DiSC® and Leadership Development: A Coach’s Toolkit
I’m Sian, and I’ve spent the last 25 years in varying roles within management, marketing, learning and development. Now, I help individuals and teams grow at My Training Shop. Today, I’d like to discuss a highly effective tool in leadership development: the DiSC® for leadership assessment.
Effective communication and understanding within teams are crucial for success. DiSC® provides valuable insights into personal and team dynamics, helping leaders enhance their skills and improve team performance.
Key Takeaways
- DiSC® enhances leaders’ self-awareness and understanding of team members
- It’s an effective tool for improving communication and resolving conflicts
- DiSC® contributes to increased emotional intelligence and team performance
- Adapting leadership styles based on DiSC® insights leads to better outcomes
Why DiSC® is Essential for Leadership Growth
The DiSC® model consists of four primary behavioural styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each individual has a unique combination of these styles, with one or two typically being more prominent.
Snippet from my Leadership Report
A brief overview of each style
- D (Dominance): Direct, results-oriented, and decisive
- i (Influence): Outgoing, enthusiastic, and people-oriented
- S (Steadiness): Patient, supportive, and reliable
- C (Conscientiousness): Analytical, precise, and quality-focused
Understanding these styles provides leaders with valuable insights into their own behaviours and those of their team members. It helps explain why certain team dynamics work well and others may lead to conflict.
DiSC® is grounded in behavioural science research, offering a reliable framework for understanding workplace interactions and improving leadership effectiveness.
The Work of Leaders Profile specifically focuses on:
VISION, ALIGNMENT, AND EXECUTION
Providing a straightforward, three-step process to help reflect on the most fundamental work of leaders:
- Creating a Vision
- Building alignment around that vision
- Championing Execution of the vision.
The Power of Self-Awareness in Leadership
Self-awareness is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. DiSC® serves as a tool for leaders to gain insights into their own behavioural tendencies, strengths, and potential areas for improvement.
For example, a leader with a high ‘D’ style might excel at making quick decisions but may need to develop better listening skills. By recognising these traits, leaders can make conscious efforts to adapt their approach when necessary.
Self-aware leaders tend to make more informed decisions, considering their own biases and the diverse perspectives of their team members. They lead with greater empathy, understanding that different team members may have different needs and communication preferences.
Consider this: How often do you reflect on how your leadership style impacts your team? DiSC® provides a structured way to engage in this crucial self-reflection.
You’ll notice in the illustration above that the priorities change on the DiSC map when moving from workplace teams to leadership traits. Discover more about priorities and shading here.
Coaching Leaders with Different DiSC® Profiles
Understanding how to coach leaders with different DiSC® profiles is crucial for effective leadership development. It’s something we explored recently when looking at Gareth Southgate’s winning adaptive leadership style. Let’s explore the strengths, growth areas, and coaching tips for each DiSC® style.
Coaching Dominance (D) Leaders
Strengths:
- Assertiveness
- Quick decision-making
- Results-oriented approach
Growth areas:
- Patience
- Empathy
- Collaborative skills
Coaching tip: Encourage “D” leaders to pause and listen more effectively. Help them understand the value of incorporating diverse perspectives into their decision-making process.
For example, I once worked with a “D” style CEO who struggled with team engagement. We focused on developing active listening skills and practicing empathy. Over time, this leader saw significant improvements in team morale and productivity.
Coaching Influence (i) Leaders
Strengths:
- Enthusiasm
- Relationship-building
- Inspiring others
Growth areas:
- Focus
- Follow-through
- Attention to detail
Coaching tip: Help “i” leaders develop systems for staying organised and prioritising tasks. Encourage them to balance their natural enthusiasm with a structured approach to DiSC® for leadership.
I recall coaching an “i” style marketing director who excelled at generating ideas but struggled with implementation. We developed a project management system that helped her track progress and delegate effectively, leading to more successful campaign executions.
Coaching Steadiness (S) Leaders
Strengths:
- Supportiveness
- Team harmony
- Consistency
Growth areas:
- Assertiveness
- Embracing change
- Decision-making speed
Coaching tip: Encourage “S” leaders to step out of their comfort zone and take calculated risks. Help them develop strategies for making decisions more quickly when necessary.
