Extended DISC Original Money Jar Winner from the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas 2023 is…

Extended DISC Original Money Jar Winner from the

SHRM Annual Conference & Expo is…

Alexis G. from Capacity LLC! Alexis guessed the closest to the money jar amount of $1,121!

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DISC Assessments: Why Imagine Ourselves at Work?

Why do you need to imagine yourself at work when answering the DISC questions? I’m sure you’ll recognize the most obvious reason; DISC assessments are most often workplace based.

However, does taking DISC Assessments while focused on your workplace directly impact your results? For example, what if I’m a college student taking the DISC assessment? Do I have to think of an imaginary workplace or can I think of how I am at school? What happens if I imagine myself in my personal life instead? What about if I think of myself in more than one situation?

Businessman taking DISC Assessments at computer

Our DISC questionnaire asks you to imagine yourselves at work because it’s important for you to focus on something when answering. The worst option for a valid DISC profile outcome is that you imagine yourself in multiple settings. For example, you are answering the first question based on how you are at work, then the next at home, then next when you’re with friends, etc. Your lack of a focused setting will diminish the possibility of establishing a systematic answering pattern.

The DISC assessment is purely a statistical analysis until it is applied to the environment. Hence, DISC does not judge or place values on your results, but individuals interpreting the results do. The system uses a statistical algorithm to determine how consistently you identify with one DISC style over the others.

Why Compare DISC Assessments with MRI Scans?

Taking the DISC assessment with work in mind

Think of yourself when you go to the doctor’s office and having a MRI scan. Your MRI scan creates images of the human body that a doctor can use for diagnoses. So when you are having the MRI scan done, you are directed to hold very still. Your stillness allows the MRI machine to get the clearest image for your doctor to use. The same concept applies to DISC assessments. You can avoid distractions by not multi-tasking when answering the brief set of DISC questions. You can then focus on the questions and answer as honestly and re-actively as possible. If you are able to eliminate as many distractions as possible and follow the simple instructions, you are likely to get clearer DISC profile results.

Other Reasons for Imagining Ourselves in our Work Environment

Creating a setting with minimal distractions is one way to get the best DISC profile results. Another reason for focusing on your work setting is to see how you feel you need to adjust your style in the current environment. We tend not to show our true selves at work because we need to conform to the work environment. You’re more likely to make adjustments in your work setting. On the other hand, you’re less likely to do the same in your more familiar home setting. The contrast between settings forces you to think and analyze yourself more. The same theory would hold true for the student who has the school setting and the home setting. Therefore, the system can better establish your answering pattern.

In the end, regardless of what setting or settings you imagine yourself in; our DISC assessments focus primarily on your stable and natural behavioral style. Your natural hard-wired style is simply how you prefer to do things and largely independent of your environment.

DISC Profiles: Food for Thought!

Recently, I traveled to Singapore to conduct a two-day DISC certification. I love doing DISC trainings and talking about DISC profiles, but add travel and food to the agenda and I’m in total heaven!

You’re wondering…”how do DISC profiles and eating in Singapore relate?” Bear with me. I’m always looking for the best places to get a great meal. Hawker centers in Singapore are semi-enclosed buildings that house an overwhelming array of food stalls. They are loud and crowded, but the food is cheap and sometimes amazing. So, in the potentially hundreds of food stalls, how do you pick the one to eat at? My free tip is to look for the food stalls with a line. The longer the line the better the food. Singaporeans know their food.

Christina on Haji Lane, Singapore

Hawker Chen’s Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle in Chinatown was one of the first and best I tried. His food stand was already on my radar because it was one of first ever hawker stalls awarded a prestigious Michelin Star. The Michelin Guide is an annually published guide to the best restaurants in the world. However, the ratings are normally given to fancy and expensive gourmet restaurants; definitely never before to food stalls!

The line was long, but for a plate of delicious soy sauce chicken and rice, costing only $1.50 U.S, it’s totally worth it. I ate a memorable meal for next to nothing, and I got to people watch and chat with others in line. I had also noticed Hawker Chen’s cashier was working in D-style mode. She had a no-nonsense approach that was definitely task-oriented, fast-paced, and perfect for the job. Do not even try to chit chat with her or waste her time!

Hawker Center Dining for Reserved DISC Styles

Even during my food extravaganza, there were things that still stood out to me from a DISC perspective. Sorry, I’m a DISC trainer so I can’t help myself. First off, if you’re a more reserved DISC profile, then you may want to avoid the crowded communal dining. If you can’t because you really want to try the food, there’s actually an area for you to eat in solitude. You can go at off-peak times or find yourself a small table facing a wall, and you’re good to go!

