How Understanding DISC Profiles Can Make You a Better Coach

During these eight weeks, we are exploring each of the four main DISC profiles to learn about the characteristics of each style, how people tend to communicate in each of the different styles, and what we, as coaches, need to know in order to best coach people in each of these four styles.

During the last four weeks we looked at the D or Dominance style individual who tends to be driven, and the I or Influence style individual who likes to influence others. Today we will be exploring the S or Steadiness style.

Coaching an S Style

Characteristics of the S Style

The S style individual is an easy going people-person. They are calm, friendly, content, and considerate of others and genuinely want to help people. S style people are also loyal, social, patient, humble and reliable. They like friendly people and value working and living in peaceful environments. They value traditions and predictability and dislike sudden changes in their work and home lives.

S style individuals are warm, genuine, relational people who are sensitive to others. However, there are also weaknesses in the S style profile. S style people can be seen as indecisive and lacking in initiative. They can come across as hesitant, resistant to change and a bit shy. S styles also have a hard time saying “no” and are at risk of being manipulated. Finally, because S style individuals are sensitive, they can become easily hurt.

Communication

S style individuals are great listeners and enjoy providing support and comfort to their friends and others around them. Because the S style wants harmony and a peaceful environment, they may avoid fully expressing their own feelings so as to protect the feelings of others.

How to Coach an S Style Client

The coach of an S style individual can serve their client by creating a safe environment where the client feels comfortable expressing themselves and their true feelings. The coach can do this by being genuinely warm and friendly. It is also important for the coach to give frequent support and encouragement to their S style client throughout the coaching conversations. Similarly, it is important to take time to celebrate the accomplishments of the S style client with them.

Because the S style client needs time to process new information, their coach needs to be patient and willing to give their client time to both process and respond to questions. Coaches can also help their S style client think through different ways of processing existing information and discover how to gather other useful information before they make a decision.

Finally, because the S style individual can have difficulty saying “no,” their coach can help them think through their current activities and decide if those activities are really right for them. They can also help their S client decide if and when to pursue new opportunities. When the S style client is facing a conflict, their coach can help them discover how to express their feelings to others, while identifying how to better navigate the conflict.

Questions for S Style Individuals

• What would you consider removing from your activities?
• Who would you like to help by using your gifts and abilities?
• What’s the craziest thing you can think of doing in this situation?
• What do you expect from others?
• How will doing that affect your relationships?
• What is the minimum amount of information you need in order to make a good decision?

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.