A Language like Any Other Language
Erikson compares learning his DISA behavior framework with learning a language: practice matters more than memorizing categories. The analogy supports observing and checking communication preferences; it does not establish that personality guesses become accurate through repetition alone.
THE IDEA
Erikson makes a language-learning analogy:
The “language” this book discusses—DISA-language IPD (the Institute for Personal Development) which is the official name—works like any other language when it comes to learning. If you’ve ever studied Spanish or German in school, then you know what I’m talking about. To study for your exams is one thing. To be able to really speak fluently is a different matter. It’s not enough to refresh your knowledge once a year just before a trip to Spain. If you really want to be able to speak Spanish (more than just ordering food at a restaurant) whenever you run into a Spanish speaker, you need to practice. It’s a perishable commodity. There are no shortcuts.
Of course, after reading this book you can go out into the world and happily experiment with the people you meet. I advise you to do so. In the beginning, the challenge will be that you’re going to guess incorrectly about people’s personalities and that may result in a certain degree of embarrassment. Erikson expects becoming more “fluent” in the framework to change interactions. In practice, check your interpretation with the person rather than treating repeated guesses as confirmation.
When to use it
When meeting a colleague, observe how they prefer to communicate and ask what information they need before adapting your approach.
In a team conflict, use behavioral language to identify underlying personality differences and reframe the discussion constructively.
While networking, notice behavioral cues and ask questions to check your interpretation instead of assigning a fixed personality type.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Learning Spanish for Travel
Studying Spanish vocabulary and grammar for an exam is one thing; being able to hold a spontaneous conversation with a native speaker requires consistent practice and real-world usage, just like mastering the DISA behavioral language.
Misreading Personality Cues
Initially, you may guess incorrectly about someone's personality type, leading to awkwardness or embarrassment—similar to using the wrong phrase in a foreign language. Over time, repeated exposure and correction builds fluency.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent interaction where you misinterpreted someone's behavior. How could understanding their 'behavioral language' have changed the outcome?
What is one habit you can adopt to practice reading behavioral cues daily, similar to daily language practice?
Describe a situation where you treated behavioral understanding as a 'perishable commodity'—what happened when you didn't practice?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)