Teamwork Tips: Communicating as an S-Style Individual

Welcome to the third installment of our four-part series on DiSC behavioural types. In previous posts, we’ve covered D-types and i-types, covering ways to communicate best as a dominant or influential type of person in the workplace. Today we’re focusing on S-types.

In our business, we emphasize the importance of teamwork in professional environments, which can be tough when everyone has such unique takes on projects and assignments. This is why team building is an essential part of professional development. While improving your individual skills is key, you also need to learn how to use these skills and knowledge together as a team.

By understanding your behaviour style, according to the DiSC model, you can improve communication with your colleagues by playing up your strengths and acknowledging your weaknesses.

D – Dominance

i – Influence

S – Steadiness

C – Conscientiousness

Who are S-types?

The “S” in DiSC stands for steadiness. As an S-type, you are dependable because you play a supportive role. You provide your colleagues with a level of stability that can be mutually beneficial. You thrive in stable environments; thus you aim to maintain that balance for others. You are also a collaborative worker, so teamwork comes easy to you. For you, team building is important so you can learn to work with other types – may be some who prefer to fly solo or jump into leadership positions rather than collaborate.

S-types like and appreciate praise – but only if it’s sincere and authentic. You want to be appreciated for the good work you do, not superficially. You like to help others and demonstrate great patience, which goes along with your strength as an excellent collaborator.

You know and understand that if you help each other and work together you can accomplish great things as a team. Communication is so important when it comes to helping others and collaborating. Your calm demeanour, attentive attitude and humble presence are huge assets in the workplace.

How to communicate as an S-type?

If you’ve been evaluated by Satori Consulting using EverythingDiSC® assessment tools and were identified as having more traits associated with S-types, you will have already recognized a lot of the above characteristics in yourself.

Having more self-awareness of these traits is a great way to start team-building. Once you’ve identified your behaviours you can start making a concerted effort to improve communication with your colleagues, who may have different work styles.

You’re a team player, which means you are ready, willing and able to collaborate. You’re an excellent listener, and you are more extroverted and boisterous colleagues will appreciate this.

Unfortunately, S-types are easily shaken by turbulent times. They do not like change. Whether the company is undergoing big structural changes or there is high turnover in the office or just an uncooperative team, S-types lose their balance. This is why S-types might be the most resistant to change.

For others, this might read as stubbornness, or an inability to move forward, but the reality is that this reaction is coming from a fear of losing stability. S-types might be perceived as being stuck in their ways or preferring to stay the course rather than taking a risk.

It’s important to let your team know that you’re concerned about taking certain risks. In some cases, you may end up being the voice of reason if someone comes up with unattainable ideas. Your collaborative nature will work in your favour here as you can listen to all ideas, but voice your concerns so all sides are thoroughly examined.

Don’t let your people-pleasing tendency keep you from voicing real concerns and opinions. In a professional environment, it’s okay to disagree, as long as it’s done in a constructive manner. You don’t have to nod your head and go along with things just to avoid conflict. Speaking out doesn’t necessarily mean you’re offending your colleagues; it simply shows you are sharing your opinion.

Team building is essential

S-types likely will jump at the chance to do team-building activities to improve workplace communication. But just because you’re an excellent collaborator doesn’t mean there isn’t a thing or two for you to learn, too. It isn’t just for the benefit of your colleagues, but for you as well.

Satori Consulting Inc. is set up to offer virtual team-building workshops and coaching sessions. Contact us to learn more about how our programs can work for your team using the DiSC model.