Managing time effectively needs to be a focus for our teams, and so it is important that we help our team members manage their time. But it is not a one way fits all approach! I wanted to explore how we can help different personalities on our teams to manage the time better according to the DISC personality style. In May 2024 I did an LDx on theLeadership Styles of Jesus, which showed how to use different leadership styles according to the personality style of your team members. Now I am simply applying that same thinking to time-management strategies.
If you’re familiar with the DISC assessment, you know that Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness all represent unique ways people approach their work. Understanding these personality types can help us lead our teams more effectively and support them in managing their time according to their strengths.
Let’s take a look at the different profiles and how to help them manage their time well:
1. Dominance (D): Faster Pace and Task Oriented
Who They Are: They are all about results and getting things done. They love a good challenge.
What to Do: Provide clear, time-sensitive goals and a structured approach to tasks. D-types thrive on challenges and will appreciate autonomy in meeting tight deadlines. Allow them to prioritize their work and encourage them to set ambitious targets.
2. Influence (I): Faster Pace and People Oriented
Who They Are: I-types are your people-oriented cheerleaders. They thrive on collaboration and positivity.
What to Do: Keep things lively! Include them in brainstorming sessions and goal-setting discussions. They’ll appreciate the social aspect and will likely bring a lot of energy to the table. A flexible approach works best for keeping them engaged.
3. Steadiness (S): Moderate Pace and People Oriented
Who They Are: These individuals are calm, reliable, and exceptional at teamwork. They value a stable environment.
What to Do: S-types prefer stability and may feel overwhelmed by rapid change. Leaders should focus on creating clear, structured schedules that allow for gradual progress. Express appreciation for their contributions and encourage them to manage their tasks at a comfortable pace, helping them set realistic deadlines. They perform best when they can manage their time at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
4. Conscientiousness (C): Moderate Pace and Task Oriented
Who They Are: C-types are detail-oriented and love having all the facts. They strive for quality in everything they do.
What to Do: C-types value precision and quality in their work. Provide them with detailed plans and timelines, including clear expectations for quality and deadlines. Encourage their need for thoroughness while allowing them the time to review and refine their inputs before submission.
Now that we’ve got a grasp on the different types, here are some practical ideas to help you implement these strategies:
Speak Their Language: Adjust your communication style based on who you’re talking to. Use direct and assertive language with D-types, while adopting a friendly, engaging tone with I-types. For S-types, provide reassurance and support, and offer detailed, factual information for C-types.
Involve Them in Goal Setting: When you include team members in setting goals, you’re building ownership and investment. This teamwork can resonate across all personality types.
Use the Right Tools: Incorporate tools that cater to different needs. Project management apps can help D-types stay on track, while I-types might thrive on collaborative platforms. For those C-types, consider spreadsheets with comprehensive details, and for S-types, timelines may add clarity.
Stay Flexible: Regular check-ins can make a big difference. Ask how their time management strategies are working out and be willing to adapt as they provide feedback.
Encourage Balance: It’s important to promote a healthy work-life balance for all personality types. Recognize when someone may need support in managing stress or workload and offer solutions that align with their personality.
Provide Development Opportunities: Encourage team members to invest in personal development regarding time management skills. Workshops or coaching can be tailored to each personality type, helping them grow in areas they find challenging.I hope that you can see that embracing the different personality types within your team and approaching them with different styles can make a significant difference in how effectively they manage their time. By customizing your approach, you’re not only helping everyone perform better but also creating