Knowing Employee Profiles Will Maximize Performance

I have been amazed at the lack of information CEOs really have on their employees. I recommend all employers begin by having their key employees, especially the management and sales teams take the DISC test. We do not conduct any sales training without testing each participant either prior to or during the training. DISC is a quadrant behavioral model based on the work of William Moulton Marston PhD to examine the behavior of individuals in their environment or within a specific situation (otherwise known as environment). It therefore focuses on the styles and preferences of such behavior.

When it comes to psychometrics, this has been proven to be one of the most effective tools a CEO can have.

Marston graduated from doctoral studies at Harvard in the newly developing field of psychology. He was also a consulting psychologist, researcher, and author or co-author of five books. His works were showcased in Emotions of Normal People in 1928.

This system of dimensions of observable behavior has become known as the universal language of behavior. Research has found that characteristics of behavior can be grouped into these four major "personality styles" and they tend to exhibit specific characteristics common to that particular style. All individuals possess all four, but what differs from one to another is the extent of each.

For most, these types are seen in shades of grey rather than black or white, and within that, there is an interplay of behaviors, otherwise known as blends. The denotation of such blends starts with the primary (or stronger) type, followed by the secondary (or lesser) type, although all contribute more than just purely the strength of that "signal".

Having understood the differences between these blends makes it possible to integrate individual team members with less troubleshooting. In a typical team, there are varying degrees of compatibility, not just toward tasks but interpersonal relationships as well. However, when they are identified, energy can be spent on refining the results.

Each of these types has its own unique value to the team, ideal environment, general characteristics, what the individual is motivated by, and value to team.

DISC is also used in an assortment of areas, including by many companies, Sales, Marketing and HR professionals, organizations, consultants, coaches and trainers...

The assessments classify four aspects of behavior by testing a person's preferences in word associations (compare with Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). DISC is an acronym for:


Dominance – relating to control, power and assertiveness

Influence – relating to social situations and communication

Steadiness (submission in Marston's time) – relating to patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness

Compliance (or caution, consciencesness) – relating to structure and organization

These four dimensions can be grouped in a grid with "D" and "I" sharing the top row and representing extroverted aspects of the personality, and "C" and "S" below representing introverted aspects. "D" and "C" then share the left column and represent task-focused aspects, and "I" and "S" share the right column and represent social aspects. In this matrix, the vertical dimension represents a factor of "Assertive" or "Passive", while the horizontal represents "Open" vs. "Guarded"
Dominance: People who score high in the intensity of the "D" styles factor are very active in dealing with problems and challenges, while low "D" scores are people who want to do more research before committing to a decision. High "D" people are described as demanding, forceful, egocentric, strong willed, driving, determined, ambitious, aggressive, and pioneering. Low D scores describe those who are conservative, low keyed, cooperative, calculating, undemanding, cautious, mild, agreeable, modest and peaceful.

Influence: People with high "I" scores influence others through talking and activity and tend to be emotional. They are described as convincing, magnetic, political, enthusiastic, persuasive, warm, demonstrative, trusting, and optimistic. Those with low "I" scores influence more by data and facts, and not with feelings. They are described as reflective, factual, calculating, skeptical, logical, suspicious, matter of fact, pessimistic, and critical.

Steadiness: People with high "S" styles scores want a steady pace, security, and do not like sudden change. High "S" individuals are calm, relaxed, patient, possessive, predictable, deliberate, stable, consistent, and tend to be unemotional and poker faced. Low "S" intensity scores are those who like change and variety. People with low "S" scores are described as restless, demonstrative, impatient, eager, or even impulsive.

Conscientious: People with high "C" styles adhere to rules, regulations, and structure. They like to do quality work and do it right the first time. High "C" people are careful, cautious, exacting, neat, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, and tactful. Those with low "C" scores challenge the rules and want independence and are described as self-willed, stubborn, opinionated, unsystematic, arbitrary, and unconcerned with details.

Once again, it is my recommendation a CEO starts by conducting the tests on the key roles and departments in the company. The tests can be taken from http://www.discprofile.com/

Logical Solutions for Lower Energy Bills

Dallas, TX – November 1, 2010 – Jeff Huddleston, President of Logical Solutions, Inc., is bringing “Logical Solutions” to lower energy bills to business owners. Since 1995 Logical Solutions hasn’t been only the name of their company, it is the way they do business. Huddleston says, “Three years ago people were happy if they invested in energy savings and could get a return on their investment in three to five years. Now we have systems that can pay themselves off in a year.” Every year, Logical Solutions has more and better tools to help Property Managers, Business and Commercial Building Owners lower energy bills and improve tenant comfort at the same time.
With returns paying off in a year’s time, this investment outperforms most traditional investments such stocks and bonds. In a down market where some are simply “waiting it out”, it is logical to invest in something that would lower energy bills.

