Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work with a coworker who was very different from me. Now, I have to be honest with you; this person just frustrated me. It didn’t matter what I said; she would ask fifteen questions. And it was just really bothering me.

I remember one day I was having dinner with my husband, sharing with him my day, and I said, “You know, this person is very smart, they have a lot of knowledge and a passion for the work, but they’re frustrating me with all of these questions.”

It doesn’t matter what I put on the table; she always has to ask a lot of questions. I said, “quite frankly, I don’t think it’s going to work.” My husband looked at me and said, “Kim, she is a core ‘C’.”

I said, “What? What do you mean she’s a core ‘C’?” He asked me if I was aware of DISC profiles. I said no, and he gave me a brief understanding of the DISC profile styles.

The next day I went to work, understanding that my coworker wasn’t questioning me, but she needed a lot of information to make decisions. That simple piece of knowledge changed our work dynamics completely.

We went on to work together for several years, and it was an extremely productive and satisfying experience. That conversation with my husband began my journey into understanding DISC styles and has helped me throughout my career. Here’s how.

When we become aware of how people communicate, we know what kind of communication to expect from them; we also know how to best prepare for, interact with, and respond to them to have a successful interaction!

Each of us is a distinct combination of all four of the DISC styles; (D)ominant, (I)nfluencing, (S)teady, and (C)ompliant.

D styles make up 3% of the population. They thrive on control, make quick decisions, are direct, and focus on results.

I’s are spontaneous, friendly, and are often in the spotlight. It is estimated that I’s make up 11% of the population.

S’s are easygoing and agreeable, evenly paced, good listeners, compassionate, and treasure peaceful relationships. It is estimated that 69% of the population is S style.

C’s are about 17% of the population. They are compliant, conscientious, accurate, detail-oriented, and they treasure perfection.

“For You, God created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

– Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

God wants you to know your design and embrace who He created you to be.

Aptitude, Step 3 of Crossroads Career’s 7-Step Action Plan to hear God calling, maximize your potential, and get the right job, helps you to profile your career.

Understanding DISC profile styles will help increase your aptitude to:

• Build a team that communicates, appreciates the style of others, and works well together.
• Overcome your shortcomings and clear the path for personal and professional growth.
• Understand how others are different and how to work with each style.
• Learn effective strategies for handling conflict and style clashes.
• Develop yourself and others to be their best.

Why is knowing DISC styles so important? No matter how smart, caring, charismatic, or demanding we are, our career won’t advance very far without the ability to communicate and connect effectively with others.

Once we understand DISC styles, we can build deeper relationships and connections.

Are you communicating and connecting for career success?

#YourCrossroadsGuide,
Kim

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Want to know how to use personality profiles to tap into your motivations, improve your relationships, and accelerate your career? Click HERE!

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Dr. Kim Moore is a Crossroads Guide, Leadership Consultant, DISC Trainer, and certified coach, speaker, and trainer with The John Maxwell Team. Dr. Moore equips aspiring leaders to lead with confidence, emerging leaders to expand their influence, and accomplished leaders to achieve significance.