Everything DiSC, Stress, and Adaptation
Everyone has a story about a stressful work situation, right? Stressful situations are often unavoidable in workplace environments. Learning to adapt to the stress can result in more successful interactions, and a more effective workplace. For years, consultants, coaches, and facilitators have used DiSC® to help people recognize the occasional need to adapt their DiSC style to people or situations around them.
As mentioned in last Friday’s post, the map in the Everything DiSC® profiles uses shading to help people understand the areas where they might have difficulty stretching.
For example, the map to the right shows a manager who tends heavily toward the C style. Using the map, she can quickly
see how certain situations require her to stretch beyond her natural tendencies. She can visually understand that when she needs to comfort a direct report who is upset or frustrated, she’ll probably need to project more acceptance and warmth than is naturally her style. Using the shading, she can also see that this is most likely out of her comfort zone, and she will find it stressful if she has to do this kind of activity on a regular basis.
If, on the other hand, when this same manager is giving a board presentation to a group of direct, results-oriented executives, she can see that a different type of adaptation is necessary. Continue reading “Everything DiSC, Stress, and Adaptation” »
Stress and Leadership
Stress is part of any job, and being in a position of leadership can add a certain level of constant pressure. Negative external stressors like the economy and even positive stressors like rapid growth can significantly add to the stress level in a leader’s life. And while some level of stress is normal, too much stress can cause irritability, poor decision-making and even take a toll on your health.
During stressful times in an organization, a leader’s role becomes even more important. Some leaders are naturally calm in the face of stress. Others may withdraw. Some exhibit extreme emotion.
Everyone has a different style of leadership, and each person reacts in a different way when faced with stress. By examining our natural reaction to stress and how it manifests itself in our leadership style, we can equip ourselves with leadership qualities that are essential in stressful situations. Continue reading “Stress and Leadership” »
