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Solving My People Puzzle
This paper introduces new information that lines up with my personality type. The
objective is to discuss the information and compare that information to other personality types
through data and assessments. The goal is to better understand other personalities and how to
better communicate and listen during a conversation because as Carbonell states, being that
people problems are most of the difficulties in life, it is important to understand why we do the
things we do (Carbonell, 2014).
Question #1: Guiding Purpose Statement
Nichols (2017) makes a powerful point when he states that even though God knows the
worst about His children, He still loves them. Based on this truth, there is no need for His
children to keep things from Him. It is written that there is no creature hidden from the sight of
God, but that all are exposed to Him, and it is to Him we must all give an account (Hebrews
4:13. KJV). He knows all and sees all, yet God still loves His children amid our shortcomings
and struggles. With the love we are shown by God, we must love others with that same love; we
are to love God and love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). It must be remembered that
this is a commandment, and being one of God’s children, I am commanded to love others despite
our differences.
Understanding my personality type is vital for me to better understand myself in order to
be more like Christ, in both words and actions. To be an imitator of Christ is my main goal, as
well as impacting the lives of others by listening like the Lord so that I can become a better
communicator. I have to be willing to also learn from others, take correction when it is given,
and be filled with grace, encouragement, and love. My words and actions should point others to
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Christ and cause them to see Him through the way I live my life. We are to be doers of the word,
and not just hearers (James 1:22).
Question #2: DISC Description
After completing the questionnaire, I found the results overwhelmingly accurate for
several reasons. I tend to be more task-oriented and more oriented towards others. I have
considered myself someone who enjoys solitude, but after reviewing the results, I discovered that
I actually do care about being with others. The results in the “This is me” section revealed that I
am both outgoing and reserved and that I tend to blend in with smaller groups. I am viewed by
others as someone who is loyal and is a reliable friend. When there is not much stress, I am
relaxed and casual.
I am also viewed by others as emotional and someone who is expected to express
themselves openly to others. On this, I would have to disagree, but there are times I do feel urged
or almost led to share how I feel. I make it a point to motivate and encourage others, and I have a
leadership style that is relational and emotional, with a passion to build others up. I prefer
healthy, quiet environments over hostile ones, and I respond better to those people who are
themselves, people-oriented.
When considering these results, I would make a shift to manage my time and energy
better. I tend to have a bad habit of procrastination, and this places me in a position where I feel
double-worked and burn-out is not far behind. This shift would also aid in building up
relationships with others by allowing me the time to spend with them, while also balancing other
tasks. I would also like to consider how my personality connects with others when thinking of
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their needs, beliefs, and desires. I want to take a good look at ways I can communicate better
without giving the impression that I am trying to dominate the conversation.
Question #3: DISC Style Alignment
Active/Task-Oriented “D
Challenge and control are the basic motivations for “D” type behavior. Based on the
results, I do tend to desire freedom from control, and I lean more toward having choices rather
than an ultimatum. Another shift can take place here when thinking of self-control and taking
time to relax. Of course, it is important to finish a task, but it is even more important to use
wisdom when finishing that task or any task. My commitment and determination should go into
finishing the task in a reasonable time, but to finish the task well. I respond to those in
leadership, so I would like to make it to a place where when they are direct with their words, it
no longer affects my mood, but I see them as someone who is applying pressure and allowing me
room to grow.
Active/People-oriented “I”
Recognition and approval through personal connections are the motivations for the “I”
personality. I do tend to be the first one to attempt to encourage others and make the move to
develop and build friendships. I try to influence others through positive interactions and the first
step I try to do is find the common ground between us. I enjoy helping others take note of their
accomplishments during our interactions, and I attempt to give them the space they need in order
to do so.
Passive/People-oriented “S”
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This personality type works more so in the background and tends to be more patient,
kind, and thoughtful. This personality type also tends to be supportive and more stable. I would
have to give personal support to those with this personality type and understand that taking risks
means one must possess boldness. I tend to be more submissive in certain atmospheres, not
really seeking the leadership role but rather looking up to others. I am contemplative, providing
feedback kindly while respecting the person's instructions.
Passive/Task-oriented “C”
Leading an individual with this type of personality, one can be sure they will face
challenges because this personality is motivated by quality and correctness. When it comes to
giving instructions, I must learn the best way to give them fluently and as detailed as I can when
attempting to lead them. I will have to learn to ask detailed questions while giving particular
answers. When interacting with this personality type, it would be best for me to be precise and to
also take notes so that I can be more proficient in providing clear instructions.
