Think About it -- Don’t Feed the Beast

Think About It Think About it -- Don’t Feed the Beast
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Faith Based Security NetworkFaith Based Security Network

Nov 24, 2024

While working at a ministry years ago, our HR department put all managers through leadership personality awareness training, using the DISC method.

DISC defines leadership styles as; Dominant (Direct), Inspiring (Interactive), Supportive (Steady) or Cautious (Conscientious). DISC is another version of the common A, B, C or D studies.

While labels vary, the ABCD styles are generally A) Dominant, B) Social, C) Analytical and D) Cautious. Many know about, “the A-Type” (or “high D”) leaders.

Per the DISC method, I scored as a “High S-type leader.”

Except under stress.

Under stress I went full “D” (dominant). So much so, the instructor used me as an oddity example in front of the class of managers. Classmates chuckled as they identified with her assessment that I was normally easy going and supportive. Threatened however, I became Patton.

That study into my psyche bothered me for years. I always felt called to be an encourager. Where did that Patton gene come from? But I can’t deny it’s presence. My family, and those I’ve worked closely with, have all seen Patton.

As I have aged, I began to see it not only as a weakness, but (handled right) a strength.

Some didn’t understand the security point of my message last week. The whole point of that, (related to this topic today), is that we need to be careful to not get caught up in the divisive vitriol so prominent in our culture today. As security people, we can all be A-Type, High D’s, (and should be when the dragon enters).

It’s OK to take a side. Stand for something, but don’t feed the bile beast.

Think About it

When danger is inevitable, and people are about to be hurt, go to Patton mode. When somebody walks in and wants to talk politics – don’t get drawn in. Those are changing shadows (among those men get lost).

It is my hope that we can see some real improvement in the moral value of our nation in the coming years. It would be easy for me to be all Patton when thinking about the moral decay we have suffered in the last 50 years.

But we are called to be peacekeepers. Many who walk into your doors are not. They want to cause trouble. Understand them, but don’t join them and feed that bile beast.

As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

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