There are many different articles on this site ranging from Excel training courses, to IT training, to project management and PRINCE2 etc. We are now pleased to add to that wide ranging list by talking about SDI Emotional Intelligence Training Courses.
We all know that good communication is the key to fruitful relationships in all areas of our lives. However, there is a particular obstacle to this, in that we all see the world through a different set of lenses. Our individual view of the world determines our behaviour and communication and how we then interpret the behaviour and communication of others. Everything we observe is filtered through our own value systems, which means we can sometimes misinterpret the actions of others, thus causing conflict.
Have you ever been on a motorway and had a driver right up against your back bumper, flashing their headlights to get past. What do you think at that point ? Probably something quite negative and unprintable ! You might stay put in your lane to block them (with or without an appropriate gesture !) or be intimidated to move over. How would you feel if you knew that person had a sick child in the car and was rushing them to hospital ? Probably a much different emotion, and you would gladly move over?
Therefore, imagine how relationships could be improved if we knew what was driving what people do and say? Imagine what it would be like to truly understand what makes us and others tick.
Psychologist Dr Elias Porter developed a simple to use method for people to gain emotional intelligence and understand their own “motivational value systems” (MVS) and interpret the MVS of others.
It is called “SDI” (Strength Deployment Inventory) and is a hugely effective way of improving relationships, managing conflict, improving team performance and providing insightful training for customer service, sales and many other relationship based activities. Because of the need for supreme teamwork, it is actually used as a compulsory part of basic training in the RAF.
In a nutshell, individuals or teams complete a questionnaire identifying how they would behave in a number of situations, both when they are feeling good about themselves and “on form” but also when faced with conflict, stress and more negative emotions.
From the questionnaire, their “Motivational Value System (MVS)” is identified in the form of a colour or blend of colours. The MVS is the deeply held values that drive a persons behaviour, which can change when the person is faced with conflict or stressful situations. It is thought that a persons MVS is formed at an early age ; “show me the boy and I will show you the man”. It is unlikely to change unless an individual goes through a major life-changing experience. However, that does not mean that behaviour and personality do not change. We as humans have a great ability to adapt, but the theory is that our deep down values remain fairly constant through life.
By recognising your own MVS colour and that of those around you, you are able to understand better what drives behaviour and how to interact with people positively and effectively.
SDI also allows us to be more self-aware and manage our strengths and weaknesses. Have a think about this statement. “A weakness is often an overdone strength in the eyes of someone else”. For example the strength of thoroughness if overdone, could be seen as the weakness of slowness by someone with a different value system.
Depicting the MVS in colours makes SDI memorable, easy to apply and fun to learn. It creates a common language for those who have been “SDI’d” to explore why they and others behave, communicate and react to situations the way they do.
So how does the training work ? SDI is ideal for team based training but also for one to one coaching, particularly if an individual is having problems with relationships and communication. Firstly delegates complete the SDI questionnaire to identify their MVS. In a team based session all the MVS results would be plotted on a wall chart for the team to take away.
Each colour or blend of colours would then be explained to the group who can also spend time reading up on their MVS and that of colleagues in the course pack. A discussion can then take place about the profile of the team, what strengths each colour brings to the party and where the teams “blind spots” could be.
The training is rounded off by using the new-found insights in some group exercises, dividing the delegates into groups of particular MVS values. Some fascinating and fun sessions usually ensue as you see the different value systems interacting and debating.
So how does this benefit an organisation with their staff attending SDI Emotional Intelligence Training Courses? Employees will have increased emotional intelligence,which will improve the quality of working relationships and reduce conflict. Improved relationships and teamwork will no doubt lead to increased productivity, creativity and a positive impact on bottom line profit.
So to summarise, although unfortunately people do not come with instruction manuals, there is SDI !!
If you would like to find out more about the SDI, Target HR are accredited to facilitate the SDI model in both 121 coaching and group workshops and would be delighted to talk to business owners and managers about how it could help improve their business performance.
If you wish to know more on SDI Emotional Intelligence Training Courses please contact Les Potton Chartered FCIPD ACII on 07533 161310 or les@target-hr.co.uk. You can also use the contact form below.
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