How to REALLY Understand Your Team
"Behaviour - The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially in front of others"
Whether it's our own behaviour or someone else's, conduct can be tricky to understand, there are so many internal and external factors that impact it. When you don't understand someone's behaviour, it can cause conflicts and disagreements in (and outside of) the workplace.
If you have a colleague who you just don't get, someone who has a totally different approach to you, who you cannot relate to - then it's time to have a very important DISC-ussion.
The easiest way to understand behaviours is using the DISC model. The DISC model is based on the work of William Moulton Marston from the 1920s. It is a simple(er) way to understand behaviours. It classifies behaviours in 4 different types, dominance, influence, consciousness and steadiness - which in my opinion is still hard to grasp. So I take these 4 behavior types and categorise them into 4 colours just to make things a bit simpler! Red, Yellow, Blue and Green.
Each of these colours are entirely different people, I'm going to show you how to recognise them, how to handle them and what they seek in a job role!
I want you to try and assign colours to your team members as we go through...
RED.
This is the Gordan Ramsay of the mix, the task focussed extrovert!
A red is not afraid to be direct and forceful when it comes to getting what they want. They are usually fast paced and opinionated.
When dealing with others, reds want to lead, they seek directness and want to be respected.
In a role they seek authority and like to be challenged.
YELLOW.
This is the Fresh Prince of the mix, Will Smith - the relationship focussed extrovert!
A Yellow likes to chat! They are lively and usually very persuasive and convincing.
When dealing with others, yellows seek humour, friendliness and honesty. They want to tell people how they feel.
In a role, they seek approval, popularity, visible recognition and reward.
GREEN.
Ladies and gentleman, Michelle Obama, the relationship focussed introvert!
A Green is patient, moves at a steady pace and is sometimes receptive to change. They tend to be very consultive and warm-hearted.
When dealing with others, greens seek appreciation and want to be spoken to in a relaxed manner.
In a role, they seek security, steadiness and calm environments.
BLUE.
Microsoft's own, Bill Gates - the task focussed introvert!
A Blue is structured and cautious, they tend to adhere to all the rules. Everything they do is done carefully.
When dealing with others (which they tend to avoid) blues seek dependability and precision to detail.
In a role, they seek professionalism, recognition of their expertise and clear expectations.
