SMPP 1
Solving My People Puzzle
Danita R. Davis
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
SMPP 2
Table of Contents
Solving My People Puzzle.........................................................................................................3
Question #1: Guiding Purpose Statement.................................................................................3
Question Two..........................................................................................................................4
Question Three........................................................................................................................5
C/I/S aligned with a D........................................................................................................................5
C/I/S aligned with an I........................................................................................................................5
C/I/S aligned with a S.........................................................................................................................6
C/I/S aligned with a C.........................................................................................................................6
Question Four..........................................................................................................................6
Question Five...........................................................................................................................7
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................8
References.............................................................................................................................10
Appendix...............................................................................................................................11
SMPP 3
Solving My People Puzzle
This paper aims to allow me to analyze my personality profile and understand the
multiple facets that comprise how I think about myself and how I feel others view me. By
completing the DISC assessment, I will be able to form a baseline of my behaviors, relational
style, and personality type. After taking the assessment, there are several areas that are agreeable
and many that are not. In utilizing the assessment, the goal will be to hone in on the areas that
need improvement and continue to improve across the spectrum.
Question #1: Guiding Purpose Statement
In seeking to find my guiding purpose statement, I immediately thought of Psalm
139:13-14, “For You formed my inward parts; You5[a]covered me in my mother’s womb. I will
praise You, for5[b]I am fearfully5and5wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And5that5my
soul knows very well.” (New King James Version, 1982) Considering my past and knowing
where God is leading me, I am reassured daily that there are no mistakes because he is my
creator. I can be bold in the gifts, talents, and calling in my life. “We realize God has uniquely
crafted us with talents and abilities we can use to touch people’s lives and make a difference.”
(Nichols, 2017, p. 12) My statement is: “Seeking to be a reflection of Christ, I am committed to
becoming a confident leader to the body of Christ, my friends, and family.” I chose this because
it truly is my prayer to be a reflection of Christ; while not being given many opportunities to lead
vocationally, I am well aware that I am a leader spiritually. I’ve watched my husband, friends,
and other family members look to me for spiritual guidance. My pastor, who is also my father,
has trusted me that it is from God when I speak. When I write a sermon, it is from God, and it is
what he would have for the church. My father has been a pastor for 45 years and a preacher for
almost 60 years. I know he hears the voice of God; he placed a level of confidence in me that I
SMPP 4
never had in myself. It was never in my purview to become a preacher or pastor or anything of
the sort, but God had a plan. He uses me to uplift those I encounter; I was chosen to spread the
gospel of Jesus.
Question Two
a. This is Me! (Graph 2) – My DISC profile is appropriately described in the
Professional/Leadership DISC assessment, and it positions me as a “Competent Influencing
Specialist (C/I/S)” (Uniquely You, 2024). The graph can be accessed in Figure 2 of the
Appendix below. Such a categorization showcases my inherent tendency toward analytical
thought, my capacity for influence, and my preference for stability (Carbonell, 2008). My
approach in professional conditions involves a thorough analysis of situations, which is well-
known to be highly useful in formulating strategic outcomes. One should note that the ability to
influence comes into play through interactions, and I can leverage my understanding and insights
to guide decisions or enable teamwork (Petersen, 2015). For me, stability is vital since it
translates into a consistent performance and a reliable presence, and such qualities explain my
excellent work ethic and general relationships.
b. This is Expected of Me (Graph 1) – I should say that there are expectations set forth
for me, which are denoted as “Steady Competent Types (S/C)” (Uniquely You, 2024). It
essentially means that there is a perception that emphasizes my methodical approach and my
somewhat reserved nature in professional environments (Carbonell, 2008). Figure 1 of the
Appendix showcases graph one. The emphasis on steadiness and competence reflects an
anticipation of my ability to maintain calmness under pressure, properly work through tasks, and
prioritize precision and accuracy (Nichols, 2017). Such an expectation matches my self-view by
acknowledging my preference for structured environments and meaningful connections over
SMPP 5
broader social recognition. My focus should remain on achieving solid results through proper
planning and a detail-oriented approach; however, I should also keep upholding the values of
integrity and authenticity.