Logical Solutions or “LSi” has brought energy management and building automation to a whole new level of accountability. Anyone responsible for paying energy bills wants to know, “What is costing me so much?” and “How do I control it?” LSi has that answer. With the installation of Automated Logic’s WebCTRL®, a web-based building automation software at a client’s facility, LSi can remotely view a client’s power consumption, advise the client where gaps are in their energy management plan, and offer the client advice on the most effective ways to lower energy bills and maximize efficiency. LSi adopted the award-winning WebCTRL® system in 2000 making them one of the most experienced installers of WebCTRL®.

LSi is able to monitor gas and electric consumption with mind-bending accuracy. For example, Energy Reports software offers the functionality of producing reports that break costs down in relevant increments, like by cost per occupant, or cost per occupied hour. This simple and effective solution can display a direct comparison of energy efficiency and comfort.

When asked what advice he would give to someone shopping for a company in his industry, Huddleston said “Look at total costs, future costs and the present day. Get unit and software upgrade pricing up front. Of course, you will also want to check references to ensure that the company’s service is top-notch after the sale.”

More information can be obtained by contacting Logical Solutions at: http://lsicontrols.com/

Cheap Elevator Inspection Companies: Not Worth Risks

November 6, 2010 - Dallas, TX – Cheap elevator inspection companies may not be worth the risk. Anyone who passes the QEI Exam can become an elevator inspector. They can certainly start their own elevator inspection company and satisfy all state requirements. Bobby Manning, Owner and CEO of Elevator Inspection of Texas or “EIT” says, “Just because you are licensed doesn’t mean you are a good elevator inspector. It doesn’t mean you are thorough. It doesn’t even mean you are good at what you do.”

The industry is riddled with small companies operating out of their homes or cars. A great number of them come from reputable companies that put money into their training and licensing after which the employees leave and start their own companies stealing clients from the employer that gave them an opportunity. Only one out of every four of those companies ever survives. The clients that follow those new employees are often even unaware of the change until they have paid for experience they didn’t receive.

Cheap elevator inspections done by these small companies that lack significant experience or man power often miss items as simple as testing elevator phones or fire response systems. An elevator can malfunction after hours leaving the occupants stranded until others return to the building in the morning or after the weekend. If the fire response systems are not set correctly, instead of going to the main floor for the emergency response team; the elevator could stop at the floor the fire is on and expose everyone inside.

If not checked or maintained correctly, the elevator hydraulics could fail with horrific consequences. Cheap elevator inspections may be tempting to accept at first glance, but due diligence will allow for a good decision. A low price is not always a bad thing. It can however be a warning sign encouraging a prospective client to do more due diligence before proceeding with the purchase. Manning says, “Everyone has to look at the dollar value. We keep our costs down too. Sometimes we are the low bid, sometimes not. People just need to be aware that the risks are too high to go with someone just because they are the low bid regardless of experience or capability.”
Elevator Inspection of Texas can be contacted for more information at: http://elevatorinspectionoftexas.com/12200 Ford Road, Suite 420, Dallas, Texas 75234 Phone: (214) 217-4820 Fax: (214) 217-4821

GFS Texas is in the Business to Save Lives

Dallas, TX – October 27, 2010 – GFS Texas Vice-President, Chad Jarmon says, “We are in the business to save lives. In the case of a fire, human life trumps everything. Buyers often make the mistake of taking only the lowest bid when it comes to their fire system. They forget the whole point is to save lives. The low bidder doesn’t always have that in mind.”


The economic downturn over the past two years has caused many companies in the fire safety industry to cut corners to become more price competitive. Jarmon says, “The fire system needs to be designed and built to save lives, both of the tenants and those of the first responders. The system also needs to be designed to save building structure and contents thereof.” The system must pass city codes and inspections both on design and installation.

Less than 10% of the fire safety companies in the area are union companies. GFS Texas is proud to be one of them. As the hiring practices of others are far less stringent, GFS Texas helps their Pipe Fitters through a fire protection specific 5-year program through Penn State University. Penn State University is one of only two schools in the nation offering such a program.

All GFS Texas Designers have specialized training from a five-year program of Oklahoma State University. This experience may cost the company more money, but it is all worth it in the end. It is certainly worth it to those who are able to walk away from a fire because of it. Jarmon says, “We grow our own people and those people bring new ideas and better ways of doing things.” A fire system only has one chance to do it’s job and do it well. GFS Texas designs, builds and maintains a fire system to function properly when it is needed most.

GFS Texas can be reached at 1375 River Bend Dr., Dallas, TX 75247, Main Phone 214.637.4141 or website: http://gfstexas.com/

Two Men and a Truck Inform the Public About Warning Signs of Bad Moving Companies

HOUSTON, TX – September 21, 2010 – Two Men and a Truck is widely known as a moving company for both residential and commercial moves. They have secured a place in the market as the company that plays by all the rules. Not everyone plays by the rules, however. Now Roger Daniel, a Houston-based “Two Men and a Truck” franchise owner is leveling the playing field between the client and the mover by arming the client with information on what they should look for in a moving company.


