DISC Style’s view of Time would affect how you approach important tasks? I’d love to hear your thoughts and observations. Please share in the comment section below.