We all have different ways of communicating and working together with other people. That’s why sometimes, you have a click with one person and can’t seem to connect with another. What causes this and what can you do to ‘match’ with everyone and in every situation?
Our behaviour is influenced by numerous factors like personal values, goals and motivators, but also by the way we were raised, our friends and our personality. However, scientific research has shown that certain standard ‘personality types’ can be distinguished. These types have shared motivators and show similar behaviour. When you are dealing with a person that had a different personality type than your own, this can cause a ‘mismatch’. Communication doesn’t seem to go smoothly and there is a higher chance of irritation. Luckily there is a way to overcome these troubles; by gaining insight in the different personality types and discovering which one suits you the most. You will be able to recognise what type you’re dealing with, understand better what is causing friction between you and the other person and adjust your behaviour according to the sitation and type you’re dealing with. Knowing your personality type also helps you to increase your own effectiveness and excel at work.
One well-known model that explains different personality types is the DISC model. DISC was developed more than 90 years ago by Psychologist Professor dr. William Marston at Harvard Medical School and is based on his work The Emotions of Normal People. In his model four personality types are distinguished with colours; red (dominant), yellow (influencial), green (stable) and blue (conscientious). They are divided by two axes as shown below; task v.s. people oriented and outgoing v.s. reserved. (the second axis is sometimes defined as extrovert v.s. introvert).
According to DISC everyone will naturally show behaviour that fits with one or two of the personality types, but depending on the situation you can show behaviour that fits other types. That means a ‘green person’ can also show ‘red’ behaviour’. And that’s exactly how the DISC model can help you; there is not one best way of communicating or collaborating, it’s all about adjusting to your environment.
Would you like more insights into your own behavior and motives? Discover your style with this form.
