DiSC: Interaction Between Styles: i (Influence) with i (Influence)

Being familiar with the DiSC styles will help you be able to respond and keep communication moving forward.  Understanding yourself better is the first step to becoming more effective when working with others. However, as I’ve maintained, it is equally important to understanding the “other” styles with which you are dealing.  In today’s blog, we look someone with the primary style of i interacting with an individual whose primary style is ALSO i.

As an i (Influence) style, you thrive on Enthusiasm, Action, and Collaboration.  As such, you are not surprised to observe others with your i style also appear:

• Open
• Upbeat
• Expressive

One may think why write about the interaction between similar styles.  How can interacting with someone of your own style be “need instructions.”  We know what WE want, however we still need communication tips for working with others.   Those tips reflect the i behaviors.  They include:  provide recognition and genuine appreciation; acknowledging their feelings; asking for their opinion; keeping a fast, lively pace; recognizing their connections and alliances.

Another aspect to consider is when one or both i’s come under pressure.  This can be reflected in less organization, over expression, overly spontaneous, impulsivity, and overuse of emotion.

 HUMOR:  An i with an i event planning

 Two i’s have been asked to help plan the holiday picnic.  One day in and they are knee deep in ideas, suggestions, adoration for each other’s abilities, and half way through the first box of donuts that got their meeting started this morning.

A “D” walks in to the conference room, notices the i’s chuckling and says, “What’s so funny?  Are you guys done yet?  You’ve got to finish by today!”  The D leaves the room.

A “S” walks in to the conference room and says, “I’m so glad you two are getting along so well.  I’m excited to see your plans for the picnic.  It’ll be great for the employees to get together.  Let me know if there is anything I can help with.”

A “C” walks in to the conference room and says, “What was your budget for this?  How much time away from work will this mean for the employees?  How can the company afford this when the parking lot needs re-striping?”

As ALWAYS, the key to effectiveness through DiSC is understanding your and others’ styles and then using that knowledge for improved interactions.

If you would like a live, complimentary webinar (online) for your team or organization, please send an email to info@traininglocation.com.  If you’d like to purchase the DiSC, visit DiSC Classic or Everything DiSC at our website.  And, check out our products from The Ken Blanchard Companies as well.