Question #3: Care-Seeker Connection
In the tragic story of Bruce, Bruce lost his daughter Chelsea, and his wife Amy in a car
accident. Based on the story, it appears that Bruce may be an “S” type personality, which
according to the Uniquely You Report (2018), this type is security-oriented, sweet, and soft. The
movie clearly shows that Bruce loved his wife and daughter dearly. Bruce desperately wanted to
clear his wife’s name and wanted justice to be handed down. However, despite his desperation,
the police just seem to not share his concern over this circumstance. Bruce is devastated, hurt,
and suffering greatly, and this leads him to ask why this tragedy has happened.
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I thought of the verse in 1 Peter that states, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a
season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith,
being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be
found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (King James Version,
2017, 1 Peter 1:6-7). These verses point out that our faith in the Lord is worth more than we see
now because even in the worst of situations, it is for the glory of God. What can Bruce do to take
this tragedy and use it to add to God’s kingdom and strengthen his testimony?
Later in the story, Bruce insists that he meet with the driver responsible for the crash and
that a lawyer be present with him. The account takes a turn when Bruce realizes that the driver is
only a child. If Bruce were to come to me for counseling, I would first remember that the Holy
Spirit is the primary counselor, and I must rely on His guidance (Kollar, 2011). The healing that
Bruce so desperately needs and the turn he needs in his heart will not come from knowledge
found in a textbook but is something that only God can give him. I would also apply Scripture
and offer prayer during the session, and I would establish common ground and come to an
agreement on what outcome Bruce would like to get from our sessions. We are told that if two
agree on earth, it will be done by the Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19). While using my
personality type, I would connect with Bruce’s type by allowing him the opportunity to process
things so that he can respond in a way that is comfortable for him. I would make sure that the
environment is comforting and provide Bruce with compassion so that he feels safe to share
openly.
Question #4: Mentor Connection
Using the 360 Interview Worksheet (Jantz, 2018), as well as considering the results of the
DISC assessment, my distinct humor can often come off in the wrong way, so this pushes me to
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pay attention to my humor and tone when conversing with others. I should also begin to give
myself more credit for the encouragement I give to others that impact them in positive ways. I
must begin to show more patience with others, which I gleaned from the results, as well as
acknowledge my dependency on others. I attempt to present myself to others in a kind way and I
am not beneath talking to others in order to make and develop relationships.
Conclusion
My main goal has always been to strive and live a life that is centered on Christ so that
others can see Him working in me and through me. Not expecting much going into this
assessment, I was surprised by how much I learned about my personality type. Not only did I
enjoy this, but I was humbled when I discovered areas that I need to work on, as well as saw the
strengths I have that I was not aware of at the start as small victories.
“So What of It All!?”. I would like to discover more about my personality while
understanding more about other personality types. The skills and knowledge that would come
from this research would benefit me in applying it to not only the ministry but in my personal life
as well. In just the first few weeks of this course, I have found myself desiring to be a better
listener so that I can better understand others and help them in the situations they are facing in
life. I want to develop the style that Peterson mentions when he writes that an accepting and
gentle style is included in good listening where you gently hand back what the person gives
without disagreement or agreement, and without animosity (Peterson, 2015). When it comes to
counseling or just conversation in general, I strive to put that into practice so that I can better
help those in need, while showing them the same comfort that God has shown me (2 Corinthians
1:4).
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References
Carbonell, M. (n.d.). “Uniquely You DISC Assessment. Retrieved from https://uniquelyyou.org/
Carbonell, M. (2008). How to solve the people puzzle: Understanding personality patterns. Blue
Ridge, GA: Uniquely You Resources.
Jantz, E. L. (2018). Mentor’s 360° Interview Worksheet.
Kollar, C. A. (2011). Solution-focused pastoral counseling: An effective short-term approach
for getting people back on track (updated and exp. ed.). Grand Rapids, Mich.:
Zondervan.
Nichols, K. (2017). Masterpiece: Seeing yourself as God's work of art changes everything.
Lynchburg, VA.: Liberty University Press.
Petersen, J. (2015). Why don't we listen better? Communicating and connecting in
relationships (second ed.). Portland, OR: Petersen Publications.
Rice, D. (2018). A case study on crossroads: A story of forgiveness. Lynchburg, VA.: Liberty
University.
