Some of you may have come across the analogy that we are all in the same storm – The Cost of Living Crisis – but we are not in the same boat.  The storm hits each of us in a different way.  And our reactions and responses to it are also different depending on the stress we are experiencing and our own preferred behavioural style.

The Cost of Living Crisis amplifies stress, particularly as prices keep on increasing.  Our normal behaviours can change or are intensified.  When stress is present, people seek to reduce it by dumping on the person “responsible” for the tension. This is unproductive but not surprising in lockdown, where people are forced to stay at home.

Each behavioural style has its own unproductive but characteristic manner of dumping stress on another.

So let’s take a look at how the DISC styles change in a time of great stress.

First of all, the D – the Dominant style  – who in normal times looks to be the leader and exert authority, now finds that they are in a situation where they have lost control.  Their dominant emotions are anger and impatience.  In a normal environment, we might describe them as being assertive, ambitious and strong-willed.  Under high stress these traits can become aggressive, bossy and confrontational.

“Get off the X-box.  You’ve been on it for hours.”   

The High I, an individual who is normally regarded as warm, enthusiastic and charming becomes selfish, impulsive and a poor listener.  They will tend to disregard the opinions of others and may verbally attack the “source “ of stress.

“Let’s move on to something more positive”

These two styles are both outgoing and fast paced so are quite easy to identify, but the “S” style is much harder to spot.  In order to avoid conflict the “S” will submit and tow the line but beware for resentment is building.  Whereas in normal circumstance we would describe an “S” as patient, stable and predictable, under stress these traits can become, stubborn, passive and a resistance to change.  The more stress they are under the more they will appear to be hesitant, indecisive and defensive.  “OK, if that’s what you insist.”

Lastly, the “C” style who pride themselves on their accuracy and their attention to facts are probably now questioning the numbers the government is producing and the rationale for its decision making.  As they have no control on this, their fall back position is to withdraw.  “I can not help any further.  Do whatever you want.”   Alternatively, they become more and more critical and harder to please.

Human relationships are complex but one simple rule can help in these times.  Remember to treat people as THEY want to be treated. Remember their fears and needs and adapt your own behaviours to those around you.

The Platinum Rule, "Do unto others as they want done unto them,"

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DISC online assessment is an invaluable behaviour profiling system that teaches users how to identify— and use to their advantage— the predictable aspects of communication. Based on the research of Dr. William Moulton Marston, DISC is the most widely used behaviour profiling tool of its kind, supported by decades of research and validation.
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By using DISC you can UNDERSTAND that although each individual’s personality is as unique as his or her thumb print, many behaviours can be positioned within a systematic, predictable framework.

• IDENTIFY how a person’s behavioural patterns influence what that person wants, needs, and expects from you and others, as well as how that person communicates those wants, needs, and expectations. People will actually tell you how to deal with them if you know what to listen and look for.

• ADAPT to people in a way that will reduce tension and increase cooperation and trust in all varieties of relationships.

Hamish Robertson is an award winning Actioncoach based in Farnham, Surrey.  He is a certified DISC practitioner, Motivators practitioner and DISC Workshop leader.  If you would like to learn more about how DISC can help you communicate more effectively, please email Hamish on hamishrobertson@actioncoach.com

To book a complimentary coaching session with Hamish email hamishrobertson@actioncoach.com

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