You can also plan ahead by searching the internet for the best hawker stands before you travel. As a foodie traveler, you could map out all your food destinations and have a clear, thought out itinerary of where to go and what to expect.

Singapore Hawker Center C-style DISC Profiles preferred dining choice

Hawker Centers for Active and Adventurous DISC Styles

If you love social interactions and taking risks in your food adventures, then this is the place for you. Communal tables and long lines allow you the opportunity to mingle with locals and travelers alike. Are you someone who loves making a definitive choice from endless options? Are you adventurous enough to try something new? Try the local favorites like Peranakan laksa or bah-kut-teh. Maybe you’re an extreme risk taker and looking for the one food stall no one else has the guts to try. Do you want to take on the challenge to eat at each and every food stall in a hawker center? It’s a overwhelming challenge, but come and try!

Once you’ve gotten your food, try finding a communal table and sit down. If you’re looking to chat, then Singapore is a great place for it as everyone speaks English! Ask what they’re eating or ask for suggestions on other hawker centers for your next meal. You can even use your DISC profiles identifying skills to scout out others who are more likely to be social and chatty.

Food and Culture for all DISC Profiles

So, whether it’s Singapore or any other country or region, take the time to try the local food. You can research ahead of time what kinds of foods sound interesting and worthy of your time. If mingling is not within your comfort zone, then order takeout or find a secluded spot. You can always go with family and friends to make the experience more fun and meaningful!

If you love trying new things hawker centers offer up so many choices. Take a risk! If you can, join a communal table and experience more of the food and culture.

The key to being a foodie and a traveler is to learn there are all kinds of opportunities regardless of a person’s DISC profile!

Join Extended DISC® at the HRSouthwest Conference in Fort Worth, TX from Oct. 1-4!

Extended DISC® will be at at the HRSouthwest Conference at the Forth Worth Convention Center from October 1-4!

Extended DISC® offers customizable, online DISC assessments for leadership, sales, customer service, team and communication training. Our Unlimited Use DISC License allows you to use an unlimited number of assessments for a fixed fee. Our Public and Virtual Certification options are approved for PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification credits.

Stop and visit Extended DISC® at booth #407 at the Fort Worth Convention Center during the HRSouthwest Conference for a chance to win all of the cash from the Extended DISC® Original Money Jar!

Extended DISC Supports Focus Forward Fellowship

Recently, Extended DISC mentors participated in the Focus Forward Fellowship Program at Colorado State University. The program provides military-connected women with an opportunity to build skills and become better leaders.

Student Fellows go through an intensive program that focuses on finding peer support and developing new skills. In addition, these female veterans and military-connected women come together to bond and create a sense of community. Wilma Stephens, Executive Coach and Extended DISC Senior Trainer, volunteered as a Focus Forward Fellowship corporate mentor and DISC workshop trainer.

How the Focus Forward Fellowship Program Began

MFRI is a nationally-recognized organization that conducts research and engages in outreach on issues that affect military and veteran families while working to shape policies, programs and practices that improve their well-being. To achieve this, MFRI collaborates to create meaningful solutions with them. Focus Forward Fellowship is one such effort. Founded in 2000, MFRI has been funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., the Department of Defense, and other organizations. It is part of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies in Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences.”

Linda Hughes-Kirchubel
Director of External Relations
Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University
Logo for Focus Forward Fellowship Program

The Focus Forward Fellowship Program

Fellowship is a four-day residency program for military-connected college students. Fellows are selected for this program. MFRI and other sponsors cover the cost. The Fellowship program selects applicants from a highly competitive nation-wide pool. Military-related women learn skills to succeed as students, employees, and leaders. In addition, they meet other military-related women to build camaraderie and support.

Who Becomes a Focus Forward Fellow?

This time MFRI choose 11 amazing Colorado State University (CSU) Fellows from a highly select group of Colorado state applicants. Each Fellow brought her unique views, diverse background, and various experiences. All Fellows must be attending higher institutions in their second year or higher. Criteria must include current active duty, past duty, or having a military spouse. All Fellows must meet a grade point average of 2.9 or higher. This group was quite varied, ranging from undergrads to PhD students. Each of the Fellows had diverse military paths as well.

Students’ goals included improving their problem-solving skills, and identifying strategies and resources to achieve more success. In addition, Fellows learned to develop steps and plans to foster their academic and career goals. The program itself begins with prep work prior to the program and follow up after the Fellowship program.

Clearly, this was a delightful experience for all of us, as mentors, because we are passionate about helping people. As a DISC trainer and coach, I focused on building self-awareness and improving communication skills.

