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.
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