DISC Assessments: The Best Way to Improve Team Work in Your Business

Communicating with others at work can be a challenge. If we want to minimize miscommunication within our team, increase productivity, and resolve conflict easier, the key is to know our team’s communication style. One way we can learn our employees’ communication style is through DISC profile assessments. Learn more about this tool and the four unique personalities in this article.

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Are you experiencing constant miscommunication with your team? 

Sometimes it can feel like no one's ever on the same page in our business. We say one thing to our team; they do another. Or sometimes it seems like what we say goes in one ear and out of the other. 

Miscommunication is bad for business and another cause of stress in our lives. To improve communication in our team, we need to learn HOW to communicate with them. 

Contrary to popular belief, communication does not simply mean “talking”. 

“Communication can be defined as the process of meaningful interaction among human beings. It is the act of passing information and the process by which meanings are exchanged so as to produce understanding.” (Wikia.org)

Effective communication is when we send the message - and this can be verbally, visually, or written - and the other person receives and understands the message we intended. The best way to improve communication is to understand behavioral styles.

My team, much like yours, comprises distinct personalities, habits, and working styles. How I communicate with my marketing person is not the same way I’d communicate with my other business coach. For my team, we use DISC profile assessments to better understand each other’s behavioral styles. 

The DISC profile includes four components, devised by psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston as a tool to measure behavioral styles and how they could influence their overall personality at work and at different levels in the career ladder. Not only does it serve to strengthen how we communicate with others, but it also tells us more about ourselves

We learn about our own communication styles and understand factors that motivate us and stress us out. We also learn more about our own conflict resolution styles and problem-solving techniques.

Not only does my team use it, but businesses and institutions around the world find this tool valuable.

DiSC is an acronym that stands for the four main personality profiles described in the DiSC model: dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness.

1. Dominance (DISC) 

We can call these people, “the Winners''. Competition, success, and winning motivates them. They are the type to take action and they want to see results. However, these types can be impatient or insensitive. They can also try to speed past the details or not explain them. 

People who fall into this trait will be straightforward and blunt, and willing to take on challenges.

The best way to communicate with these individuals is by focusing on the achievement of results and goal orientation 

2. Influence (DISC) 

Otherwise known as “the Enthusiast”, they are relationship-oriented and persuasive by nature. These people are very collaborative and see the brighter picture in any situation. Social recognition, group activities, and relationships drive them. Similar to the Dominance type, they like to take action but are more collaborative by nature.

When communicating with these people relate to them by sharing your own experiences and allowing them time to ask their own questions. Give them time to speak without being interrupted. Focus on the positives while not overwhelming them with the details.

3. Steadiness (DISC)  

“The Peacekeeper” is motivated by cooperation. Individuals falling into this category are persistent in behavior while also giving support, collaborating, and maintaining stability. 

They don’t like to be rushed or pushed beyond limits as they exhibit a calm demeanor.

Since this type values relationships, when communicating with them, be personable and amicable. Relate to them by sharing your interest in them and what you expect of them.

4. Compliant (DISC) 

These individuals are focused on accuracy and quality of work produced along with emphasis on their competencies. Opportunities to gain knowledge, show their expertise, and produce quality work drive “The Analysts”. They are also careful, diplomatic, and tactful.

When communicating with this personality type, focus on the facts and figures. Pep talk or emotional language does not motivate them. Remain patient, persistent, and diplomatic.

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Understanding each other’s behavioral type will not only strengthen team communication but will also aid in conflict resolution and increase productivity.

Complete the DISC assessment with your entire team, it makes for a great team-building activity, even if your team is virtual. We offer these assessments along with team training on the results.

Which DISC profile do you fall into? If you’d like to learn more about how you can transform your company culture for the better using DISC assessments, get connected with a coach today through our complimentary coaching sessions. We only have four spots per month, so reserve your spot soon, before they run out!