My Style

Last week I took a Leadership Training Workshop at work. The purpose was to teach us how to become better team leaders in the workplace. The interesting thing that I wasn't expecting was that the lessons I learned really apply to my life outside of the office also, and gave me great insight into myself. Sounds trite, I know.

The foundation of the training was that D.I.S.C. personality inventory, developed by William Moulton Marston. Basically the premise is that each of us have a very distinct and predictable pattern of observable behavior sounding in one of these dimensions (for the most part each of us have some of each these dimensions in our personality, but we generally have a tendency to exhibit one of them more than the rest):

"D"ominance: To the point, decisive and bottom line oriented. These people tend to be independent and results driven. They are strong-willed people who enjoy challenges, taking action, and immediate results.

"I"nfluence: Optimistic and outgoing. They tend to be highly social and out going. They prefer participating on teams, sharing thoughts, and entertaining and energizing others.

"S"teadiness: Empathetic & Cooperative. These people tend to be team players and are supportive and helpful to others. They prefer being behind the scene, working in consistent and predictable ways. They are often good listeners and avoid change and conflict

"C"onscientiousness: Concerned, Cautious & Correct. These people are often focused on details and quality. They plan ahead, constantly check for accuracy, and what to know "how" and "why".

We took a personality assessment prior to the training and answered questions that resulted in each of us receiving a comprehensive, 17-page profile about how we respond to different situations in the workplace. No surprise here; I scored highest in the "I" or "Influence" dimension. And I have to say, that the assessment was dead on. There was even a page on "Things NOT to do while communicating with Fergie." Things such as:

• Don't leave decisions hanging in the air
• Don't talk in a loud voice or use confrontation
• Don't be dictatorial

The "Do's" were equally right on target:

• Do provide a warm and friendly environment
• Do be sincere and use a tone of voice that shows sincerity
• Do support your communications with correct facts and data

What's funny is that it became crystal clear to me why I react the way I do in certain situations, based on that assessment. It's been extremely useful - just within the past week - in helping me to cope with interactions with those with a very different communication style from mine.

I'm an "I." And I like it.