Question Three
C/I/S aligned with a D
When I align with “D” types, I emphasize my people skills by adopting a passive and
friendly communication style. It mainly involves focusing discussions on achieving common
understanding and making decisions respectfully, but I also exercise cautiousness in doing so
(Carbonell, 2008; DISC Personality Testing, 2024b). I aim to adjust to the “D” type’s preference
for quick and decisive action to ensure our interactions are productive and match shared goals. It
requires attentively listening to the “D” type, but I need to be aware that I am cautious and
inspiring myself (Nichols, 2017; Petersen, 2015). I also remain supportive but open to dialogue –
this way, we can focus on D’s need for results and respect each other’s views simultaneously.
C/I/S aligned with an I
When it comes to “I” types, I engage with them more enthusiastically, which is why our
interactions have a sort of energy. Hence, it requires shifting from my usual passive role
approach to a more people-oriented one (DISC Personality Testing, 2024a). I make an effort to
participate in lively discussions by showing genuine interest in their ideas since I am inspired to
cooperate (Petersen, 2015; Uniquely You, 2024). My goal should be to create an engaging
condition that enables creativity and maintains the I type’s high energy levels.
C/I/S aligned with a S
In interactions with “S” types, my prioritization is about patience, support, and empathy,
which is why I should adopt a more supportive communication style. I focus on listening and
SMPP 6
reassuring because these individuals are “both reserved and people-oriented” (DISC Personality
Testing, 2024b, p. 9). Such an approach involves adjusting my pace and ensuring that my
messages are about reliability and trustworthiness since I should be aware that the “S” type
prefers some degree of harmony and cooperation (Uniquely You, 2024). A good example is
Josh’s girlfriend, whom he dates in a similar type of support-oriented relationship (Harrison,
2019). My objective is to build a strong foundation of trust, facilitating a positive and supportive
interaction.
C/I/S aligned with a C
Communicating with “C” types, I leverage our supportive and cautious nature by
focusing on their perspective. Such an alignment comes naturally since we are both like “otters”
who are responsive, warm, and compassionate. (DISC Personality Testing, 2024b; Ebrown,
2007) It allows us to go straight into what we are nervous about and utilize an empathetic
approach. This is why I need to ensure that our conversations are thorough, respectful, and
focused on proper mutual understanding because the “C” type appreciates a high degree of
accuracy and excellence (Carbonell, 2008). My goal is to enable a supportive dialogue that
capitalizes on our mutual strengths.
Question Four
I selected Josh from the case study for counseling, and my informed guess is that his
DISC relational style is primarily C (Conscientious) with elements of D (Dominant). In other
words, Josh is similar to my mentor’s C/D style, which is why I believe I will be able to counsel
him effectively (DISC Personality Testing, 2024b). Carbonell (2008) states that C/D is highly
practical and focuses mostly on tasks rather than people. My estimation is based on his academic
focus and mature attitude towards life. Josh showcases a thoughtful and analytical approach to
SMPP 7
situations by valuing justice and supporting his father’s decision to forgive (Harrison, 2019). I
think it reflects a conscientious regard for outcomes and a dominant trust in leadership decisions
(Uniquely You, 2024). In my approach to counseling Josh, I would utilize active listening to
address my tendency for task-oriented focus - I want to make sure that I fully understand his
feelings. The given technique betters my ability to listen with empathy by showing genuine
interest in what he thinks and feels (Petersen, 2015). This is the reason why I need to include
reflective statements to acknowledge what he is going through.
I would shift my C/D style to more closely match what Josh needs, which means there
must be some form of logical discussion as well as emotional support. I should integrate
analytical conversations about justice and forgiveness; however, there is also must be a space for
him to express emotions due to his conscientiousness. Bible states: “Carry each other’s burdens,
and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Holy Bible, New International Version,
1973/2011, Galatians 6:2). It substantiates the importance of empathy and support, which
properly reflects what Josh is experiencing. The scripture essentially promotes a shared journey
through grief; hence, there must be proper understanding and support.
Question Five
Understanding my mentor’s C/D DISC style and integrating insights from the 360°
Interview Worksheet equips me with the ability to create a proper framework for our effective
communication and connection. My mentor is C/D, and he values analytical approaches, careful
planning, and a drive to achieve excellence (DISC Personality Testing, 2024b). Such
characteristics indicate that he has a preference for structured as well as goal-oriented
interactions and a high standard for quality and efficiency. To match my I/C/S/with my mentor’s
C/D style, I should adopt a straightforward and fact-based communication approach by focusing
SMPP 8
on clear objectives and outcomes (“Mentor’s 360 interview worksheet template,” n.d.). It
involves presenting ideas and feedback in a properly structured fashion to respect his analytical
nature and desire for thorough understanding. In addition, I should acknowledge his careful
attitude; thus, I will make sure that we always discuss all possible problems that require caution
and consideration.
