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Stress by DISC style
By Art | February 3, 2006
Styles Under Stress
A stress style is an alternate or reserve style of behavior that emerges when we feel “at the end of our rope,” or just “can’t take it anymore.”
Different behavioral styles find different situations more stressful than others. For example, using (most basic) DISC, here are typical sources of stress (stressors):
- High D Stressors – submission to authority, personal goal blocked or threatened, feel taken advantage of
- High I Stressors – being caught between contrary wishes of authority figure and peers, fear loss of social approval or public embarrassment
- High S Stressors – routine action does not create expected results, another takes an aggressive, take-control attitude, a lot of unexplained change
- High C Stressors – someone changes the plan, criticism of their work, forced to make decisions or commitments with insufficient information, not enough time to double-check quality standards
Likewise, different styles have different stress behaviors. Depending on the specific style configuration, stress behaviors might include:
- stony silence or loud vocalization
- invasion of personal space of others
- avoidance of others
- blaming, sarcasm and wounding remarks
- mechanical and perfunctory gestures and tone
- compliance but not cooperation – passive-aggressive behaviors
- hyper-sensitivity
A talent shortage looms, the number of (actively) disengaged workers is increasing. Only 20% feel passionate about their jobs. Less than 15% feel strongly energized by their work, and only 31% believe (either strongly or moderately) that their employer inspires the best in them.
Be pro-active!
Leadership inspires commitment by choice, not simple compliance.
- Acknowledge stress behavior. We all have rough days – give the benefit of the doubt.
- Avoid “pushing the style buttons” of a person exhibiting stress behavior.
- If you are causing or contributing to stress, evaluate what you can and can’t change.
- Try not to react with your own stress behavior – identify ways to adapt your style to meet the needs of those you lead.
- Examine the team and the work environment to make things less stressful for all concerned
We can help – call us at 404-814-0739.
A corporate culture that thrives on the passion of engaged, connected employees
- is more profitable
- is more competitive
- attracts, retains and develops top talent
Topics: Corporate Vitality, DISC, Leadership |