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Submitted by cwatine on
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This very clear and concise book about the DISC concept and its application is the perfect complement of the MT podcast series about DISC.

There is a quick test to determine your DISC profile.
I was surprised to find a different profile compared to the online test I did some time ago (high D high C). This time, I am a high I (highest score) and high D (second highest score).

Later in the book, the author explains that there are 3 aspects to be taken into consideration : SOS (self, other and situation). This is a core concept of the DISC theory. Your profile is dependant on the situation. The author constantly warns us against "labelling" - saying "he is a high D". We can act high "D" in some situations and high "I" in others.

I am high D/C at work because circumstancies make it necessary and I am high I when with my friends on vacations (here I dont want to lead).

The book offers a very detailed description about how to communicate, delegate, give feedback to each profile and a good description about multi-dimensional profiles (like DC, IS, etc). I find it much more efficient than the very detailed results you get from the online test (creative, entrepreneur, ...). I find those too restrictive.

The last chapter about "the profile of your organisation" leaves me a little doubtfull. DISC is a fantastic tool for face to face communication. I dont see it as adapted when trying to determine how to behave in relation to one's organization. You interact with PEOPLE not with ORGANISATIONS or COMPANIES.

If you are interested in DISC and improving your relation with others in your organization, the book is the perfect tool.

cwatine's picture
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I just finished "the great connection" - Arnie Warren.

This is a "parabole"/"fable" book, like the ones from Lencioni. I prefer Lencioni style and the sumup he gives at the end.

Very easy and quick to read. The story is just average, but it is an illustration on how the DISC model can be used in several situations.

There are also some interesting ideas about :
- how to "connect" with someone when you have identified his DISC style
- how to be aware of the ineffective traits in your DISC style and to deal with them (especially for a high I, like the hero of the book)

The general idea is that each style has effective and ineffective traits. Depending on the situation, you will use your effective and ineffective traits. If you are aware of them, you are able to correct your behaviour as you realise your are using the ineffective ones.

Example : as a I, you absolutely try to please the other. You may find yourself finding excuses to a direct who did not fulfill his objectives, in order not to harm your relation to him. This is ineffective. If you are able to realise this as you are talking to him, you can correct this.

This is just another interesting way of using DISC.

JorrianGelink's picture

Thank you for your review sir!

The DISC podcast series was one of my favorites for me AND my directs and I have both of these on my wish list!