DiSC for the win
DiSC for the win!
When it comes to understanding people in the workplace, not all tools are created equal. Over the course of more than 25 years in the people and culture space, I’ve explored countless profiling tools, from LSI to love languages to CliftonStrengths. While each has its value, one tool stands out to me as a game-changer for fostering workplace culture, team collaboration, and employee engagement and that’s DiSC profiling.
What DiSC profiling is and isn’t
Before exploring why I believe in DiSC, it’s essential to clarify what it isn’t.
It’s not a tool for punishment. Comments like “Oh, you’re a D, everyone hates you” miss the point.
It’s not an excuse for poor behaviour. Statements such as “I’m a D; if I hurt your feelings, that’s just who I am” undermine the value of self-awareness.
No DiSC profile is inherently better or worse than another.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen profiling tools misused in workplaces. When waved around like a blunt instrument or applied without proper understanding, they fail to drive the positive change they’re designed for. But when used thoughtfully and paired with professional guidance, DiSC profiling can transform teams and workplaces.
The power of DiSC profiling
At its core, DiSC is an easy-to-understand, research-backed profiling tool designed to help individuals and teams work better together.
DiSC measures preferences and tendencies based on four communication styles:
Dominance (D)
Influence (i)
Steadiness (S)
Conscientiousness (C)
Rather than putting people in restrictive boxes, DiSC offers personalised insights that help individuals understand themselves and their colleagues. It creates a shared language, encourages appreciation for diverse working styles, and ultimately improves team functionality.
Here’s what sets DiSC apart:
Practical insights tailored for improving workplace relationships
Adaptable testing refined with 40+ years of neuroscience and positive psychology research
Personalised reports with actionable strategies for self-improvement and enhanced collaboration
Through this framework, businesses can foster deeper connections, reduce workplace frustration, and set teams up for long-term success.
Real-world example of DiSC in action
Imagine a leader who identifies as a D (Dominance). They value results and efficiency and may see a team member with an S (Steadiness) profile as slow-paced or overly patient. Without context, this mismatch in working styles could easily lead to tension.
DiSC allows the D leader to appreciate the S team member’s reliability and supportiveness, encouraging a partnership built on mutual respect. At the same time, the S profile gains strategies for navigating the D’s high-energy, results-driven style.
This shared understanding empowers both individuals to adapt their communication and prioritise the team’s success.
How DiSC profiling benefits workplace culture
Improves team collaboration
DiSC bridges communication gaps by highlighting differences in working styles and opening up channels for empathetic dialogue. Team members better understand how to approach each other, resolve conflicts, and build trust.
Reduces workplace frustration
Workplace conflicts often stem from misunderstandings. A structured profiling tool like DiSC helps reduce these tensions by fostering empathy and teaching colleagues how to work effectively together.
Enhances employee engagement
When employees feel understood and valued, their connection to their work thrives. By addressing individual and team dynamics, DiSC creates a more inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
Creates actionable pathways for growth
DiSC isn’t just theoretical - it’s practical. The insights it provides are actionable, helping employees maximise their strengths and approach challenges with confidence.
A personal approach to collaboration
DiSC profiling also plays a pivotal role in my own work as an HR consultant. For instance, when I onboard a new client, I include a DiSC profile for my main point of contact. This helps me tailor my working relationship with them, ensuring I meet their needs in ways they respond to best.
Matching DiSC to my consultancy values - courage, growth, integrity, and creativity - ensures I can provide meaningful, tailored guidance that strengthens my client partnerships.
Fancy a personal example? I’m a Di (Dominance-Influence). I thrive on variety and big-picture thinking. Small details and unnecessary hoops frustrate me, but clear expectations help me deliver results.
I once had a manager who gave me excellent instructions for completing a research task, a one-page summary of key dot points. With this guidance, I felt empowered to meet her expectations while respecting my working style.
Why DiSC works for your business
Unlike complex or overwhelming profiling tools, DiSC is accessible and user-friendly. Its straightforward design ensures that leaders at all levels can integrate it seamlessly into their teams.
The role of DiSC goes beyond individual growth; it provides strategies for building highly functional teams that work cohesively to achieve organisational goals.
Building high-performing teams
DiSC profiling isn’t just about understanding who your people are. It’s about helping them thrive together.
Successful teams blend diverse personalities, skills, and approaches. By using DiSC to align individual strengths with team objectives, you can create a work environment where innovation, trust, and collaboration flourish.
Unlock your team’s potential with DiSC
Whether you’re looking to reduce team friction, engage employees, or build an enduring workplace culture, DiSC is a powerful tool - for understanding your people and helping them understand each other.
If you’re ready to explore how DiSC profiling can transform your business, I’d love to chat.
