In this fluctuating environment, workers experience more stress than ever before. Just as we’ve settled into a work-from-home environment, more companies are preparing to start sending employees back into the office. While switching to a hybrid workplace, each employee’s needs will vary.
Regardless of what 2021 has in store, XQ Innovation can help you manage it. Here’s how we effectively manage teams through transition periods, based on each DiSC behavioral style.
High D – Demanding
The High D personality prefers to be in a leadership position and is aggressive in seeking new challenges and opportunities. In times of uncertainty, High D’s tend to overcommit. They may overstep their bounds, infringing on the roles of others.
How to Manage High D’s
Allow the High D to select a set number of goals that are manageable for a specific timeframe. In follow-up discussions, hold the High D accountable for meeting targets before taking on additional responsibilities.
Low D – Collaborative
The Low D is methodical and prefers to poll others before taking action. Without sufficient information or input, the Low D can become paralyzed and fearful of moving forward.
How to Manage Low D’s
Tasks for Low D’s should be geared toward interactive, collaborative activities to help minimize stress. More frequent one-on-one time will also help our Low D during the transition period.
High I – Relationship Building
High I’s are motivated by the relationships and place a high value on other’s opinions. A lack of in-person interaction is especially stressful for work-from-home High I’s.
How to Manage High I’s
Creating time to allow a healthy amount of socialization and non-work discussion can help engage a High I. We can minimize stress on these team members with daily team huddles or virtual team-building activities.
Low I – Supportive
Low I’s are more reserved and shy away from communicating in large groups. They refrain from offering their own opinion but work diligently to help reach team goals.
How to Manage Low I’s
Similar to a High I, team building activities and small huddles can help Low I’s build relationships and become more comfortable participating in group discussions.
High S – Consistent
A High S is steady and craves consistency. They are comfortable with processes they know and rarely express interest in taking on stretch assignments.
How to Manage High S’s
Gradual change and ongoing communication are critical for a High S. If they feel pushed or uncomfortable, they may shut down. Touch base consistently and reiterate expectations in written form.
Low S – Adventurous
A Low S is easily bored and seeks creative ways to utilize their skills. Opposite of the High S, they crave new opportunities and stretch assignments to keep their active mind busy.
How to Manage Low S’s
To keep a Low S from going offtrack, use active forms of communication, such as instant messaging, to offer them access to resources and guidance. Provide explicit guidelines to keep them from deviating from policies and procedures.
High C – Cautious
High C’s play by the book and feel uncomfortable deviating from written procedures. They are quality-oriented and may move slower than others. High C’s feel uncomfortable operating in gray areas and solving unique problems.
How to Manage High C’s
High C’s need to know we understand their concerns. Listening and validating their feelings will help build trust during this period, as will frequent check-ins.
Low C – Innovative
Low C’s like to think outside the box and will challenge existing processes or thought patterns. However, this often leads to a disregard for rules or guidelines with which they disagree.
How to Manage Low C’s
Explaining the reason for rules and guidelines related to a return to work is critical for helping a Low C to acknowledge their purpose and respect those boundaries.
Get Your FREE DiSC Assessment With XQ Innovation Today
At XQ Innovation, we believe that every member of a team is critical for its success. Using personal strategies effectively across your staff will help you weather whatever changes 2021 has in store without sacrificing productivity or quality.
