And the Best Style for Time Management is…

June 3, 2021

How do you manage your time? Each style has its own perspective according to the DISC system.

Eagles are natural at prioritizing. Those with a Dominant DISC style will simply decide which task is the most important or can be accomplished the quickest, and move aggressively to accomplish their goals.

Parrots love to multi-task and will typically start with the most fun or interesting aspect of a project, saving harder tasks for later. Doves prefer a methodical approach, working steadily through and finishing one task before moving on to the next. Owls are intensive planners. They will meticulously organize their projects from top to bottom before commencing the actual work.

Where does each style struggle with time management?

The Dove’s methodical nature is often at odds with fast-paced environments where priorities quickly change. Also, Doves care about the relationship behind the task. Simply dropping a commitment made to Person A for Person B’s ‘hotter fire’ runs counter to a Supportive style’s deep sense of loyalty to Person A. Doves need to remind themselves that it’s not personal, it’s just business.

Because Owls hold themselves to exacting standards, they often stress over not completing every task at the highest level of quality. Their deep seated fear of making a mistake prevents Owls from prioritizing their time. Thus, mission critical issues receive the same amount of focus as far lesser items. Owls need to remind themselves that if everything is important, then nothing is important.

The Parrot’s strong preference for multi-tasking and enjoying their work often results in the more mundane but important aspects of their work being left undone. Parrots need to remind themselves that finishing projects is just as important as starting them.

Eagles are so wired to focus on the ‘biggest bang for the buck’ that they can sometimes overlook more tedious tasks that take longer to complete, but will have greater strategic value over time. Eagles need to remember that a momentous journey is accomplished one step at a time.

So the next time you’re working with someone whose time management skills test your patience, think about their DISC profile and you will be less likely to judge them, and perhaps, even more likely to help.