Navigating Diverse Behaviours

Aug 28, 2023By Stephen Keery
Stephen Keery

Original article here

woman wearing blue top while standing on plain field

Greetings from Craigavon! In today's newsletter, with you, I would love to dive into a topic that's both fascinating and essential for success in any field: effective communication. My colleague Aoife C, delivers a fantastic session on this at Ulster University. Effective Communication is essential in this world that is filled with diverse behaviours and personalities. Enjoy the image above.

Cracking the Code of Effective Communication

Is there a code? Their must be. I'm 45 and have started to really, really understand it over the past 10 years.

We all know that effective communication is the cornerstone of success (this is not academic writing so I wont further qualify this statement), however, whether in business, education, or personal relationships we must take heed. But here's the twist, we're all wired differently (my wife would say this about me and further elaborate on the pun with, 'but you are surely not plugged in'), with unique behaviours and personalities that shape the way we interact and interpret messages. Maybe a reason that my daughters previous boyfriend relationships avoid me!? Hummmm... So, the million-pound question arises: "How do I communicate consistently when faced with this colourful tapestry of human behaviour?"

Unlocking Insights with DiSC

One powerful tool that's been making waves in the world of communication is DISC, well, for me, it's 'Everything DiSC'. This behavioural assessment system sheds light on your own and others' behaviours, enabling you to understand and adapt your communication style for more productive interactions.

If you are new to my newsletters, I hear you ask.... 'But what exactly is Everything DiSC?' Briefly... Imagine it as your personalised decoder ring for human behaviour. It categorises individuals into four main behavioural styles.

Each of these styles have their own unique traits, strengths, and areas for growth. By understanding these styles, you gain the upper hand in tailoring your message for maximum impact.

This page may help explain further. https://www.discgb.co.uk/what-is-disc

 
Dominance (D), Influence (i), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). 

 
Real-Life Scenarios

Let's walk through a couple of scenarios where Everything DiSC shines.

Harmonious Business Meetings
Imagine you're presenting a new project idea to a diverse team. Trust me, they are diverse. Your "D" style colleague might appreciate a concise, results-focused pitch. Meanwhile, your "S" style team member will value details and a steady approach. Thanks to DiSC, you tailor your pitch to suit both styles, fostering collaboration.

Entrepreneurial Inspiration
As a lecturer in business, I always encounter students with various learning preferences. By recognising the "i" style student's need for interaction and enthusiasm, I spice up the lecture with engaging discussions. Simultaneously, the "C" style students appreciate well-structured content and detailed explanations.

Embrace the Diversity: Humour & Motivation
Embracing diverse behaviours can be fun and rewarding. Remember, it's like speaking different languages within the same conversation. Using the aircraft analogy; just like an aircraft navigates through varying wind conditions, you can navigate through personalities with ease.

Navigating 15 Behaviours: A Challenge Worth Conquering
Recently, an insightful article by Chris Drew (PhD) explored the various types of behaviors we encounter daily in offices and businesses. You can read it here . The article poses an intriguing question: "How would you like to navigate 15 behaviors in your office or business?" It's a thought-provoking query that underscores the importance of mastering communication skills.

Stephen's 3x C's of Communication: Be Clear, Concise & Correct
As we journey through the diverse landscape of human behaviour, always keep in mind the timeless wisdom of Stephen M. Keery: "Effective communication is still keeping the 3 C's to communication – Clear, Concise & Correct." These principles remain your compass, guiding you toward successful interactions no matter the personalities you encounter.

Your Question Answered

So, how do you effectively communicate with diverse personalities? Understand the DiSC styles, embrace the diversity, and adapt your message to resonate with each style. 

Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to growth and development. Embrace the differences, find common ground, and soar to new heights of communication success.