Our behavioral style under pressure

The holiday season celebrates love and peace. It is no secret, however, that for many it is also a season of heightened stress with all the extra demands. We are taken out of our normal routine and must find a way to meet those demands in a limited timeframe. Under stress, the weaknesses of each behavioral style become glaringly evident. From a lack of patience in traffic, to the elbowing and outbursts in stores, we see the signs of the basic styles under stress. As stress increases, “being nice” sometimes gets shoved aside and we don’t always exhibit our best behaviors. Think of the DISC implications this time of year:

D – Dominance, Response to Challenges and Problems

THE HOLIDAY STRESSORS

  • More focus on complying with traditions around the holidays
  • Increased socializing required – small talk, lengthy get-togethers
  • Realizing all the goals that weren’t met for the year – work and personal

THEIR REACTION UNDER PRESSURE

  • Aggressive
  • Demanding
  • Impatient
  • Confrontational

I – Influence, Persuading Others to Your Point of View

THE HOLIDAY STRESSORS

  • Can’t fully enjoy the social aspect of holidays because of many tasks and time constraints
  • Often being in negative environments – overcrowded stores/roads or family conflicts
  • Having to be more analytical and regimented – purchasing the right gifts, event planning

THEIR REACTION UNDER PRESSURE

  • Emotional
  • Unrealistic/Overly Optimistic
  • Overly Talkative
  • Take things too personally

S – Steadiness, Response to the Pace of the Environment

THE HOLIDAY STRESSORS

  • The bell started ringing at Thanksgiving – the pace intensely quickens
  • More multitasking is required – juggling priorities across multiple demands
  • Continuous adjustment of plans – predictability goes way down

THEIR REACTION UNDER PRESSURE

  • Withdrawn
  • Stubborn
  • Hesitant
  • Overwhelmed/Shut down

C – Compliance – Response to Rules and Procedures

THE HOLIDAY STRESSORS

  • Pressure to get everything perfect in less time
  • Others’ disorganization messing up their perfect plan
  • Making a mistake in their dinner or gift giving plans

THEIR REACTION UNDER PRESSURE

  • Defensive
  • Pessimistic
  • Overly Critical
  • Inflexible

Even very effective communicators will find it challenging to positively adapt their behaviors under the extra stressors around the holidays. However, those who learn to be aware of their stressors and reactions under pressure can better regulate them.  Relax, take a deep breath and don’t let the craziness of the holiday season bring out your negative behaviors. Enjoy the time with family and friends. We all have much to be grateful for.

~ Inspired by the writing of Art Schoeck, our founder