Do you find turning your work brain off and disconnecting during the holidays challenging? While some distance is important, if our work teaches us how to be better communicators and relationship builders, then why turn that off?
In a fun, festive spirit, why not take this opportunity to discuss the DISC styles of beloved Christmas characters?
What is DISC?
DISC is a popular and validated assessment designed to increase one's awareness of observable behavioral styles so that through adaptation, communication, relationships and team dynamics can be improved. DISC is not designed as an all inclusive personality assessment; however, it does assist professionals and leaders worldwide to better understand the needs, preferences and behaviors of others in order to adapt their behavior to most productively engage with them. Temporary and deliberate adaptation is key to success. DISC does not seek to change who someone is nor identifies an ideal set of tendencies; rather, it asserts that adaptation can aid teams in communicating well, reducing conflict and reaching goals.
Often, DISC is utilized by individuals to heighten their self-awareness of natural tendencies (e.g. if you wintered alone at the North Pole without others’ expectations) and adapted tendencies (e.g. meeting the wishes of believers across the globe). The difference between the two tendencies can point to areas where enhanced self-care could reduce the risk of burnout – refill your (cocoa) cup anyone?
Rest assured, Santa does not use DISC to hire nor promote his elves since DISC assesses tendencies on a scale and anyone with any tendency has the potential to be successful in a role. Knowledge of DISC and its vocabulary helps build and fortify relationships. Learn more about the proper and improper uses of DISC here.
DISC Primer
Many first learn of DISC through taking an assessment which leads to an understanding of their own style – Dominance, Influence, Steadiness or Conscientious - and how they can flex their style to more productively communicate, partner with and lead others. In order to flex one’s style, one must be able to observe and identity the behavioral style someone is exhibiting, knowing that this person may also be flexing their style. Once identified, the goal is to appeal to and mirror the observed style.
By the holistic nature of DISC, one is also taught that no one is a singular typecast or caricature. Instead, we are all a blend of styles, and as noted above, we have both natural and adapted styles. When we are stressed, we sometimes express our natural style.
With this overarching framework in place, let’s dive into the Christmas snow globe! Identifying others’ primary adapted style is centered on recognizing their pace, priority, directness and openness. Ask yourself the following questions and pair the answers with the chart below.
Is the person faster or slower-paced?
Is their priority task or people-oriented?
Are they direct or indirect?
Are they open or guarded?
Why Consider the DISC Styles of Beloved Christmas Characters?
We sometimes communicate with them and doing so productively is important.
Their famed stories make identifying their styles helpful as cultural reference points and case studies.
It’s fun!
Let’s consider the styles of Santa, Rudolph and Head Elf Bernard and how we can adapt to them. These are their adapted styles because they are based upon behaviors observed in the presence of others. The style graphs below rely on North Pole magic to allude to the level of insight one can gain from a DISC assessment. Styles measuring over 50 are expressed and visible through behaviors.
Santa Claus
Adapted Style: ID
Observed Behaviors: Santa is a jolly ol’ elf that inspires children around the world to believe, hope and do good. If that doesn’t say “Influencing,” what does? He has also built strong rapport and camaraderie with the elves; he is a fatherly figure rather than a stern boss. Given the responsibility to make lists, construct toys accordingly and deliver them all in one night, Santa also expresses Dominance characteristics. He is in charge, results-oriented and a strong delegator. St. Nick openly points others to the Reason for the Season, while remaining guarded to preserve the magic of Christmas. He has a memorable personality and a Ho, Ho, Ho sense of humor. He thrives in the face of challenge and overcomes situations others tell him are bleak.
Adapting to Santa: To flex your style when communicating with Santa, appeal to his D style by being concise and factual because Santa is in a hurry. Be sure to compliment him on his achievements and share how you are helping others believe in the spirit of Christmas. To appeal to his I style, be organized, optimistic, energetic and personable when sitting on his knee.
Rudolph
Adapted Style: S
Observed Behaviors: Rudolph craves acceptance and support from his fellow reindeer. Early in his career, he offered support but rarely received it. This is the risk of having an open style, such as the Steadiness style; you can be hurt. When he met the elf and aspiring dentist Hermey, he was welcomed and inspired. Strong team dynamics, including the addition of Yukon Cornelius, gave Rudolph confidence and appreciation for his unique skill set. He helped the toys on the Island of Misfit Toys find a sense of purpose and belonging. His style can also be observed in his flirtation with Clarice, the doe that stole his heart.
In the midst of rejection and conflict at the North Pole, Rudolph complied. All he wanted was a stable routine as a member of Santa’s team. While he did not set out to lead the team, when asked by Santa, he happily accepted and felt fulfilled because his S style measures worth by compatibility and contributions.
Adapting to Rudolph: Leave fresh carrots out for Rudolph to show that you appreciate the role he plays and the patient perseverance with which he does it. In order to help him avoid conflict and be inclusive, leave enough carrots out for all of the reindeer.
Head Elf Bernard
Adapted Style: CD
Observed Behaviors: The role of Head Elf requires Bernard to be task-oriented. He places results ahead of relationships or spotlighting himself and thus exhibits guarded behavior. Indicative of a Conscientious style, Bernard shows concern for accuracy and details and ensures Santa double checks the Naughty and Nice List. He keeps the workshop humming and on track for Christmas Eve delivery. He complements Santa’s fast-paced focus on relationships with his fast-paced focus on the work at hand.
Appreciating the importance of his work, Bernard is assertive with Santa and the elves at times demanding their focus. He is an independent and decisive problem solver who you do not want to overstress to the point of exhibiting dictatorial leadership.
Adapting to Bernard: Once Santa reads your letter, your wish list is passed onto Bernard. Be sure that it is concise and logically presented. Send you letter well in advance so he can plan and follow his standard operating procedures. If desired, express thanks for how accurate and high quality your gifts were last year. Finally, be good for goodness sake! C styles prefer to avoid conflict and want to be right. Don’t make Bernard harbor the high mental load of contemplating putting you on the Naughty List for Santa’s review.
Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus’ style is far harder to identify. Considering that we do not even know her first name – Holly, Jessica, Carol or Beth, this is not terribly surprising. Certain traditions cite her as an educator and others as a superb baker. Traditions agree that she is a supportive wife that keeps Santa on track to achieve his goals - sometimes with a rather firm hand.
Perhaps she is a style chameleon, meaning all of her style scores float around the 50 "expression" line. She is able to easily flex to meet each merry person’s needs.
Potential Internal & External Tension
Individuals tend to rub each other the wrong way and risk tension when their pace or priorities are at odds. Consider this team wheel:
Santa and Bernard’s D styles could complement one another if Bernard can get Santa to shift further into his D style temporarily. However, Bernard must pick this time carefully because Santa is inclined to focus on people over tasks. Santa's I and Bernard's C styles differ in both pace and priority. Rudolph could benefit from adapting his style to be more direct and fast-paced if he has an idea to share with Santa about flight plans.
People can also experience internal tension between their natural style, which we don’t know, and their adapted style. Those that express two styles at once, such as Santa and Bernard, are also likely to experience internal tension. Both of Santa’s styles are fast-paced but one is people-focused and the other is task-focused. Bernard’s styles have a pace conflict which prompt him to speed up and slow down depending upon the task.
To the Point
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and yes, DISC is a tool that can assist you in the shiny new year!
Merry Christmas!
Reference:
DISC information and graphics sourced from Assessments 24x7 from whom I hold two DISC Certifications. To learn more about DISC, please visit Assessments 24x7.
Image sources:
https://www.eonline.com/news/1325655/tim-allens-daughter-to-join-him-on-disney-s-santa-clause-series
Comments