In February I was at a conference learning how to be a better coach, speaker, and trainer. We are sitting around tables and the speaker describes an individual who likes to be in charge, enjoys leading, can be impatient and a few more traits. As he continues to describe these characteristics it was obvious he was describing me.
A couple months later I use a simple assessment with my boys who are 12, 10, and 7 after they have just watched a Star Wars movie. They sit at the table and place check marks next to the box that best describes them. After finishing the simple assessment they figure out what personality type they are. I then invite them to read about their specific result and each one agrees the description sounds like them.
This tool I learned about and the simple version of the tool I used with my children is a DISC assessment. Now, I can fool myself, but unlike me kids don’t overthink something like this. With that in mind, I was amazed at how accurate it described their typical behavior. How does knowing all this help me become a better leader?
Understand Me – In order for me to be able to help others I need to be aware of my strengths and weaknesses. This tool helped me understand my natural tendencies and enables me to be aware of areas I am weak so I can prevent them from negatively impacting those I lead.
Understand You – This tool describes four general types of people and of course no assessment is perfect, but it provides language that helps me understand others better. As I was in the workshop I learned ways to work with each type of individual, specifically in a sales conversation, but it applies to any conversation where we are influencing others.
Make Adjustments – When I am self-aware and also other-aware I am able to be tuned into some of my responses to others and adjust. For example, I like to get stuff done, but some people have “life of the party” personalities. This can be a point of tension so I need to be aware of my needs, adjust my approach, and set expectations so that we can “have fun” while getting work done. Maybe in the process I just might have fun.
I was working with a client who had taken this assessment I was trained on in February and it helped validate his style, but also gave him an increased understanding of different approaches others have that will arrive at the same goal. He saw his strengths and areas to be aware of and improve. The tool helped him to increase his awareness of himself and grow as a leader.
Maybe you are like me and you need to learn how to lead better both at work and home. If you want to discover more about this tool and how it helps let me know. In the meantime, continue to grow in your self-awareness and make the adjustments necessary to lead well at work and home.
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