Using DISC in the Focus Forward Fellowship Program

These women were up for the task and quickly embraced the 4 Steps to Effective Communication. As we progressed through the morning, many ah ha moments emerged. The group identified how easy it was to overuse our personal strengths. Fellows also identified times they overuse a strength which turned into a weakness. It was one of their biggest takeaways. They also learned to identify the DISC styles of others. They practiced identifying the DISC styles of the people that they interfaced with. The group’s excitement brought up the volume and energy of the room.

After focusing on DISC in the jam-packed morning session, we went on to practice interviewing skills and resume creation. All of the sessions ended with thoughtful questions and time for reflection. At the end of the day the Fellows presented each mentor with a Military Challenge Coin. This long standing military tradition dates back to the early 1900’s. I felt honored with the gift and the chance to work with this amazing group. The Fellows also read a passage that explains the coin’s meaning.

Meaning of the Military Challenge Coin

“Challenge coins date back to World War 1 when a lieutenant ordered bronze coins for the men in his squadron. One of the men, who kept the coin in a leather pouch around his neck, was captured by the Germans. The Germans took everything from him except the leather pouch. When he later escaped, he avoided execution by the French when they recognized the unit insignia on the coin. It then became tradition for military members to carry challenge coins.

Today, challenge coins are significant throughout all branches of the military, and most military members have at least one coin in their possession at all times. The challenge coin is used for a variety of reasons, from recognition to morale. Military members carry the challenge coin to display pride and to ensure they are always ready when a coin challenge is initiated by another member of their unit.

Consistent with this military tradition, The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University is honoring each of our Mentors by presenting them with a unique challenge coin. On one side the Purdue University logo and on the other a picture of the United States flag and the flag of the branches of service with the words “Ever Grateful – Ever True.” You are now an honorary Purdue Boilermaker!”

Author unknown

Final Thoughts

Focus Forward Fellowship Program Fellows
These Fellows have all sacrificed and bravely served our country in many ways. These women found the motivation and commitment to develop their life skills that will take them even further in life. We, at Extended DISC, would like to send best wishes to the Fellows and the military community for their continued success and thank them for sharing this special time with us.

“I wanted to reach back out to you and your team and thank you for supporting the Colorado cohort of the Focus Forward Fellowship. Wilma was great!”

Lauren A. Runco, M.S.
Director of Education and Employment
Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University

Extended DISC Original Money Jar Winner from the 2017 SHRM Expo Is…..

The Extended DISC Original Money Jar Winner from the 2017 SHRM Expo is….

Extended DISC Original Money JarLauren Whaley of Retail Properties of America, Inc.! Lauren guessed the correct money jar amount of $1,080 at the 2017 SHRM Expo!

Thank you to everyone who visited Extended DISC® assessments at the 2017 SHRM Expo in New Orleans this week!

Be sure to stop and visit Extended DISC® at booth #407 at the Fort Worth Convention Center during the HRSouthwest Conference from October 1-4 for a chance to win all of the cash from the Extended DISC® Original Money Jar! You could be the next person to win!

Team DISC Assessments at the Organizational Level Webinar: July 6th

In the 3rd installment of our Using Team Assessments webinar series learn how CEOs, leadership, owners, and organizations can use the DISC team tool to effectively manage their employees. Join us for Using Team DISC Assessments at the Organizational Level Webinar next Thursday, July 6th.

Using Team DISC Assessments at the Organizational Level Webinar Date and Time

Thursday, July 6, 2017
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM CST

Webinar Registration

Click Here to Register
Sign up even if you can’t make live session. We will let you know when webinar recording is available.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Visit Extended DISC to view previously recorded webinars.
Part I, Using Team Assessments Webinar: The Team.
Part II, Using Team Assessments: The Managers Playbook.

Join Extended DISC® at the SHRM 2017 Annual Conference & Expo in New Orleans June 18-21!

Extended DISC® will be at the SHRM 2017 Annual Conference & Expo at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from June 18-21!

Extended DISC® offers customizable, online DISC assessments for leadership, sales, customer service, team and communication training. Our Unlimited Use DISC License allows you to use an unlimited number of assessments for a fixed fee. Our Public and Virtual Certification options are approved for PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification credits.

Visit Extended DISC® at booth #3015 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans for your chance to win all of the cash from the Extended DISC® Original Money Jar!

Insperity Blog: Self-Awareness and Understanding Others

The key for successful interactions, relationships and more is to enhance your self-awareness. The next step is to understand other individuals natural behaviors.

Extended DISC client, Insperity, shared a blog ‘4 mistakes managers make that can destroy trust‘. The blog stresses the importance of self-awareness. Being aware of what you are doing in a situation can help you see issues from a different perspective. The blog also shared the importance of understanding others. Becoming familiar with other individuals DISC styles can help you comprehend why they engage in the behaviors that they do.