Behavioral Styles

Human behavior has been studied for centuries.   The ancient Greeks believed human behavior was founded in their four fundamental liquids of the body:  blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm.  It is no surprise that the traits associated with each of the fluids descibed a persons demeanor.  

• Blood - an optimistic person
  
• Yellow Bile - an irritable perosn
  
• Black Bile - sluggish and lazy behavior
  
• Phlegm -a gloomy outlook on life.
  

Later, physcologists attempted to understand behaviors with studies primarily confined to the mentally ill and criminally insane.

In the late 1920's William Moulton Marston, a physcologist, published Emotions of Normal People, from which, the DiSC theroy of human behvior styles was derived.  In his work, Marston described human behaviorals as combination of four key attributes:

• Dominance - shape their environment by overcoming opposition
  
• Influence - shape environment by influencing others
  
• Steadiness - coopperates with others to achieve goals
  
• Conscientious - ensures quality and accuracy in their environment
  

Today, you can use Marston's findings to help you improve office efficiency and staff relations.  The Disc Profile is avaiable on many websites for about $25 per booklet.  It is self administered, easy and fun to do.  What is really important is that you and your staff learn about their own behavioral style.  More importantly, you and your staff learn how to identify a variety of behavioral styles and how to interact with them.  Imagine an office in better harmony amongst the staff, and, better interaction with the patient.

I have used DiSC on many occasions and have found the learnings beneficial for the practice.  I am sure you will find the same.