My last article concentrated on the 'S' of D.I.S.C. This week we are looking in more depth at the 'C' – Compliance type.
C’s are reserved and task-orientated. They are Competent, Cautious, Careful and Conscientious. They are always in pursuit of excellence, and are very mindful of rules and regulations. They will be happy to sit in a room with a computer or a set of accounts, and enjoy being around other people who are outgoing as long as they don’t have to join in with the fun! Being competent they frequently research the facts and will enjoy investigative work. C’s will follow instructions to the letter and will enjoy reading manuals! They can stay on track with projects and enjoy seeing things fall into place step-by-step. Being lovers of detail, then will frequently write “To Do” lists and plan as much as they can. Other groups will write “To Do” lists, but the C’s will stick to them! C’s like to be correct and enjoy being right. If you challenge a C they are more likely to go away and check their facts and figures and then come back to you and present you with the evidence! They love to be accurate and produce work of excellent quality. But beware! Because they are always in pursuit of excellence, they will sometimes miss deadlines because their best is never good enough for them.
C-types can normally be found in specialist roles – IT, Accountancy, Law, Music, Teaching etc. Their analytical nature likes to ask “Why” questions. They are not risk-takers and would be unhappy if they were pushed into making quick decisions without having time to think. They respond best to a manager who is supportive and is detail orientated themselves, who works by the rule book and doesn’t change their minds on a whim. They like to communicate in writing so a back-up email/letter following a phone conversation would be very welcome. Beware that they don’t handle criticism well, as they have a strong desire to be correct – so if you need to be critical make sure it is handled sensitively!
Have you recognised your “type” in the past 4 articles? Most people will identify with 2 types and it is the combination of these two, that make you unique.
This subject is endless and if anyone would like me to address a specific issue, I will be happy to write further articles.
As always, if I can help you with anything, please don't hesitate to contact me
Christine - Your Career Manager
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
DISC Profiling - High s's
This is the 3rd of my postings about DISC Profiling and this week we are looking at High S's - the 'S' traits are all about the Steadiness/pace of work. As you know some people work faster than others and from this trait we can assess your work rate as well as lots of other things!
S's are Steady, Supportive and Stable and desire a great deal of Security. Routine may be boring to some, but not to S-types. It gives them security to know that things are not going to change for change sake. S-types are "nice" people to be around - they will always try to help you no-matter what, and for this reason are sometimes seen as a soft-touch and colleagues may put on them. They look for ways to cooperate and help and rarely say no. They quite like being given orders and like to do a good job.
At home they can be very sentimental and have favourite films, memories etc. S-types are ideally suited to the service industry as they are the cogs in the wheel. If you manage any S-types then you will be lucky enough to have a work-horse that doesn't mind repetitive jobs and will work their way steadily through any pile of paper. For those of you who are not S-types - don't even think about trying to liven up their workloads by throwing them into unknown situations or changing things for change sake. The S-types hate this! They like security and fear change.
The way to motivate S's is by showing them how much you appreciate them - smile and say 'thank you'! If you are a manager of this type of personality then please use a coaching style. Encourage, motivate, inspire and watch!
More next week on the C-types in DISC - Compliance. If you like to work by the rule book and strive to achieve quality then this could be you!
As always please feel free to contact me if I can help you further - christine@high10.co.uk
S's are Steady, Supportive and Stable and desire a great deal of Security. Routine may be boring to some, but not to S-types. It gives them security to know that things are not going to change for change sake. S-types are "nice" people to be around - they will always try to help you no-matter what, and for this reason are sometimes seen as a soft-touch and colleagues may put on them. They look for ways to cooperate and help and rarely say no. They quite like being given orders and like to do a good job.
At home they can be very sentimental and have favourite films, memories etc. S-types are ideally suited to the service industry as they are the cogs in the wheel. If you manage any S-types then you will be lucky enough to have a work-horse that doesn't mind repetitive jobs and will work their way steadily through any pile of paper. For those of you who are not S-types - don't even think about trying to liven up their workloads by throwing them into unknown situations or changing things for change sake. The S-types hate this! They like security and fear change.
