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I know another model (that I got from my coach www.drcere.com) more or less like the DISC: a lot easier, a lot less precise.

One of the basis of this model is understanting the reason why people are doing what the do (motivation, in italian MOTIVAZIONE: MOTIV = reason, AZIONE=action).

2 categories:
1. avoid pain
2. gain pleasure

I see that in category 1 we have high D and high C: problems lists, risk analysis, a lot of data to be sure ...
While in category 2 we have high D and high I: go for the goal, follow a dream ...

What do you think about it??

PierG

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PierG-

Thanks for the post!

It's hard to give too strong a response with what you've shared, but here are a couple of thoughts.

1. ALL human behavior is always nothing more than seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. This is a fundamental truth of psychoanalyis and psychology.

So, this is a good way to think about behavior.

2. BUT - the problem with this sort of thinking is why we prefer the DISC. In this model, you must guess at what the person's motivation is. You have to infer it from their actions. This is TERRIBLY hard to do well consistently and easily, let alone EARLY on in a relationship. And, once you guess at the motivation, you must then still yet again extrapolate from THAT to their behavior.

The DISC model makes it easy by saying we don't caer about intent... we just know that tomorrow's behavior will likely be just like today's.

Thanks again for the post!

Mark

PierG's picture

Mark,
as usual a great comment.

I agree about the 'behaviour driven' model AND I think that the 'avoid pain - seek pleasure' is easy and faster.

PierG

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PierG-

Yes, I like it as well, and use it all the time. Sometimes it seems to me that my third party detachment from the situation (as a consultant) makes it SO easy to see the "seeking" and "avoiding" behaviors.

It helps me also when I find someone doing something that doesn't make sense to me... I re-look at the situation from the pleasure-pain perspective, and things usually clear up. Because whatever they're doing ALWAYS makes sense to them.

Mark

ericvonk's picture

I just listened to the last of the 4 podcasts on DISC but have already begun to use it with great results.

One item I have found though is that since people are a mix of D, I, S or C. Sometimes it is what 'mood' they are in when when you talk to them as to how to adapt your style to match theirs.

Anyone else see this also?

- Eric

jpb's picture

yes! in myself as well...
I try to do more listening than speaking. I think most people reveal their mood quickly once they are talking.
not sure this helps.
James

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Eric-

Yes, you're right. To some degree, in a 5 minute conversation, you're only seeing a part of the total picture. Thus, the more you get to know someone, the better your ability to know how best to interact with them.

Mark