Unlocking Potential: The Value of Using DiSC Training for Employees

Over the years, I’ve consistently observed how much enthusiasm employees show after receiving their DiSC assessment results. Often, they’re surprised by the accuracy and intrigued by how understanding personality styles can transform work relationships. One of my clients even mentioned that DiSC helped save her marriage, as it provided her and her husband with key insights into their interaction styles. While it may not work miracles in every personal relationship, DiSC undoubtedly enhances both personal and professional interactions. In my own life, it has been instrumental in improving communication with my husband.

There are many assessment tools available, and I’ve worked with a variety of them. Each tool has its strengths, but I find DiSC to be the most practical and straightforward for company-wide implementation.

What is DiSC?

DiSC is a personality assessment tool developed in the 1920s by psychologist William Marston. The acronym stands for four primary personality traits:

  1. Dominance (D) – Focused on achieving results, tackling challenges, and setting goals.
  2. Influence (I) – Centers on communication, persuasion, and building relationships.
  3. Steadiness (S) – Values cooperation, reliability, and providing support.
  4. Conscientiousness (C) – Prioritizes accuracy, attention to detail, and structure.

This assessment allows individuals to better understand their personality style, as well as the styles of their colleagues. This awareness can significantly improve communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. I’ve seen teams, particularly in the construction industry, experience a transformation once they understand each other’s styles. They tend to take things less personally and approach interactions with greater empathy. For example, if I know a team member leans toward a Conscientious style, I’m mindful of giving them time to think through decisions, whereas my Dominant style prefers quick action. Recognizing these differences reduces frustration and improves collaboration.

Benefits of DiSC Training

1. Enhanced Communication

Clear and effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team. DiSC training helps employees recognize and adapt to different communication styles. A Dominant personality, for instance, may prefer concise and direct communication, while someone with a Steady personality might appreciate a more considerate approach. This understanding leads to more productive interactions and fewer misunderstandings.

2. Improved Teamwork

Diversity in a team can be a major driver of creativity and productivity, but it must be managed effectively. I work with an executive team where each member has a distinct DiSC style. This diversity brings unique strengths to the table, helping them solve problems and foster business growth. While their differences can be challenging at times, they continually remind themselves to value each other’s contributions and consider alternative perspectives.

3. Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, but how they’re handled makes all the difference. DiSC training equips employees with tools to manage conflicts respectfully, considering different personality styles. I once worked with a company whose team was entirely composed of Dominant personalities. While they excelled at driving growth, they struggled with onboarding new team members. By incorporating DiSC, they learned to soften their approach and communicate more thoughtfully, improving their ability to integrate new hires.

4. Personal Development

Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth. DiSC training encourages employees to reflect on their own styles and understand how their behaviors impact interactions with others. This can lead to improved emotional intelligence, better stress management, and a more proactive approach to personal and professional development. Personally, as a high D, I had to work on softening my communication style over the years. DiSC helped me become more intentional with how I interact, striking a balance between my drive and empathy.

5. Enhanced Leadership

For leaders, understanding DiSC is an invaluable asset. It allows them to adjust their leadership style to suit the needs of individual team members, improving motivation and guidance. I worked with a high-D leader who initially struggled with giving positive feedback. Once he realized how his style was affecting his team, he made a conscious effort to connect and offer positive reinforcement, significantly improving team dynamics.

6. Increased Employee Engagement

When employees feel that their unique traits are recognized and valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed to their work. DiSC training fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are embraced, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover. I’ve seen teams start DiSC training with skepticism, but by the end, they were enthusiastic and even wanted their spouses to take the assessment. It’s a powerful tool for boosting engagement and creating a safe, open environment.