I should also account for the intricacies of our personality types, which were well-
established and analyzed in the interview. I am an “otter,” whereas my mentor is a “lion” since
he is practical and decisive, and he is also a leader; however, I am supportive and compassionate
(Ebrown, 2007). Hence, I must be a caring individual who values meaningful and supportive
relationships. I will make sure to express appreciation for his guidance by reinforcing the value
of our mentor-mentee relationship. I will also seek to create and build our mutual respect and
understanding, which is why I plan to be receptive to feedback. In his eyes, I should always be
fully committed to my personal as well as professional growth. Given his tendency to overtake, I
will be mindful of their time and contributions – I will propose manageable goals and search for
ways to support his well-being. Finally, I will encourage honest dialogue about workload and
boundaries to make our mentoring process effective.
Conclusion
This DISC assessment allowed me an opportunity to affirm many qualities I already
knew. I am more passive than active on most occasions, but I can be active when needed. I prefer
to be in the background as support, but God has placed me in the forefront as his servant and
laborer. This is indicative of how my life is and how people are drawn to me. I can be assertive
when required, but I am a peacemaker. I don’t like ruffling feathers or causing my peace or the
peace of others to be disrupted. I am very analytical and great at research. I am a person who
SMPP 9
seeks the answer to fix whatever the problem may be. I will step to the plate and take charge
when necessary and even do an exceptional job, however it has not been me forte. While the
assessment stated that I am happiest when I am the center of attention, that could not be further
from the truth. I am content with being in the background and in the supporting staff. I am not
spontaneous; I like to plan everything to the tiniest detail to make sure that the task is completed
correctly the first time. I have a saying, “Do you want it done fast or do you want it done right?”
I enjoy solitude but I also enjoy spending time with my close friends and family. I am what some
will call an extroverted introvert. I prefer to be alone most times, but when I have to be in groups
or large gatherings, I adapt quickly to ensure I meet the expectations of communication in social
gatherings.
My “So What? Of it All!” is understanding my personality type as a mixture of high on
the tasks and low on the people, I believe this stems from being a loner and being bullied
growing up. I have learned to enjoy my own company; I have also been a remote worker for the
last seven years which allows me to spend most of my day without interacting with people. I am
very task oriented and methodical, but I am also very comical, fun, loving caring and
compassionate to those with whom I interact. I am pretty much the same person privately and
publicly. The only time I am completely different is when I am being used by God to preach the
gospel to his children. That is the side of me I am now learning. I have the ability to relate and
reach many types of people and it is always my prayer that they will see the light of Jesus
through my interaction with them.
References
Carbonell, M. (n.d.). “Uniquely You DISC Assessment. Retrieved from5https://uniquelyyou.org/.
DISC Personality Testing. (2024a). This disc personality test will help you increase your
personal and professional success. https://discpersonalitytesting.com/
SMPP 10
DISC Personality Testing. (2024b). Style report [PDF document].
Ebrown. (2007). Personality types: Lion, otter, golden retriever, and beaver. Weird Guy Creative.
https://weirdblog.wordpress.com/2007/02/22/personality-types-lion-beaver-otter-and-
golden-retriever/
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway website.
%https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206%3A2&version=NIV
(Original work published 1973).
Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Bible Gateway website.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A27%2CPsalm
%20139%3A13-16%2CProverbs%2016%3A4&version=NKJV
Nichols, K. (2017).5Masterpiece: Seeing yourself as God's work of art changes everything.
Lynchburg, VA.: Liberty University Press.
Petersen, J. (2015).5Why don't we listen better? Communicating and connecting in
relationships5(3rd ed.). Petersen Publications.
Rice, D. (2018). A case study on crossroads: A story of forgiveness. Lynchburg, VA.: Liberty
University
Uniquely You. (2024). DISC profile report [PDF document].
SMPP 11
Appendix
Figure 1
Graph 1: “This is expected of me!”
Figure 2
Graph 2: “This is me!”
