The DISC Framework
- Carol Myers
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Your Blueprint for Self-Awareness
✨ Your Blueprint for Self-Awareness
Why do some conversations energize you while others drain you? Why does your colleague thrive under pressure while you prefer time to think things through? Why can you work seamlessly with one team member but constantly clash with another?
The answer isn't about compatibility or personality conflicts; it's about understanding behavioural styles. And that's exactly what the DISC framework reveals. 🎯✨
🌟 What Is The DISC Framework?
DISC is a behavioural assessment tool that identifies four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. Unlike personality tests that label you as one fixed type, DISC recognizes that we're all a unique blend of these styles, with certain traits showing up more prominently depending on the situation.
Think of DISC as your behavioural fingerprint. It doesn't define who you are, but it does explain how you naturally approach tasks, communicate with others, and respond to challenges.
As a Maxwell Leadership certified DISC consultant, I've seen firsthand how this simple framework transforms relationships, teams, and entire organizations. Once you understand your own style and recognize others', everything changes.
Sometimes, we need to take time to reflect, focus, adjust and set an action plan. If you need some guidance on understanding yourself better, becoming clearer on your goals, your strengths and moving forward with confidence, click on the link below to download my Free 6-Steps Guide.
👉 The Four DISC Styles at a Glance
D - Dominance: The Driver Direct, results-oriented, and decisive. D-types want to know the "what" and "when", they're ready to take action now. They value competence, efficiency, and winning. If you've ever wondered why someone cuts straight to the chase without small talk, you're likely interacting with a high-D personality.
I - Influence: The Inspirer Enthusiastic, optimistic, and people-focused. I-types thrive on connection and collaboration. They bring energy to the room and naturally build relationships. They want to know "who" is involved and love brainstorming possibilities. That colleague who can turn a mundane meeting into an engaging discussion? Probably an I-type.
S - Steadiness: The Supporter Patient, reliable, and calm. S-types create stability and value harmony. They're excellent listeners who prefer a steady pace and clear expectations. They want to know "how" something will work and need time to process change. They're the glue that holds teams together, often working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.
C - Compliance: The Analyst Precise, analytical, and quality-focused. C-types want to know "why" and need data to make decisions. They value accuracy, logic, and doing things the right way. That team member who catches every detail you missed and asks thoughtful questions? That's your C-type in action.
Why DISC Matters for Your Professional Growth
Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, and emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadership. When you understand your own DISC style, you gain clarity on:
Your natural strengths - What you bring to the table without even trying
Your potential blind spots - Where you might need to flex or get support
Your communication preferences - How you like to receive information and make decisions
Your stress responses - What happens when you're under pressure
But here's where it gets powerful: once you can identify other people's styles, you can adapt your approach to connect with them more effectively. This isn't about changing who you are; it's about becoming multilingual in the language of behaviour.
DISC in Real-World Application
Let me share a quick example. I worked with a marketing director (high-I style) who was constantly frustrated with her operations manager (high-C style). She felt he was "too slow and negative," always poking holes in her creative ideas. He felt she was "scattered and unrealistic," proposing things without thinking through the logistics.
The problem wasn't incompatibility; it was a lack of understanding. Once they learned about DISC, everything shifted. She realized his questions weren't criticism; they were his way of ensuring quality and feasibility. He realized her enthusiasm wasn't recklessness; it was her way of inspiring possibility.
They didn't change their personalities. They changed their approach to each other. The result? Better projects, less friction, and genuine respect. As you can see below, the youth are collaborating to complete the tasks at hand after a DISC workshop.
Getting Started with Your DISC Assessment
Understanding DISC begins with understanding yourself. While there are many DISC assessments available, the most valuable ones provide not just your scores, but insight into how those scores show up in your daily life.
Here's what to look for in a quality assessment:
Your primary and secondary styles - You're rarely just one type
How you adapt under stress - Your style under pressure might look different
Your communication preferences - How you prefer to send and receive information
Your ideal work environment - What conditions help you thrive
Your Leadership style - How you lead others
Once you have this baseline understanding, you can start to observe patterns in your interactions. Notice when you feel most energized versus drained. Pay attention to which tasks feel natural versus challenging. Recognize when you're in flow versus forcing it.
This awareness becomes your compass for professional decisions, from the projects you take on to how you structure your day to the people you surround yourself with.
Moving Beyond Labels
Here's what DISC is not: it's not an excuse. "Sorry, I'm a high-D, so I'm just direct" doesn't give you permission to be rude. "I'm an S-type, so I can't handle change" doesn't mean you can't grow.
DISC is a tool for understanding, not a limitation. The goal is to leverage your natural strengths while developing the flexibility to adapt when needed. Great leaders don't stay stuck in one style, they learn to flex between styles depending on what the situation requires.
Think of it this way: you might be naturally right-handed, but you can still learn to use your left hand when necessary. Your DISC style is your default, but you can develop range.
Your Next Step
Self-awareness without action is just interesting information. The real transformation happens when you apply what you learn.
Start by taking a DISC assessment. Reflect on your results honestly. Then, choose one relationship or situation where understanding behavioural styles could make a difference. Maybe it's a challenging team member, a stalled project, or a communication breakdown.
Ask yourself: What's my style bringing to this situation? What might the other person's style be? How can I adapt my approach to create better outcomes?
That's where the magic happens, in the space between knowing and doing.
Ready to improve your communication immediately?
Book your individualized DISC Behavioural Analysis today! It will include a 30-page report and a 1-hour debrief with Carol for complete understanding and an action plan.
Not sure what your next steps should be, book a complimentary connection call with Carol by clicking the link below.
Want to dive deeper? In the next article, we'll explore the D-style in detail, how to work with, manage, and communicate effectively with Dominant personalities. Whether you are one or work with one, you won't want to miss it.
🎤 High Road Leadership Summit
All-New Training | Practical Leadership | DISC-Based Insights
📅 February 20, 2025 – International Leadership Day📍 Eltuek Arts Centre | Sydney, NS
The High Road Leadership Summit is a full-day, in-person leadership experience designed to help leaders better understand themselves, others, and how to lead effectively in today’s changing workplace.
This year’s summit is completely new and includes fresh training with a focus on DISC personality styles (Dominant, Influencing, Steady, Compliant) and how they impact leadership, communication, and teamwork.
You’ll walk away with:
New leadership and communication strategies you can apply immediately
Deeper development around working effectively with others, using DISC to understand different personalities
Tools to lead people well through change and challenge
Practical insights you won’t hear anywhere else
Leadership Development that will grow your leadership skills and resilience
Past attendees described the experience as engaging, interactive, clear, and energizing, highlighting the safe environment, practical DISC exercises, and easy-to-understand approach.
👉 A powerful day of leadership, DISC, and real-world development you can actually use.
📣 EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.
Hurry, there are limited quantities. Click the link below to get your tickets today!
Not sure what your next move should be? Unclear on how to move forward with your goals? Struggling to be seen, heard and understood? Let's chat to strategize your next steps.
Book a session here:
Check out my blog on Bridging the Communication Gap. CLICK HERE!
Or this blog on Authenticity: The Key to Stronger Connections and Trust. CLICK HERE!
Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment!
Are you feeling unheard, not valued and not part of the team?
Has your team lost their engagement?
Do you feel like you have lost your passion and purpose?
Click the button below to book a complimentary connection call with Carol. Let's discuss your next steps and whether we are a good fit to work together. If not, no hard feelings, and you'll walk away with some insight.
📩 Email me directly or visit empoweringthepotentialwithin.com to learn more.
Comments