What Your Employees Wished You Knew – DiSC® Styles in Leadership
by Wendy Beltzner
Sr. Director, Leadership Development & Training
Manufacturers Resource Center
Wendy Beltzner
Leaders have one of the most difficult jobs in our workplace today. In addition to creating a vision, developing strategies, and executing goals, they are tasked with gaining alignment from those they lead. If you’re a leader, how often have you thought, “Why does this employee respond the way they do?” “Why do they think something is or isn’t important?” or “Why can’t they just get along?”
The answer to these questions lies in one of the most important responsibilities a leader has – to know his/her players. An effective leader understands that their team doesn’t necessarily see the world in the same way they do. They maximize each employee’s unique gifts and strengths to propel the organization forward. They take the time to understand what makes them tick, what type of environment they thrive in, what excites and motivates them, what stresses them out and ultimately – what they need from their leader.
Leaders who grasp the intricacies of their employees’ dynamics unlock a wealth of opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. One powerful tool in achieving this understanding is the Everything DiSC® assessment, a framework that provides valuable insights into individual behavioral styles. In this post, we’ll delve into why a leader should invest in comprehending their employees’ DiSC styles and how it can pave the way for effective leadership and team synergy.
What is DiSC?
DiSC is an acronym that stands for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. It represents a behavioral assessment tool designed to highlight different personality types and communication preferences within a team. Each letter corresponds to a specific behavioral style:
- Dominance (D): Individuals who are assertive, results-oriented, and decisive.
- Influence (I): People who are outgoing, enthusiastic, and sociable.
- Steadiness (S): Those who are patient, reliable, and collaborative.
- Conscientiousness (C): Individuals who are analytical, meticulous, and systematic.
Why Understand DiSC Styles?
- Enhanced Communication: By comprehending the DiSC styles of team members, leaders can tailor their communication strategies to resonate with each individual. For instance, a leader can adjust their approach to be more direct and concise when interacting with Dominant personalities, while adopting a more supportive and collaborative tone with Steadiness-oriented team members.
- Improved Team Dynamics: A deep understanding of DiSC styles fosters a harmonious team environment by minimizing conflicts and maximizing synergy. Leaders can strategically assemble teams with a balanced mix of unique styles, leveraging the strengths of each member to achieve collective goals.
- Effective Leadership Adaptation: Leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Leaders who grasp the diverse DiSC styles within their team can adapt their leadership style accordingly. For instance, they may adopt a more hands-on approach with Conscientious individuals who appreciate structure and clarity, while granting more autonomy to Influential team members who thrive on collaboration and creativity.
- Tailored Motivation Strategies: Different DiSC styles are motivated by distinct factors. While Dominant personalities may respond well to challenges and opportunities for leadership, Steadiness-oriented individuals may be motivated by a sense of stability and recognition of their contributions. Understanding these nuances allows leaders to craft personalized motivation strategies that resonate with each team member.
- Increased Productivity and Engagement: When employees feel understood and valued for their unique strengths, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. This sense of validation fosters a positive work culture where individuals are empowered to perform at their best, ultimately driving productivity and innovation.
Implementing DiSC in Leadership
To effectively leverage DiSC in leadership, it’s essential for leaders to:
- Administer DiSC Assessments: Encourage team members to complete DiSC assessments to gain insights into their behavioral styles.
- Facilitate Open Dialogue: Foster an environment of open communication where team members feel comfortable discussing their DiSC profiles and how they impact their interactions.
- Provide Ongoing Support: Offer training and resources to help team members understand and appreciate the diverse DiSC styles present within the team.
- Lead by Example: Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in leadership style, showcasing an appreciation for the unique contributions of each team member.
In conclusion, understanding DiSC styles is not merely a checkbox on the path to effective leadership—it’s a fundamental cornerstone. Leaders who invest the time and effort to comprehend the diverse behavioral styles within their team unlock a wealth of benefits, from enhanced communication and team dynamics to increased productivity and engagement. By embracing the principles of DiSC, leaders can pave the way for success in today’s dynamic work environment. Visit MRC’s Leadership Training and Certifications page to learn more about how we incorporate this dynamic tool into our leadership training classes.