The key to a better understanding of yourself and others

Doctor William Moulton Marston, an American psychologist, creator of the lie detector prototype and the superhero Wonder Woman, wrote a book in 1928 entitled “The Emotions of Normal People” in which he presented his theory. He listed four basic types of behaviour displayed by people and this article will discuss them. 

On the basis of Marston’s theory, diagnostic tools were started to be created to support the development of effectiveness in action and building better relationships in one’s private and professional life.

Learn about the four behaviour types and you will find the key to better understanding of yourself and others! Why? Because, despite the fact that we are all different, by carefully observing ourselves and others, we can partially predict the behaviour of other people and improve communication with them.

STYLE D: dominant, firm, oriented around achieving a goal

DOMINANT FEAR: taken advantage of by other people 

MOTIVATOR: achieving goals

PACE OF ACTION: fast

FOCUS: on task

 

STRENGTHS

Imagine a person who walks through life constantly setting goals and looking for new challenges. They are driven by the awareness that the goal they planned is achieved. This person acts very fast, dynamically and has no problem with decision-making.  They will do whatever needs to be done in all tasks they start. 

NOTE!

They don’t like it when you talk about trivial things, instead of the key aspect of the problem. This person doesn’t tolerate it when others beat around the bush, gossip behind one’s back or think too long about something instead of taking action. They are unhappy with people who are slow or indecisive. 

DIFFICULT BEHAVIOURS

In situations where they feel afraid that someone will take advantage of them, this person begins to control everything and everyone, and creates tension to achieve the goal at all costs. They may also become explosive and make unrealistic demands. People can’t keep up with this person and he/she can’t understand it. 

A PIECE OF ADVICE: How to build a good relationship with this person?   

Be straightforward, stick to the point and be direct. Don’t beat around the bush! Don’t overwhelm them with details. Seek solutions to achieve the goal, instead of complaining about problems. If you cooperate with this person, show them that you are on their side and you will help with achieving  goals. 

STYLE I: influential, inspiring, people-oriented

DOMINANT FEAR: rejection by others 

KEY MOTIVATOR: recognition

PACE OF ACTION: fast

FOCUS: on People

 

STRENGTHS

Imagine someone who goes through life enjoying every person they meet on the way. They try to talk to everyone, they are extremely funny, outgoing, enthusiastic and full of positive energy. This person mobilizes others to act, created interesting ideas and is a great speaker. 

NOTE!

They don’t like being ignored or when other people are not friendly and outgoing. This person hates it when you try to fit them into a specific system and make them take care of details of a task. This person doesn’t like to be around people who are constantly complaining and display negative energy. They often talk about insignificant matters, just to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. This person loves to be in the spotlight.

DIFFICULT BEHAVIOURS

In situations where they are afraid of rejection, this person becomes noisy, makes silly jokes, etc. to draw attention. Scheduled tasks may be put aside for later as they prefer to focus on people rather than the task at hand. This person may also distract others and overwhelm them with their intensity. 

A PIECE OF ADVICE: How to build a good relationship with this person?    

Show enthusiasm for this person’s ideas (if you really think they are good) and give them honest compliments. Don’t cut its wings by focusing only on the negative aspects. Let them talk. Try not to overwhelm them with details. 

STYLE S: steady, calm, oriented around cooperation and safety

DOMINANT FEAR: loss of security 

KEY MOTIVATOR: living in harmony with others

PACE OF ACTION: slow or moderate

FOCUS: on People

 

STRENGTHS

Imagine a person who walks through life at a steady pace, taking care of the needs of all those around. This person loves working in a group and supporting others. Thanks to their friendly attitude and the fact that they are a great listener, this person gets along with everyone very well. This person values harmony and balance in everything they do.

NOTE!

This person does not like when they are presented with a fait accompli without asking for an opinion beforehand. It takes a long time for this person to get used to changes, which is why they feel very bad when someone makes quick decisions for which this person is not prepared. This person feels very emotional in all types of disagreements with others and avoids conflict by all means. 

DIFFICULT BEHAVIOURS

In situations where they are afraid of losing security, this person begins to withdraw and avoids direct answers. In some cases, they may adopt passive-aggressive behaviour. They may postpone making a decision hoping that it will happen itself or someone else will do it for them. This person wants to please everyone around and asks them about opinions endlessly. It is difficult for them to start acting even when they have an interesting idea. 

A PIECE OF ADVICE: How to build a good relationship with this person?   

Don’t put pressure on them, give them time to think things through before making a decision or getting involved in something. Be friendly and create a safe atmosphere. Speak calmly, do not provoke conflict-generating situations and unnecessary tensions. 

STYLE C: conscientious, diligent, oriented around accurately performing a task.  

DOMINANT FEAR: criticism 

KEY MOTIVATOR: doing a job the best they can

PACE OF ACTION: slow or moderate

FOCUS: on task

 

STRENGTHS

Imagine a man who goes through life carrying out all tasks with unusual accuracy. If this person does something, it will usually be almost perfect, because they care about the quality of everything they works on. This person is inquisitive and able to notice the smallest details, and thus often sees more than other people. 

NOTE!

They doesn’t like flaws and when people rely on opinions rather than facts. This person does not want to act too fast, because it can be inaccurate. They are irritated by people who break rules and violate procedures. Tired of projects based on guesswork and a fuzzy vision instead of thorough data analysis and a precise plan of action.

DIFFICULT BEHAVIOURS

In situations where they are afraid of criticism, they start to criticise other people and point out their mistakes. This person becomes even more accurate and finds it difficult to finish a task as they constantly want to gather additional information or check something again. Begins to focus on problems, forgetting to look at the positives of a given situation. 

A PIECE OF ADVICE: How to build a good relationship with this person?   

Always appreciate the quality of the work performed by this person.  Compliment them for the task, not for their influence on people. Be prepared to talk to them, check the facts and prepare statistics. Do not try to lie to this person or talk about emotions instead of focusing on the task. Do not be late!

Thanks to the DISC model and other behavioural assessments, I started to gain more insight into myself and enhanced my relations with relatives, friends and business partners.

Remember that people are different from one another, but they are predictably different! Understand what motivates them and what they fear and put yourself in their shoes so it can be easier for you to build good relationships. 

Are you ready to join me in the exciting process of DISCovering human potential?

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