Page 2 - Disc-In-Action Final

Managing Your Style, Avoiding Overuses

Our strengths can also hold us back since almost all of us are prone to stay in our behavioral
comfort zone. It is much easier to “autopilot” than to expend the energy to consciously modify

behavior for more successful outcomes. As a result, we are more likely to emphasize, and
overuse, the behaviors that are the most comfortable to us. Yes, you guessed it – these are
our strengths.

Take a look at some core strengths and examine how they can be overused:

Overuse tends to
occur:
- When people are
experiencing stress or
deadline pressure
What can you do to avoid overusing strengths?
When we overuse our strengths, essentially we become too much of ourselves. Under stress,
fatigue, or strong emotions we are more prone to exhibit the negative traits of our behavior instead
- When people fail to
value other styles of the appropriate behavioral modifications we normally make.
Not surprisingly, everything comes down to making conscious decisions about modifying behavior.
- During emotionally Sometimes we just do not feel like doing it. We have little energy or are not motivated. When this
charged situations happens, focus on the big picture. Ask yourself: “What is the cost of not adjusting my behavior?”
This often helps put everything into perspective.
- In dysfunctional
relationships What about a few techniques to help not to overuse strengths?
 First, slow down and be present. You need to be aware how you are behaving.
 Aim to keep calm and control your emotions. Remember, when you become emotional
you stop adjusting.
 Keep the end goal in mind and focus on how to modify your behavior.

Identifying when you are stressed, emotional, or fatigued is one critical step towards knowing when
you are overusing strengths.

Everything in moderation. Even with our wonderful strengths. Use, but not abuse, them.