Our life experiences both good and bad, along with the influence of one’s culture and genetic makeup, result in behavioral patterns that can be identified by several different personality inventory systems. One such system, called the Personal Profile System by Dr. John Geier, often referred to as the DISC model of behavior, is widely used to assess the strengths and weaknesses in one’s behavior. The book, Understanding How Others Misunderstand You, by Ken Voges & Ron Braund discusses the four behavioral styles:
D ominant & Decisive--Goal: Authority and Action
I nfluencing & Interactive--Goal: Persuasion & Popularity
S teadiness & Supportive--Goal: Cooperation & Caring
C ompliant & Cautious--Goal: Conscientious & Consistent
While every person may possess some of each of these styles, a person tends to function in the style that is most comfortable, especially when under stress. A person’s style is neither good nor bad and can be a strength or a weakness depending on how and when it is applied. Because our behavior is mostly learned, most of it can be changed. As one matures and his or her character is developed, the person’s predominant style may be altered. Unless there is conscious effort made to change, however, most people subconsciously default to their “comfort-zone” style.
So, what does all this have to do with ethics? Simply, a code of ethics or conduct is behavior that begins with what one believes in their heart. A harden criminal, for example, could not be influenced by a written code of conduct. On the other hand, a person with a “live and let live” philosophy could not be expected to report an ethics violator. Our behavioral style influences our personal ethics, i.e., “who we are.” Understanding our behaviors helps us understand others. Understanding the behavior and ethics of co-workers, business contacts and friends can empower us to chose relationships carefully and can have direct effects on our future and success.
No comments:
Post a Comment