So, I was wondering... How do you mow your lawn?
Penny Schlyer • July 3, 2024

How you mow your lawn can say a lot about your behavior tendencies. 

Let's take a humorous look at DISC.

 

During one of my coaching sessions last week, my client came up with a fun analogy about DISC profiles and mowing the lawn that I just had to share with you. 


Which one are you?

  • If you mow around the perimeter and progressively work your way in to maximize your time and minimize the number of times you go back and forth, you might be a high D.
    Git 'er DONE!
     
    When engaging with a high D, a fast-paced person who wants to get to the end of the job as quickly and efficiently as possible, present just the facts and be brief. Be sure to set clear yet concise expectations for the outcome you want to avoid corner-cutting - no pun intended.


  • If you are maniacally focused on precise lines and symmetry and are very concerned about the quality of your work, you might be a high C.
    NO mohawks!
     
    When working with a high C, an analytical individual who craves information and facts to determine the exact right decision, present the facts and give them time and space to evaluate and execute. Be careful though, because high C's can get caught up in analysis paralysis and are perfectionists. You must create specific metrics and timelines to adhere to along the way.


  • If you love the experience of mowing the lawn, the smell of the cut grass, and the feeling of accomplishment as you create a pleasing environment for your family to hang out, have picnics and romp around in, you might be a high I.
    It's PARTY time! 
     
    When working with a high I, an animated individual who loves to gab, pontificate, and dream, open the conversation with a personal note. Be careful to manage the time by defining boundaries and an agenda, and stick to it. High I's will paint a colorful picture for you about their vision for success. Your job is to harness that vision into actionable steps. Side note: I's drive C's crazy!!


  • If you like the look of diagonal lines, the beauty of a plush lawn, and how the creatively carved-out shrubs accent the overall experience of the yard for everyone else, you might be a high S.
    Namaste, let us be at peace.
     
    When working with an S, a calm person who tends to process information without showing a lot of emotion, slow down. Give them time and space to absorb what you're saying, and take the time to get their input. Their pulse on the tone of the organization will give you insights that might otherwise go unseen. 


Each of us is complex and beautiful in so many ways, but it's not always easy to relate. Using the simple DISC model, we can observe behaviors to identify others' engagement preferences and, in turn, improve our relationships and business outcomes. 

So, ask your friends how they mow their lawns this weekend and see what they say. It could spur some interesting discussions!

 

For those of you who have already taken the DISC assessment and had my debrief, I hope this reinforces what you've learned. For those new to DISC, schedule a 20-minute coaching call. Let's talk about the opportunity for leadership development inside your organization.


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