The way to motivate S's is by showing them how much you appreciate them - smile and say 'thank you'! If you are a manager of this type of personality then please use a coaching style. Encourage, motivate, inspire and watch!
More next week on the C-types in DISC - Compliance. If you like to work by the rule book and strive to achieve quality then this could be you!
As always please feel free to contact me if I can help you further - christine@high10.co.uk
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
DISC Profiling - High I's
If you read my last blog you will know that I'm working my way through the various personality types in DISC profiling - Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. This week we are going to explore the Influence type.
I's are very people-orientated. Nothing matters more than people, people, people! They are Inspiring, Influential, Impressive, Interesting and Impulsive. They make inspiring leaders. When you are with them you will feel great - their cup is always half full! They make good sales people and make everything sound great. Optimism is their middle name!
They can influence you with their charming ways because they are good talkers. For this reason they make good 'front-line' people for any business. They also make good speakers, coaches, actors, comedians and teachers.
I's are not primarily interested in getting a job done - their primary interest is in how everyone gets along with each other during the job. Give them a project and they can visualise creative outcomes, endless possibilities and will be great at generating enthusiasm and getting a willing team together to do the work.
Relationships are paramount and they network very easily because they are naturally friendly. After you have been talking to them for a while you will feel like you have known them all your life. I's are compassionate people and would give you their last pound if they thought you needed it more than themselves. Be careful though - don't take advantage of their generous nature!
Next week we'll be looking at the 'S' in DISC, which stands for Steadiness. If you are steady, stable and dislike change then this would be you!
As always, if I can help you - don't hesitate to ask - christine@high10.co.uk
I's are very people-orientated. Nothing matters more than people, people, people! They are Inspiring, Influential, Impressive, Interesting and Impulsive. They make inspiring leaders. When you are with them you will feel great - their cup is always half full! They make good sales people and make everything sound great. Optimism is their middle name!
They can influence you with their charming ways because they are good talkers. For this reason they make good 'front-line' people for any business. They also make good speakers, coaches, actors, comedians and teachers.
I's are not primarily interested in getting a job done - their primary interest is in how everyone gets along with each other during the job. Give them a project and they can visualise creative outcomes, endless possibilities and will be great at generating enthusiasm and getting a willing team together to do the work.
Relationships are paramount and they network very easily because they are naturally friendly. After you have been talking to them for a while you will feel like you have known them all your life. I's are compassionate people and would give you their last pound if they thought you needed it more than themselves. Be careful though - don't take advantage of their generous nature!
Next week we'll be looking at the 'S' in DISC, which stands for Steadiness. If you are steady, stable and dislike change then this would be you!
As always, if I can help you - don't hesitate to ask - christine@high10.co.uk
Monday, 25 July 2011
"Know Yourself....then Be Yourself"
For anyone who doesn't know me, I'd like to take this opportunity to let you know that I am a Certified DISC profiler and I use it extensively, not only in my career coaching work but also for personal development with my clients.
I noticed a quote from Ahmed Fawzi on LinkedIn this morning that caught my eye - his favourite piece of knowledge is "Be Yourself" which lead me on to think that today's blog should be based round that piece of wisdom. In fact I'm going to take it one stage further and say "Know Yourself then Be Yourself"!
But how can you know yourself inside out? You can of course take the time to write adjectives about yourself also ask others to describe you too. That's an interesting thing to do by the way as people invariably see things in you that you don't see yourself! You might get some nice surprises!
However, there is an easier way. DISC profiling looks at your behavioural style and the assessment can tell you how you behave and perform in the work environment. How fantastic to have such an insight into yourself so when you are at interview, you can talk confidently about yourself with the back up that the DISC profiling has confirmed these traits. And, its fabulous information that you add to your CV!
For instance it can reveal:
I noticed a quote from Ahmed Fawzi on LinkedIn this morning that caught my eye - his favourite piece of knowledge is "Be Yourself" which lead me on to think that today's blog should be based round that piece of wisdom. In fact I'm going to take it one stage further and say "Know Yourself then Be Yourself"!
But how can you know yourself inside out? You can of course take the time to write adjectives about yourself also ask others to describe you too. That's an interesting thing to do by the way as people invariably see things in you that you don't see yourself! You might get some nice surprises!