Daniel says, “All of our drivers and movers are full time employees of our company. We have an extensive training program for them to go through and we do criminal background checks and drug screening. Beware of other companies that may use temporary and contract laborers to provide their services.”

The TX DMV is the regulatory board for the moving industry and they simply do not have the resources to monitor and pursue the companies that are running without proper authority and credentials.

It is the consumer’s responsibility to research their moving company and the following is a recommended list to check out.

1. Make sure that the company is registered with the TX DMV for a local move and with the US DOT for an interstate move.

2. Check the company out with the BBB to make sure they have a satisfactory rating and look at the number of filed complaints.

3. Ask your friends and family who they have used in the past and try to get some references.

4. Make sure that the company that you are hiring has a physical office address and is not operating out of their home.

5. Check with the company that you are hiring and make sure that they are not using contract labor for services and that they are insured and bonded.

6. Be very careful if you are hiring a company off of the internet as they may only be a broker and will sell the job off to a moving company that you will not know anything about.

Home owners and business owners alike are encouraged to thoroughly check out a moving company before allowing them to touch their belongings. This can save them costly mistakes, delays and damage.

Another great educational source is from the Greater Houston Movers Association in Houston which will advise you on things to check out. http://www.ghmahouston.org/consumer-education.html

Two Men and a Truck can be contacted at 713-278-1112, fax 713-278-1138 or online at 17400 NW Freeway, Houston, TX 77040.http://www.twomenandatruck.com/

TexEnergy Solutions Audits Architectural Energy Loss and Solves Identified Problems

October 7, 2010- Dallas, TX – Architectural energy audits are common place due to high energy prices and green movement in the construction industry. Energy audits can actually be performed before construction even begins. TexEnergy Solutions performs comprehensive home energy audits and home performance contracting for energy retro-fits in the state of Texas.


Many companies with a product or service to sell offer energy audits. These audits may not address all the issues with the home but focus on the area of the company’s offering so it is difficult for most homeowners to get an unbiased opinion.

TexEnergy Solutions audits are very comprehensive and show the homeowner the energy and financial impact of a variety of measures to improve the comfort and energy consumption in their home. The homeowner is presented with a scope of work and may use them or any other qualified contractor to implement the improvements recommended.

The TexEnergy Solutions staff consists of: Residential Energy Consultants, Building Scientists, Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Raters & Trainers, HVAC Technicians and AC & Energy Engineers with vast years of experience in energy delivery, new home construction, retrofit, remodel and residential energy conservation products and services.

Shopping for an Energy Auditor can be intimidating to some because it is not something they do often and may be outside their comfort zone. The same due diligence done in any buying decision should be performed when selecting an auditor and contractor. Check references, check the BBB rating etc.

The momentum shows. TexEnergy has audited over 16,000 homes since 2002. They received the Energy Star Outstanding Achievement Award two years in a row. They have even gone so far as to guarantee a reduction in energy bills and increase comfort.

Jerold Davis, of TexEnergy Solutions says, “More people are deciding to “fix-up” their existing home rather than move. The two areas our services address (energy conservation and improved comfort) will continue to increase in demand. We expect our business to more than double in the next few years.”

For more information visit http://www.texenergy.org

Oil fouling reduces efficiency up to 30% in first 5 years

Dallas, TX- September 30, 2010- Synergetic Energy is responding to an age old problem with air conditioning systems- oil fouling. A major design flaw in every system requires the compressor to have oil. The oil attaches to the metal coils and reduces heat transfer. Synergetic’s product, “KwikCOOL” removes oil fouling and keeps the oil from reattaching by replacing the bonded oil molecules with a specially engineered molecule that increases heat transfer in both the coil and the refrigerant. The molecules also increase coolant flow thus increasing efficiency substantially and extending the life of the system.


A.S.H.R.A.E. (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and AC Engineers) released findings that oil fouling reduces efficiency up to 30% in the first 5 years. Synergetic responded to the problem by designing KwikCool to improve coil heat transfer by increasing the coefficient of heat exchange providing more cooling. The product also increases the boiling point temperature of refrigerant. This increases the refrigerant’s ability to pull heat out of the air, and maximize cooling. KwikCOOL produces colder air faster delivering colder air through the vents causing the thermostat to shut the system down more often. Between that and the fact that the product lowers the amperage draw, the result is an estimated 20-30% savings in energy costs.

Unlike most green products with a payback in 3-5 years or more, KwikCOOL pays for itself in about one cooling season.

Synergetic Energy President, Dave McCowan said, “KwikCOOL is a revolutionary technology that restores your AC system’s efficiency and helps you eliminate poor heat transfer that is costing you up to 20-30% more on your cooling bill. KwikCOOL is an inexpensive solution that helps you start saving immediately on your electric bill.” McCowan expects “KwikCOOL” to be a household name within the next five years.