No skill is as important as communication, and true communication is not possible without connection. It’s a basic principle–so basic, in fact, some people overlook it. This is detrimental to relationships and opportunities, both personally and professionally.
John C. Maxwell is known throughout the world as an effective communicator, and that’s because he knows how to connect with people. One thing he points out is that it is not true that people are either born good connectors or they’re not. Rather, connecting is a skill that can be learned. Why is that important as leaders? As John teaches, “Connecting increases your influence in every situation,” and “leadership is influence. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
It’s nearly impossible to connect with people you do not understand, however, so true connecting requires two things: you must understand yourself and you must understand your audience–whether one-on-one, a group, or a large gathering.
The Maxwell DISC Method is a highly effective way to accomplish this. As a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with The John Maxwell Team, also certified as a Maxwell DISC behavioral trainer, I have the exclusive opportunity to administer DISC assessments and facilitate DISC debriefs, training, and workshops. I have seen the lightbulbs go on as people get clarity not only about themselves, but about others–and remember, as John points out in one chapter of his book Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, “Connecting Is All About Others.” DISC awareness will change everything. Being able to recognize a D, I, S, and C and the knowledge of how each prefers to be communicated with will provide clarity, success, and enjoyment. This will take you beyond the Golden Rule of treating others the way you want to be treated to the Platinum Rule of treating others the way they want to be treated.
The detailed 30-page Maxwell DISC Personality Indicator Report (MDPI) will reveal behavior that manifests under various circumstances and areas of strengths, obstacles, and fears. The DISC report will also reveal how to—and not to—communicate with, connect with, and, therefore, more effectively work with the 4 personality styles.
If you’re interested in going to the next level in connecting, which is where true communication begins, contact me about taking a DISC assessment, and watch a 10-15-minute online evaluation, followed by an insightful personal debrief, transform you, your workplace, church, organization, and even your marriage.
