We all have ways we prefer to interact.

When we understand how people see the world, we can better understand how to tailor our communications for others. Our core goal is to help our clients produce engaging communications, so at Parthenon, we take the DiSC assessment test to help us better communicate as a business and with each other.

The DiSC Assessment is a workplace interaction test that helps illustrate how you communicate and how you prefer to be communicated with. Everyone has a blend of traits but typically has one primary style.

The four styles are:

• Dominance
• Influence
• Steadiness
• Conscientiousness

Once you determine your primary style and the style of others, you can start considering each other’s style when approaching projects, challenges and conversations. You have an understanding that everyone needs information delivered to them in different ways and this knowledge can help give your messaging more impact.

Here is a breakdown of our team by primary style:

Dominance

Bobby, Michael, Nicole and Ashley

To the point, decisive and bottom line oriented. These people tend to be independent and results driven. They enjoy challenges, taking action, and immediate results.  They’d like you to be direct and see progress.

Influence

James, Jacky, Danielle, Cadence, Joe, and Chrissy

Optimistic and outgoing. They tend to be highly social and prefer participating on teams, sharing thoughts, and entertaining and energizing others. They’re talkers. More adventurous, this type likes to take risks but sometimes doesn’t follow through with the plans.

Steadiness

Nancy, Andy and Matt

Empathetic and cooperative. These people tend to be team players and are supportive and helpful to others. They prefer being behind the scenes, working in consistent and predictable ways. These guys get ‘er done no matter what the obstacles are. They’re accommodating to others and often avoid conflict.

Conscientiousness

Carlton, Candace and Eric

Concerned, cautious and correct. These people are often focused on details and quality. They plan ahead, constantly check for accuracy, and want to know “how” and “why.” In an effort to make the world more streamlined, they often point out flaws and question ideas.

At Parthenon, we’ve found that great teams are a combination of all personality types. One’s strength will often balance the other’s weakness, and challenging each other’s comfort zones often results in some pretty amazing work.

We all prefer a certain way of communicating, but as one who works in a team environment, having insight into how other people like to interact is a pretty powerful tool.