However, there is an easier way. DISC profiling looks at your behavioural style and the assessment can tell you how you behave and perform in the work environment. How fantastic to have such an insight into yourself so when you are at interview, you can talk confidently about yourself with the back up that the DISC profiling has confirmed these traits. And, its fabulous information that you add to your CV!
For instance it can reveal:
- how you prefer to communicate with others and what's the best method of communication for you
- what types of work environments you like and what you need to be motivated and productive
- how you go about achieving goals and what you need from others around you to support you to reach those goals
- how you react under stress
So, over the next 4 weeks I'm going to highlight the main behavioural traits of the four groups in D - I - S - C and I'm sure you'll soon be able to recognise your primary trait!
DISC stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. Lets begin with 'D' (Dominance type) here. Is this you? Or do you know people around you that fit this description?
D's are very task-driven and outgoing. The are Dominant, Driving, Demanding, Determined, Decisive and Doers. They make dynamic leaders. They have masses of drive and seldom take "no" as an answer. They tend to take a position quickly and stick to it, unless they see a better idea or plan. If you work with a 'D' you may sometimes have a difficult time knowing what is going on in their minds. They are normally strong willed and independent. Because they are "bottom-line" orientated they can tend to be blunt and to the point in order to achieve their goal. They are not particularly into talking; more into doing. 'D' types make great leaders, but can have a short fuse and a hot temper. They can often explode over small things, but 10 minutes later have forgotten all about it, whilst the rest of you are still reeling from the outburst! They quite like conflict and can rise to any challenge. When two 'D's clash it can be a good spectator sport, waiting to see who will back down. If you have 'D's in your team remember that they need control - give them projects - but don't give them step by step instructions on how to carry it out. Give them freedom to make their own decisions - they work best when you don't tie them down. Just tell them what you want and let them get on with it. That way, you'll get a good job done well.
Recognise yourself? Or someone you work with?
Next week I'll describe the 'I' in DISC, which is the Influence type. If you like to talk and love people this could well be you!
As always, if I can help you in any way, or if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Christine
Monday, 18 July 2011
The Importance of Testimonials
Whether you are a business or a job-seeker, testimonials are important. They are a great endorsement of a brand or a person and add credibility to your proposition.
Don't be afraid to ask for testimonials and try to make it easy for the person who is giving it to try and make it as natural as possible. My best ones have come from text messages or quick emails where people have told me about their success and wanted me to know that I had made a difference. These are the best ones as you can 'extract' a one or two liner from what they have said to endorse you. Always ask their permission of course!!
Here are a few of mine that I am really proud about:
"After helping me update my CV I was inundated with requests for interviews!"
"The standard of service I received was exceptional"
"Christine carefully determines your best attributes and then brings them to the fore. She transformed my cv from a stale list into a stylish outline which more accurately describes who I am and what I can offer"
"Your CV got me an interview with the second largest company in the world!"
"My new CV looks organised and professional and I am currently able to get interviews due to the new look and feel of my CV. This has now given me confidence knowing I'm much closer to getting a job. Christine has helped me towards a more prosperous future"
"Superb!! It's just perfect!"
"Thank you so much for helping me think through my career plans more clearly. And thank you for my amazing CV - it looks fantastic!"
"My old CV had got me constant rejections - after Christine revamped it I sent it back to those companies and they have now asked me to interview! I am delighted with the CV itself - the speed it was produced and the overall professional look"
As always - if I can help you too, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Christine
Don't be afraid to ask for testimonials and try to make it easy for the person who is giving it to try and make it as natural as possible. My best ones have come from text messages or quick emails where people have told me about their success and wanted me to know that I had made a difference. These are the best ones as you can 'extract' a one or two liner from what they have said to endorse you. Always ask their permission of course!!
Here are a few of mine that I am really proud about:
"After helping me update my CV I was inundated with requests for interviews!"
"The standard of service I received was exceptional"
"Christine carefully determines your best attributes and then brings them to the fore. She transformed my cv from a stale list into a stylish outline which more accurately describes who I am and what I can offer"
"Your CV got me an interview with the second largest company in the world!"