In my experience ( I am an S Style!) “S” leaders often benefit from role-playing exercises that allow them to practice assertive communication in a safe environment. This approach helped one “S” style team leader effectively advocate for her department’s needs during a company restructuring.
Snippet from my leadership Report
Coaching Conscientiousness (C) Leaders
Strengths:
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Quality focus
Growth areas:
- Flexibility
- Delegation
- Big-picture thinking
Coaching tip: Work with “C” leaders on embracing imperfection and trusting their team members. Help them develop a more balanced approach that combines their natural analytical skills with greater adaptability.
I once coached a “C” style project manager who struggled with delegating tasks. We focused on identifying team members’ strengths and developing a structured delegation process. This approach not only reduced the leader’s stress but also improved overall team performance.
Integrating DiSC® into Leadership Development Programs
When incorporating DiSC®® into your leadership development program, consider these best practices:
- Begin with a comprehensive DiSC® assessment for all participants.
- Provide individual debriefs to help leaders understand their profiles.
- Conduct group sessions to explore team dynamics through the lens of DiSC®.
- Incorporate DiSC® insights into ongoing coaching and mentoring programs.
Facilitating group discussions around DiSC® results can be particularly effective. These sessions allow leaders to share insights, DiSC®uss challenges, and develop strategies for working together more effectively.
Reflective exercise: Consider how DiSC® might enhance your current leadership development strategy. What aspects of your program could benefit from the insights provided by DiSC® assessments?
What My Training Shop Can Offer You
At My Training Shop, we’re committed to helping organisations, leaders coaches and trainers unlock their full potential through DiSC® assessments and targeted training programs. Here’s how we can support your leadership development journey:
- Comprehensive DiSC® Assessments: We offer the full range of Everything DiSC® assessments, tailored for various organisational needs.
- Ongoing Support: We provide resources to help you implement DiSC® principles in your day-to-day operations or with your clients.
- Team Building Workshops: Our specialised workshops use DiSC® for leadership to improve team communication, collaboration, and performance.
- Leadership Coaching: We offer one-on-one coaching sessions to help leaders apply DiSC® for leadership insights for personal and professional growth.
- Customised Training Programs: We design bespoke training sessions integrating DiSC® insights into your specific organisational context.
- DiSC® Certification Programs: For organisations looking to build internal capacity, we offer certification or learning programs to train your staff in DiSC® facilitation and help to interpret the results effectively. Similarly, for coaches, consultants or facilitators wishing to be certified to deliver DiSC more effectively
- Personal Development: Why not discover your own leadership style - purchase an assessment here
Our goal is to help you transform these insights into tangible improvements in leadership effectiveness and organisational performance.
Book a free pre-engagement consultation with us to get started, or contact us at:
FREE PDF - Coaches Toolkit
Email: help@mytrainingshop.co.uk for the FREE PDF version of this blog.
© Sian
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes DiSC® different from other personality assessments?
A: DiSC® focuses specifically on behavioural styles in workplace contexts. It’s designed to be easily understood and applied, making it particularly effective for improving workplace communication and team dynamics.
Q: How long does a DiSC® assessment take?
A: The online assessment typically takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. However, the real value comes from the debrief and application of the insights, which we guide you through in our training programs.
Q: Can someone’s DiSC® style change over time?
A: While our core tendencies often remain stable, our ability to adapt our style can certainly improve. Life experiences and conscious effort can help us develop skills in our less dominant styles.
Q: Is DiSC® only for leaders or can it benefit all employees?
A: While DiSC® is incredibly valuable for leadership development, it can benefit employees at all levels. Understanding DiSC® can improve communication, teamwork, and personal effectiveness for everyone in an organisation.
Q: How often should we reassess DiSC® profiles?
A: There’s no fixed rule, but many organisations find value in reassessing every 2-3 years or during significant organisational changes. At My Training Shop, we can help you determine the best reassessment schedule for your needs.
