Published with Permission from Assessments 24/7.

This is a Monday blog series; our regular coaching blog will be published on Thursday’s.

As a value add in this blog series, the focus here is a how to guide for coaching, praising, and challenging each of the DISC styles.

Dominance – High “D” Style

• Talk in terms of bottom line and achievement
• Zero in on results with quick benefit statements
• Invite the analysis and brainstorm solutions for them to approve or reject
• Explore choices backed with enough data and analysis to make an intelligent decision
• Use Feedback Questions to assist in clarifying the details and time frames
• Use Acknowledge-Clarify-Respond when encountering resistance
• Let them take the lead

Influence – High “I” Style

• Interact as you perspective with them; use Feedback Questions to engage them
• Show that you are interested in them; let them talk and be enthusiastic
• Illustrate ideas and perspectives with stories and emotional descriptions that can relate to their interests
• Use Feedback Questions to assist in summarizing details and direct these toward mutually agreeable objectives and action steps
• Invite ideas that help them to increase their prestige, image, or recognition

Steadiness – High “S” Style

• Show how you will support and assist
• Use Feedback Questions to assist in presenting new ideas in a non-threatening way
• Clearly define their roles and goals plus include specific expectations of them
• Explain why change may be necessary and how long the changes will take
• Show the appropriate steps to follow
• Use Acknowledge-Clarify-Respond when encountering resistance
• Avoid rushing them and offer personal, concrete assurances

Conscientious – High “C” Style

• Invite review of written data
• Value facts, specifications and data
• Allow them to think, inquire, and check before they make decisions
• Use Feedback Questions to assist in providing explanations and rationale
• Explore the pros and cons and the complete story
• Ask about follow-through
• Use Acknowledge-Clarify-Respond when encountering resistance

How to praise the four styles

Dominance – High “D” Style

• Be specific enough for them to feel comfortable, but don’t overwhelm
• Focus praise on their accomplishments, results, and achievements
• Ask them specifically how they like to receive praise
• Get to the point
• Give them your time and attention
• Use Coaching Moments to “praise in the moment”

Influence – High “I” Style

• I’s are concerned about what others think about them
• Give positive recognition and reinforcement
• Use specific praise, including people, when appropriate
• Ask them how they like to receive praise
• Be excited and enthusiastic
• Support them looking good
• Give them your attention, time, and presence
• Use Coaching Moments to praise “in the moment”

Steadiness – High “S” Style

• Ask them how they like to receive praise
• Take into consideration their motivation to seek security and please other people
• Develop trust, friendship, and credibility at a relatively slow pace
• Offer personal, concrete assurances
• Communicate in a consistent manner on a regular basis; compliment progress
• Use Coaching Moments to “praise in the moment”

Conscientious – High “C” Style

• Don’t praise with too much enthusiasm
• Ask them how they like to receive praise
• Be specific and clear on the reasons for giving them praise
• Don’t try to impress them
• Match their low emotional tone
• Use Coaching Moments to “praise in the moment”

How to challenge the four styles

Dominance – High “D” Style

• Challenge them to more realistically gauge risks
• Help them to use more caution and deliberation before deciding
• If appropriate, help them to more effectively follow rules and procedures
• Encourage them to look for ways to recognize others and solicit their opinions and contributions
• Ask them to give others the reasons for decisions
• Help them to give more attention and respond to others’ emotions

Influence – High “I” Style

• Help them to prioritize and organize
• Encourage them to see tasks through to completion
• Work to view people versus tasks more objectively
• Help them to avoid overuse of giving and taking advice
• Challenge them to keep track of details

Steadiness – High “S” Style

• Work with them to develop shortcuts and eliminate unnecessary steps
• Help them accept sincere praise and feel appreciated
• Show them there is often more than one approach to take
• Challenge them to develop an acceptance to some risks and changes
• Encourage them to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings
• Work with them to modify their inclination to do what others tell them

Conscientious – High “C” Style

• Ask them to share their knowledge and expertise with others
• Develop a balance between sensitivity to people and task accomplishment
• Encourage them not to take themselves “too seriously and critically”
• Challenge them to develop priorities and not categorize most items as “high priority”
• Help them to be transparent in sharing their plans for achieving their goals with you
• Coach them on praising others, when appropriate

In the next blog, tips on leaving voice messages or sending emails are provided.

The post How to Coach the Four DISC Styles first appeared on CCC Blog.