Perspective is reality!
Do you have someone in your life with whom you have trouble connecting with?
Whether it’s someone at work or your personal life, it’s okay, you are not alone! I have been in the same situation too.
Why do you think we struggle to communicate and connect with others?
Why do we have communication GAPS?
In 2021, I joined the John C. Maxwell Team, and I became a DISC Consultant.
What does that have to do with communication? And who in the blue moon is John C. Maxwell?
John or Papa John, as we (Team Members) call him, is considered the #1 Leadership expert in the country.
Because one of my passions is leadership. I figure I’ll learn from the best.
I wanted John and the team to mentor me.
They have, and it’s awesome!
One of our programs in the Maxwell team is called the “Maxwell DISC Method.”
What is the Maxwell DISC Method of Communication?
The Maxwell DISC is a communication tool that helps you find your communication style along with your communication blind spots.
Each letter represents a different style of communication.
Every person has all styles, but there’s always one that will rise to the top more than the others.
Let’s break it down...
D – Stands for dominant. This style typically loves to be in control, and if they are not careful, they can come across as being “Arrogant.” They are very direct and dry, and they don’t have trouble making decisions when things get tough.
I – Stands for Influencing. This style is very outgoing and loves people. They are the life of the party. They have no problem starting a conversation. They love to motivate people.
S – Stands for stable. This style values security, and they are excellent team players. They love to do things right. They don’t like the spotlight; they would rather be behind the curtains.
C – Stands for compliant. This style is very analytical, and they love to overthink things. If they don’t have a process or an agenda to follow, this style will feel super frustrated. They are usually introverted and sometimes perceived as antisocial.
Their greatest time killer – The “I” Style walking into their office unannounced.
Can you think of someone in your professional or personal life who has any of these characteristics?
Or are you thinking...
“What does this have to do with me? I don’t need DISC. I know how to communicate, I don’t have any blind spots!”
Sorry to say it, but YOU’RE WRONG!
Blind spots are called blind spots for a reason. We can’t see them.
Everyone has blind spots, including me and you.
I love a beautiful quote from another one of my coaches (Les Brown).
Les said...
“You can’t see the frame when you are inside the picture.”
Les quote is a reminder to pause and notice our blind spots.
When I drank my own Kool-Aid and I took my own Maxwell DISC report, I discovered a few blind spots myself, and I turned my blind spots into strengths.
My DISC Report
Turning your blind spots into strengths allows you to help yourself and others as well.
For example,
Not too long ago, I had a co-worker who came to me because he was having a hard time connecting with one of his peers at work.
This co-worker’s primary DISC style was an “S”, and the person he was having difficulty connecting with was a “D”, two different personalities!
My coworkers said...
I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t connect with “X” every time I tell him about what we should do to complete the project, he makes a face and acts indifferent.”
I explained the DISC model to my co-worker, and I suggested changing his approach when talking to “X.”
I said...
When you come to “X” with a plan, instead of telling “X” what to do, ask him for his opinion, say something like “What do you think about this plan?”
“X” is a D style, and the D style likes to be in control because they love authority.
Two days later, my co-worker came back and said, “That stuff (DISC) really works.
I did what you suggested, and things got better between me and “X.”
In conclusion...
Being aware of your COMMUNICATION GAPS will help you become a better communicator, and it can stop misunderstandings that can lead to drama.
See you next week!
NOTE: If you want to know what your DISC style is, check out the resources below!
Find your DISC communication style here:
Join the waitlist for my upcoming COMPLIMENTARY Masermind:
Work with me One-on-One:
More personal growth resources:
Read More Letters here:
