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Systems and the DISC System

Systems and the DISC System

June 3, 2021

Each of the four DISC styles approaches the world in a different way. This means that we have varying needs for structure and order in our lives. To the Eagle’s and Parrot’s rules and systems are more like suggested guidelines. As long as they are close to following the structure, if the job gets done, there’s no harm in bending the rules a little. For the Doves and Owls, rules exist for a reason. They create a framework that minimizes the possibility of conflict and chaos.

This does not mean that Eagles and Parrots don’t create procedures to accomplish their goals. It’s just that Doves and Owls use systems because they don’t want bad things to happen. Eagles and Parrots use systems because something bad already has.

For Owls and Doves, systems are a proactive way to create order in the world. For Eagles and Parrots, systems are often a reactive way to prevent their current challenges from reoccurring.

Consider the scientific method. This is a Owl/Dove system if there ever was one. Imagine an Owl or a Dove saying, “Let’s just play with these chemicals and see what happens.” That’s unlikely because they use systems to minimize risk.

For Eagles and Parrots, systems can feel constraining because pre-established procedures inhibit the development of new and innovative ways of doing things. For the Eagles big risk means big reward. For the Parrots, risk means trying something new and exciting. Either way, a prescribed methodology can be restraining to the Eagle or Parrot.

The DISC model helps us to understand why we approach the world as we do. Sometimes, systems are critical. Other times, we need to break free of established methods. The key is to be flexible enough to do the right thing at the right time.

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