On 2 previous posts, we discussed how a coach can use the DiSC Assessment as a tool for building rapport with clients, and  how to apply this knowledge to improve coaching effectiveness.  Let’s look now at the “S” – “Steadiness”  (Phlegmatic, or the Golden Retriever).

As a coach, and a high “S” on the DiSC profile (“Steady”), you are very interested in people, and a great listener; some may even tell you that you “really get where they are coming from.” Since you value experience, you usually advance in your coaching niche. You are reserved, relaxed and do not exhibit a lot of the high and low emotions that we tend to see in our “D” and “I” personalities.  It is easy for you to “Champion” your client and people gravitate to you because you have a calm and open demeanor. You may need to focus on holding your client accountable and give more than a nudge to them.  Be willing to draw boundaries with clients to avoid allowing them off the hook. And, as an “S” you don’t like surprises so the pre-call coaching form is a must for you.

How do you coach someone who is an “S”?  They will most likely be somewhat resistant to change, so they may need your encouragement to take action at first. Help them to set goals and a clear action plan. And an “S” client values your opinion so be careful when they ask for advice.  Help them understand the importance of getting things done (tasks) while helping them balance relationships and if you can help them see where others will benefit, it is easier for them to take action.  Our “S” clients like harmony and are not comfortable with confrontation and they like structure. Although they don’t like to control others, they do not like to be controlled nor surprised.

In a future post, we will look at the “C” – the  Compliant (Melancholy…the Beaver)

Learn more about our DISC Training and Certification Course

In an earlier blog post, we looked at how a coach can use the DiSC Assessment as a tool for building rapport with clients.  As a coach, it is helpful to understand your profile and how to apply this knowledge to improve your coaching effectiveness.  Let’s look now at the “I” – “Influencer” (Sanguine, or the Otter).

As a coach,  who is an “I” on the DiSC profile (“Influencer), you are very interested in people, more so than the tasks, and find it more natural to talk than to listen. You are naturally intuitive and empathic with others.  You really do “feel” where they are coming from, and since you are highly creative, you will have to remember to hold back some of your own ideas. Remember, the goal of coaching is to help your clients discover and be creative.  You probably walk and talk fast so be careful with your clients… let them set the pace. Your clients appreciate how much you care about them and the trust usually goes deep. Your clients are more than “clients” to you.

So, how do you coach someone who is an “I”?  They will most likely start strong and may begin to lose their momentum.   They are not task oriented so help them to write down  SMART Goals.  Our Influencers have a lot of ideas and are very creative, so helping them to craft their action plan, accountability and follow through are very important. As their coach, help them to keep the focus and ask them for updates.  The playful, fun loving otter is the animal that best describes the personality of an “I” so keep in mind they are social, want fun in their work, and love to be acknowledged for accomplishments.

In a future post,  we will look at the “S” – the Steadiness personality (Phlegmatic …the Golden Retriever)

Learn more about our DISC Training and Certification Course

If you are a coach and you are familiar with the DISC profile, you  know that you can use this helpful tool in raising self awareness to adapt your communication for more effective coaching sessions.

During a coaching lab recently with one of my coaching students,  we re-played the taped session so we could assess her coaching skills. My student immediately noticed she was asking more “what” questions. She said she wanted to ask different type questions next time and would focus on  using “how”, “what if”.. “tell me”.

In further discussion about her tendency to ask “what” questions, she was reminded that in an earlier phase of our class, she took the DISC assessment, and her preferred behavioral style was “D” – Dominant (Choleric/Lion) direct, task and results-oriented.  Typically this profile prefers to ask “What” questions as it fits comfortably with their drive-for-results “what are you going to do”.. “what options are you considering?”.. “what are some possible obstacles?” 

Although my student did not display additional tendencies of a “D” personality, I thought it may be interesting to write a blog post on all 4 profiles and this is the first.

As a “Dominant/Direct coach, you can be more effective if you try to shift the tendency to “control”  into a “support” role, and temper your pace. You have a tendency to talk fast, move fast and expect others to do the same. Dominant/Direct people are usually “big picture” people and highly creative problem solvers.  Practice slowing down with your client; since you are a D and  “driven” for results and fast paced, you may want to practice “patience”. In some DiSC training sessions, we like to think of animals that represent the 4 personalities.  What better animal to represent the Dominant than the natural leader of the jungle, the Lion?

And, what if you are coaching a client who has a preferred communication style of a “D”? You will want to “get to the point” and appreciate brevity.  Keep in mind that “D’s” are visionary about their future and they like brainstorming.  They make quick decisions and are  results oriented so one area you may want to help them is to ensure they are considering how their decisions will impact others, and help them think through obstacles.  They are ready to jump right in and can sometimes  “Ready, Fire, Aim.”  Since  “D”‘s are results-oriented, their personal lives and relationships can be out of balance so help them focus on the relationship side and be appreciative of  “this moment”  instead of “tomorrow”.

Watch for a future post on the “I” – Influencer as a coach and client.

Learn more about our DISC Training and Certification Course

I believe one of the most important keys in an excellent coaching relationship, is open, non-judgmental and effective communication. And, to have an open exchange of communication, there needs to be a foundation of acceptance and trust. Establishing and maintaining a relationship of trust is the first of the nine IAC Coaching Masteries. When a client trusts the coach, the client feels safe to say what they think and how they feel, and to know their words are not judged, and they feel accepted. Isn’ t this what all of us want? Trust is a safe place to be and it is where dreams can be explored without hearing an all too familiar rebuttal from those helpful friends or family members.

How does a coach learn to build a safe environment for open communication? First, we want to keep our hearts open to accepting others and keeping God’s commandment to love God and love others. And, let me admit that it isn’t always easy to love others, is it? And, to help us understand others, we need tools in addition to the love in out hearts. There are tools to help us communicate more effectively and when we apply the tools, we begin to understand, appreciate and accept the differences in others, and we learn to adapt our own behaviors in order to be more open, and accepting of others who may be a little different from us.

So, what tools are available to help create a greater awareness and appreciation of others? I use several assessments regularly with my clients, depending on what area the client is exploring in the coaching relationship. I use the DiSC Behavioral Model with  my clients, because it helps me to understand the client’s personality, communication style, and behaviors and is also a wonderful tool for the client to gain insights and self discovery. What a great way to jump start a coaching relationship!

There are many assessments available to coaches, and all have the potential to be equally effective. The key is not in the tool itself; the key lies in the application of the tool. It is more about the coach’s desire to learn and accept the client and appreciate the differences in human behavior, and it can open the door for the client to explore further, if the client chooses.

Some coaches use Myers Briggs, while others may use Kiersey, Birkman, Strong. Our school, Christian Coach Institute, trains and certifies Christian Life and Career coaches, and we include the DiSC and a Spiritual Assessment early in the relationship for the client to explore their faith walk.

What assessment should you use? It really depends on your goal and your coaching niche. Begin with your own research, take the assessments for yourself and talk to others who are using assessments successfully. Find the tool that “fits” your niche and helps your clients.

What tool do you use and how do you use it?