In a perfect world, all of your team members instantly know the best way to work together and communicate with each other. Everyone gets along beautifully. Yeah, we know what you’re thinking. You’re dreaming.
The good news is that you can build a winning team who like, respect and communicate with each other and their leaders. That’s why the DISC personality assessment test was created. The DISC test asks your team members (or future team members) to respond to a series of statements like, “I love meeting new people.” Based on their responses, the tool creates a detailed report that gives insight into the person’s tendencies and behavior patterns.
This tool is so effective that everyone who goes through the interview process at Ramsey Solutions is required to take the test. It helps leaders understand if a candidate’s style fits with the job and the team they’ll join. It also helps team members understand how to talk to each other and work together.
The DISC breaks down personality types into four categories:
Decisive (D’s)
D’s Style: Think of these guys and gals as lions. They make up 10% of your team. They’re driven and results-oriented. They’re great leaders and visionaries, but minor details drive them nuts. Their laser focus can hurt others’ feelings unintentionally. D’s are important to your team because they are problem solvers and will keep the company moving forward. Just don’t put too many of them together in one team or department—you’ll spend all your time playing referee!
Interactive (I’s)
I’s Style: Think of these team members as otters. They are 25% of your team. They’re outgoing, playful, expressive and persuasive. They love being the center of attention and hate being ignored. They’re also impulsive and can lose focus easily. You need them on your team because they’re creative and fun to be around. They bring energy and life to your team. Be warned, though—if they’re all in a meeting, you’ll have trouble accomplishing anything.
Stabilizing (S’s)
S’s Style: Think of these people as golden retrievers. They are the largest group—40% of your team. They are the ultimate team players, because they’re unbelievably loyal, steady, patient and concerned about how everyone feels. They hate conflict and may be slow to make a decision because they don’t like to be rushed. Your team benefits from them because they are devoted team members and make great coaches.
Cautious (C’s)
C’s Style: These people are like beavers. Industrious and hardworking, they make up 25% of your team. Their analytical minds love details, rules and procedures. They’re fiercely independent, and they hate being wrong or criticized. They also don’t like being rushed when making a decision. They have some of the highest quality-control interests of any of the styles, so you definitely need them on your team.
The DISC in Use
Keep in mind that the DISC profile is not a magical formula that will guarantee success, and your team members will never fit into just one category. But, it is a great indicator of a good fit for hiring. It’s also helpful as you communicate and work with your team.
As a leader, the DISC profile helps you learn how to interact with your team members based on their profiles and put them in roles that will position them for success. Do that, and you’ll be on your way to creating a culture of openness, directness and teamwork that can revolutionize your business!
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Ramsey Solutions