DiSC styles in remote work

Written on 20. Aug 2021.

In current times we all have an increased need for better communication. Continuing work and maintaining relationships through social distancing is challenging for all of us. How to make working from homework for us?

The DiSC concepts of “adapt” and “stretch”, which mean flexing into behaviors and mindsets not typically associated with our natural personality types, are skills that are even more important now. Some of us work happily from home and others need more support to make it work. However, every personality has the ability to be productive from home, but what works for one person might not work as well for another.

Consider how different personalities will respond to a video meeting with no agenda. Will the D-style feel like it will be a waste of time if there’s no agenda? Is the i-style excited about the chance to see everyone and their home setups? Will the S-style worry about how they should prepare? Is the C-style wondering why there’s any need for a video meeting when all of this could be done via email?

Being aware of personality differences and adapting to each other takes commitment and practice. But taking the time to set yourselves up for success is time well spent. You’ll be building team trust and relationships with each other – all positive signs of a cohesive team.

D style

As a D-Style person, you will probably be eager and ready for the challenge of working from home. You feel like you’ll get lots done; you’ll be able to focus your energy. But you probably wonder about being able to work with your team from a distance.

Strengths

You’re results-oriented and driven, so you’ll get done what you need to get done.
You will ask for what you need to be successful from home.
You’re willing to try new collaboration and communication tools.

Challenges

You might be tempted to take shortcuts to complete something that’s been recently stalled.
You might move ahead on something too quickly, or ahead of the rest of the team.
Your communication style might feel cold to others and leave colleagues feeling unappreciated or even hurt.

i style

You’re usually ready to try something new, so working from home might seem exciting at first. You understand that you’ll need to find new ways of staying connected with your colleagues and friends from work. You’re probably more likely than others to keep your extended work networks alive and active.

Strengths

You are naturally positive and enthusiastic and can use that energy to rally your team and maintain a feeling of camaraderie.
You won’t forget that human interaction is a human need and can make sure that time is created for socializing.
You like to experiment and will probably have ideas to share with the rest of the team about how to make working from homework for all of you.

Challenges

Working alone can be stressful for you and you’ll be easily distracted.
Routines can feel stifling, but they can also be very helpful in supporting the self-discipline you’ll need to stay focused and on task.
You might want to charge ahead when you should be asking for more specific instructions or for clarification around communications.

S style

You enjoy friendly, cooperative workplaces and will miss the ease of collaboration that physical nearness enables.

Strengths

You like clear, complete, yet concise and friendly communication. You can model that for your team.
It might be easier for you to contribute your ideas and share your knowledge when given the extra time communicating online can provide.
Working alone isn’t stressful for you. You’re unlikely to get distracted from your focus on the team and its goals.

Challenges

Lack of frequent check-ins at a personal and professional level might leave you feeling disengaged or anxious.
New communication technologies might unsettle you. You’ll need to practice with them with someone you trust.
Others in your home, including children and pets, might want to demand your time during work hours and you’ll have to say “no” or shut them out of your room.

C style

You enjoy your independence and the space to think things through thoroughly. You might not understand the frustrations others feel about not seeing each other at your workplace.

Strengths

You probably have the discipline and focus to make working at home easy.
Your attention to detail will help you evaluate the resource needs of the team and to select the most reliable technologies.
You don’t require a lot of face time or feedback to know you’re doing a good job.

Challenges

Your quick-and-dirty or to-the-point communication may make others feel alienated from you.
You might be tempted to just do a task yourself, rather than delegate it or collaborate on it.
Maintaining warm personal relationships with colleagues could be challenging and you’ll need to find new strategies for doing so.

Do you recognize the strengths and challenges of your style? What other challenges have you faced in adapting to remote work?

Thank you for some of the ideas https://www.discprofiles.com/blog/2020/03/disc-working-from-home