Putting the Wind at Your Back with Shawn McNalis
DISC profiles have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are now used by many organizations, including law firms, to help understand how to communicate more effectively with team members and clients. A DISC profile provides insight into a person’s behavior, preferences, and tendencies, making it easier to understand their communication style and work more effectively together. By understanding your DISC profile and the profiles of others, you can transform your relationships with colleagues, clients, and anyone else you interact with.
In the most recent episode of Great Practice, Great Life®, Shawn McNalis joined Steve to discuss how lawyers can use DISC profiles to improve their relationships and communication skills. Shawn, an author, thought leader, and influencer at Atticus and in the legal community, shared practical advice on working with different personality types, including high Ds and high Is. She also explained how understanding DISC profiles can help lawyers negotiate better and create a more positive and productive work environment. By knowing how to communicate effectively with different personality types, lawyers can build stronger relationships and achieve better results for their clients.
Some other insights Shawn shared include:
- Many lawyers have high-D personalities, and high Ds usually want to get right down to business. If you’re going to impress them, avoid the small talk and get straight to the point. In addition, be ready to defend your position and stand your ground to earn their respect. High-D personalities tend to fear being seen as vulnerable and weak, so give them control of a situation by offering options they can choose from.
- High-I personalities have no fear and often have difficulty following through or creating strategies. On the other hand, they’re brilliant at cultivating friends and contacts. You can complement a high I’s relationship skills by helping them follow through on commitments they forgot they made.
- Understanding your DISC profile helps you see where your blind spots may be in your business. You can build around and accommodate them if you know what they are. Make your strengths an advantage while making adjustments to compensate for your weaknesses.
- Opposites attract–especially in personal relationships. People are attracted to others with the traits they may lack. Those qualities are hard to replicate, so they enjoy spending time with someone whose personality complements theirs.
If you want to learn more about DISC profiles, check out https://atticusadvantage.com/episode027.
Steve Riley
Certified Practice Advisor & Attorney
Steve Riley has coached attorneys for more than 20 years. His one-on-one coaching focuses on a limited number of top producing attorneys committed to taking their practices to new levels of excellence, profit, and personal success. He also presents at group coaching workshops around the country for individual law firms, state bar associations, and other legal organizations.