E.G. Sebastian - America's Hottest Communication & Relationship Development Coach

Selecting Nurses Based on Behavioral Characteristics

by Leslie Furlow, Ph.D., R.N.
Originally published in AORN Journal Vol. 75, Number
3, March 2002. ŠAORN.

As the pool of available and qualified nurses

shrinks, hiring the right person becomes

even more important, particularly in the....

..... especially as the United States is experiencing a

nursing shortage and nursing school enrollment is less

than the projected need.

The cost of recruiting, especially in the perioperative

area, is higher than most hospital executives realize. The

average cost of turnover can be calculated as 25 percent of

an employee's annual salary plus 25 percent of the cost of.... Read More... (opens in new window)

The DISC Behavioral Model - A Communication and Performance Enhancing Tool

by E.G. Sebastian - Leadership Development Consultant/Coach
4/21/08

In a nutshell, the DiSC behavioral model provides an easy way to help us understand different personality/behavioral styles. It helps us recognize different styles' general behavioral tendencies, such as:
- understand each style's communication tendencies,
- understand why each style tends to behave the way they behave
- get a good understanding of each style's motivators and demotivators,
- teaches how to communicate most effectively with each style
- teaches how to deal in conflict with each style
- and much, much, more... Read more... (opens in new window)

STRATEGIC THINKING: Back inside the box
by Betty Parker
Author, Consultant, & Speaker

According to current research and a November article in The Wall Street Journal, thinking "outside the box" may not be the best way to foster creativity and innovation anymore... Read More!

Speak Up!

by Amy Rigard

If sweaty palms, a quivering voice and shaky knees are something you experience when you have to speak in front of people, a club exists that may be able to help you put those anxieties aside and improve your public speaking. Click Here to read on...

How do you do what you do so well?
by Sara Wright (DiSC Article)

Since E.G. Sebastian was in his early 20s, he wanted to be a public speaker. Yet there was at least one good reason the young man from Hungary could not speak in public. Click Here to read on...

Independent Consultant Achieves DiSC Certification

Press Release

Beaufort, March 14, 2006 ? E. G. Sebastian of Beaufort, South Carolina is among the first independent consultants to earn a Certified DiSC^Ž Trainer designation from Inscape Publishing. Inscape's certification program is based on the Everything DiSC^Ž Facilitation System... Click Here to read on...

Elements of Effective Communication: 7 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking

by E.G. Sebastian

We all have to speak in public one time or another, and according to some (somewhat doubtful) research, public speaking is the number one fear of most people. However, wtih some preparation, anyone can do a pretty good job at it. There isn't as much magic to public speaking as some make it seem... Read More!

It's that time of the year when we get to see again Uncle Joey and his nosy wife; and let's not forget Cousin Emma who always seems lost in her own world, but when she speaks up, her questions and comments freeze the air and create an awkward moment.

It's been said for ages that "Friends are God's gift to make it up for the weird family members he gave us.' But with the holidays there's no escape - we'll get together and try to make the best of our loved ones, even if once in a while we feel like choking some of them.

I have a gift for you for this holiday season

What we often don't realize is that most of our family members are not weirdoes at all - well, ok, maybe some are - but what we rather face is a healthy mix of different personality styles. Which is great - diversity is wonderful; except that when different personality style individuals get together, it is almost unavoidable not to end up in some gooey situations.

However, there is a solution.
o What if you understood WHY each of your family members and friends behave the way they do?
o What if I could show you in less than 2O minutes on how to recognize the four main personality styles and what you can expect from them?
o What if you learned that most of your loved ones do not do things to annoy you or others around them, but they do what they do because that's how they are wired - those are the "normal" behaviors that their personality style dictates to them
o What if there was a super simple "language" that you can learn in minutes and it will ensure that you will come across as the smoothest communicator at the family gathering.?

Here is a brief description of the four personality styles and how to recognize them*:
[* - Source: Communication Skills Magic, by E.G. Sebastian www.CommunicationSkillsMagic.com]

Dominance (D) - fast paced and task oriented
Outspoken and determined, D's are dynamic, goal-oriented people who like to take charge, bring quick decisions, and want quick results
You will recognize this personality style by noticing their fast pace - both in speech and physical movement - and usually walk around with a determined look on their face. They often are bottom line people and can be quite blunt at times

Influence (I) - fast paced and people oriented
Enthusiastic and friendly, I's are outgoing, high-energy people who like to influence others with their wit, humor, and persuasive skills
This personality style is easily recognized as they move fast, have a big smile, expressive face and eyes, are talkative and humorous, and use expressive body language (when they see you, they might raise their hands high up, or motion as if ready to give you a hug, etc.). Wherever they are, they attempt to become the center of attention; which often is not a deliberate decision, but rather a natural expression of their personality style.

Steadiness (S) - moderate paced and people oriented
Caring and supportive, S's are calm and kind people, who are great at providing support and comfort to others, follow rules, are great listeners and great team players.
This personality style can be recognized by noticing as they move "comfortably," they seem constantly calm (even lethargic at times), might display a slight and pleasant smile most of the time, and their face almost radiates the message "I'm kind and approachable." This style is the best listener of the four styles and are always ready to hear your stories and provide you a shoulder to cry on.

Conscientiousness (C) - moderate paced and task oriented
Cautious and detail-oriented, C's are focused and dependable people who love to work with tasks and concepts; like to plan their work and are committed to quality and accuracy in all areas.
This personality style can be recognized by their moderate pace, their intense focus as they get involved in a task, and might keep a serious facial expression even when someone approaches them to initiate a conversation with them. They can come across a bit as distant; but give them some time to warm up and they'll be glad to talk to you (usually going into some great in-depth details on some areas of their interest)

So, Now What?

Did you recognize your personality style? Did you recognize the personality style of some of the people who surround you?

So, first of all watch for the above signs - pace and what they are more interested in, people or tasks, in order to recognize the different styles. Then the next step is to speak to each style in "their language." And while some of each style's expectations might not be "pretty," if you want to get along with them - even if just for the duration of the holidays - then you better follow the tips below.

When speaking to the Dominance Style:
? Don't waste their time
? Keep your conversation short and focused on the topic at hand (usually they don't have the patience to listen to your stories - or your side of the story - anyway)
? Stay away from jokes and stories (especially at work)
? Allow them to feel in charge

When speaking to the Influence Style:
? Smile and be informal
? Use humor and share personal (or not -so personal) anecdotes
? Praise them for their accomplishments
? Listen to their stories and jokes
? Allow them to express their feelings
? Whenever possible, don't bore them with too much technicalities and details

When speaking to the Steadiness Style:
? Smile
? Exercise patience - don't rush them
? Give them a chance/time to express themselves
? Express your appreciation of their work, etc.
? Don't push them to go beyond their comfort zone (whenever possible)

When speaking to the Conscientiousness Style:
? Use short sentences and stick to the bottom line
? Stay away from jokes and stories (especially at work)
? Show your competence early in the conversation
? Don't criticize their work or their tendency for going in-depth on a topic (ask related questions instead)
? Display appreciation for detail & accuracy

There you go! This holiday season try to notice those around you from this perspective and practice your people reading skills - try to guestimate your loved ones personality styles and try to speak "their language." I promise you, you'll have a much more pleasant time with considerably less conflict and stress. And once you master this skill, why not take it and apply it throughout the year, creating a more peaceful environment for you, your family, and everyone around you.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!