"My new CV looks organised and professional and I am currently able to get interviews due to the new look and feel of my CV. This has now given me confidence knowing I'm much closer to getting a job. Christine has helped me towards a more prosperous future"
"Superb!! It's just perfect!"
"Thank you so much for helping me think through my career plans more clearly. And thank you for my amazing CV - it looks fantastic!"
"My old CV had got me constant rejections - after Christine revamped it I sent it back to those companies and they have now asked me to interview! I am delighted with the CV itself - the speed it was produced and the overall professional look"
As always - if I can help you too, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Christine
Thursday, 14 July 2011
First Page of the CV
I always advise my clients that if a cv doesn't grab the potential employer within about 15-20 seconds of reading it then you are unlikely to be asked to interview.
I also say this from experience - having worked as an HR Manager and read 1000's of cv's, I've seen my fair share of good and bads ones!
Imagine your first page as a 'sweet-shop window' - you want people to come inside and browse, so get your eye-catching stuff in that window to attract attention. Get the potential employer hooked and excited about the prospect of you working with them. You are much more likely then to get invited for interview to expand about your skills and talents further.
Please don't assume that your cv will be thoroughly read word for word. If an employer is faced with 200 cv's for each position, they will skim read first and probably have a 'no' and 'yes' pile. The aim is to ensure you go on the 'yes' pile!
So, if qualifications are important for the position you are applying for, make sure that is front-loaded on your cv. If they are looking for particular skills, then alter the layout to make sure they stand out on the front page.
Your cv is probably going to look very different for each position you apply for (and so it should), so just remember 'sweetie-shop window' and get your 'goodies' on that front page.
Happy job hunting - and as always, if I can help you in any, please just ask!
Christine Ware
I also say this from experience - having worked as an HR Manager and read 1000's of cv's, I've seen my fair share of good and bads ones!
Imagine your first page as a 'sweet-shop window' - you want people to come inside and browse, so get your eye-catching stuff in that window to attract attention. Get the potential employer hooked and excited about the prospect of you working with them. You are much more likely then to get invited for interview to expand about your skills and talents further.
Please don't assume that your cv will be thoroughly read word for word. If an employer is faced with 200 cv's for each position, they will skim read first and probably have a 'no' and 'yes' pile. The aim is to ensure you go on the 'yes' pile!
So, if qualifications are important for the position you are applying for, make sure that is front-loaded on your cv. If they are looking for particular skills, then alter the layout to make sure they stand out on the front page.
Your cv is probably going to look very different for each position you apply for (and so it should), so just remember 'sweetie-shop window' and get your 'goodies' on that front page.
Happy job hunting - and as always, if I can help you in any, please just ask!
Christine Ware
Monday, 4 July 2011
Is your CV holding you back?
Many people come to me desperate - that they have been searching for work for ages and not had even a sniff of an interview.
My first approach would be to review everything they have done to date and that would include looking over the cv that has been previously used.
This is normally where the problems arise. I have candidates who are very capable, are applying for roles that are completely within their capabilities, but never get an interview.
Normally a re-write or 'tweak' of their cv can have stunning effects - the invites to interview will come through quite quickly and normally an offer is made shortly after that. My clients think I sprinkle them with 'magic dust' and perhaps I do ;-) In reality I listen very carefully to their skills and talents, write them in a way that showcases them and make the cv more'achievement-led'.
Perhaps your cv could do with some 'magic dust'? Send it to me for an assessment and get your career on the right track - every day you spend out of work is costing you money....
My first approach would be to review everything they have done to date and that would include looking over the cv that has been previously used.
This is normally where the problems arise. I have candidates who are very capable, are applying for roles that are completely within their capabilities, but never get an interview.
Normally a re-write or 'tweak' of their cv can have stunning effects - the invites to interview will come through quite quickly and normally an offer is made shortly after that. My clients think I sprinkle them with 'magic dust' and perhaps I do ;-) In reality I listen very carefully to their skills and talents, write them in a way that showcases them and make the cv more'achievement-led'.
Perhaps your cv could do with some 'magic dust'? Send it to me for an assessment and get your career on the right track - every day you spend out of work is costing you money....
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