How Understanding DISC Profiles Can Make You a Better Coach

As coaches, we know that each of our clients is unique and different from every other client. Although this can be challenging, there are some tools that can help us better understand these differences. One such tool is the DISC profile. The DISC profile identifies four main styles of behavior, which include Dominance (D style), Influence (I style), Steadiness (S style) and Conscientiousness (C style). By understanding these four styles we can better serve our clients and their specific needs.

Over the next eight weeks, we will explore each of these four behavioral styles to learn about their unique characteristics, how people tend to communicate based on their personal style, and what we, as coaches, need to know in order to best coach people in each of the four main profiles. We will also look at some sample coaching questions that are useful for each style.

Let’s get started by learning more about the D style.

Coaching a D Style

Characteristics of the D Style

The D style individual is highly energetic and action oriented. D style individuals are determined, decisive, dynamic, driven and fast paced. They are oriented towards goal accomplishment and achievement. D styles thrive when presented with the opportunity to meet and overcome challenges. Once a D puts his or her mind to accomplishing a task, the task is certain to get done. D styles are good problem solvers and quick decision makers. They enjoy working on tasks and projects, and are typically able to see the big picture. The D style thrives on change and is always looking for ways to improve their environment. D style individuals are often thought of as natural leaders due to their take-charge attitude.

While D style individuals are great at accomplishing tasks and activities, there are also weaknesses in the D style profile. For example, the D style individual may be impatient, impulsive, bossy, blunt, dictatorial, demanding, stubborn, arrogant and disrespectful. They also have a tendency to be dissatisfied with the way things are, and thus are always thinking about ways in which things can be done better. This makes the D style quick to challenge authority and the status quo.

Communication

The D style individual is drawn to task and work related conversations. However, in their ideal world, the D style would prefer working on their tasks rather than just talking about them. The D style person tends to be fast-paced in their speech. As born leaders they speak with authority and tend to focus their conversations on the bottom line. Therefore, when communicating with a D style, it is good to be direct and get to the point as quickly as possible.

How to Coach a D Style Client

Because of their natural drive, decisiveness and focus on goal accomplishment, D styles do not always see their need for a personal coach. However, there are areas where the D style can benefit from coaching. For example, because D style individuals value accomplishing numerous things, often all at once, their coach can help them focus their energy and decide which activities and opportunities they should pursue.

Additionally, the coach can help their D style client think through relational issues, including how to create time for family and friends. A coach can also help their D style client discover how to keep their drive and desire for accomplishment from consuming all of their time and learn how to be more patient with others.

Finally, the coach of the D style individual can help their client think through ways to approach those in authority with their ideas, and help them discover appropriate ways to change their environment.

Questions for D Style Individuals

• What are some of the reasons it is important for you to do this?
• What are you willing to sacrifice in order to accomplish this?
• What will it cost your family and friends if you take on this new project?
• How will you find the time to achieve that goal?
• What value does this add to you? To others?
• How does this fit into your life purpose?

Dawn coaches people from around the world. She is passionate about coaching young people, people working in different cultures and people from different countries. You can contact Dawn at coaching@worksmail.net.