The personality assessment and profiling system I use for understanding employees and building a better relationship with your management team and key employees is the DiSC. In it there are four pure personality types: D which is Dominate or high drive, I which is Influential or highly social and great communicators, S which is Steady or very patient and thoughtful and C which is Compliant whose goal is to get it right. The D and C personality type are very TASK orientated and the I and S are very RELATIONSHIP orientated.

Understanding the High S Personality

The best descriptors of a High S personality are: passive, amiable, steady, predictable, understanding, mild, inactive, friendly, systematic, good listeners, sincere, team players, patient and stable.

Famous people with High S personalities are: Laura Bush, Mr. Rogers, Gandhi, Walter Payton, John Denver, Hugh Downs, Mother Teresa, Tom Brokaw, Rodney Rogers (professional basketball) and Barbara Bush.

General Characteristics – High S’s are non-emotional, emotional people. Whether they are going through a terrible personal ordeal or have just won the lottery, you may not know. High S’s do not express their emotions. If you play a game with them that involves bluffing, you will learn quickly the strength of the High S. They are calm and relaxed and have a deep concern for others and are always willing to help. Once in an established “groove”, they can follow it with unending patience. They have the ability to do routine work, at all skill levels, and develop good work habits.

Communicating with a High S – Remember that they are more people than task orientated. So start with a personal comment to break the ice before rushing into business matters. You should be patient, listen carefully and be responsive rather than trying to force a quick response. If you need a decision from a High S, give them time to think and provide them information rather than trying to force a quick decision. They do not respond to an aggressive approach or to fast paced changes. They are not argumentative people and they work best in a stable and predictable environment.

Positive Characteristics of High S – They are full of common sense and are highly trust worthy – you can give them the company checkbook and they will handle it as if it was their own. They are strong team players and have a high level of patience and persistence. They will usually listen and process your information before talking. They radiate dependability and have a calming and stabilizing influence on those around them. They would rather work behind the scene to insure success. They are also good at reconciling factions, calming and stabilizing an organization. They bring incredible strength to a team.

Weaknesses – They tend to write long, informational memos and letters. They operate at a relaxed pace, make decisions at a more deliberative pace, follow rules and dislike change or conflict. Personal assurances and guarantees also mean a great deal to them; but never promise something you can’t deliver. High S’s take things very personally. They may also need help in getting started on new assignment and have difficulty in establishing priorities. They hold grudges, and are typically oversensitive to criticism. Their greatest fear is loss of security. They are motivated by safety, security, and recognition for their loyalty.
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