The Collins Dictionary definition of a Leader is: “a person who rules, guides, or inspires others”

Many of us are in Leadership positions in our roles, but how often do we have time to reflect on questions such as:

  • How our own personalities and values contribute to who we are as a Leader?
  • What is our own signature leadership style?
  • How we can use that individual style to increase our effectiveness as a Leader?

 

As a Leader, understanding yourself and your team is crucial for success. One powerful tool that can help you with this, is DISC profiling.

This behavioural assessment tool can provide valuable insights into your leadership style and help you better connect with and motivate your team members.

What is DISC Profiling?

DISC is based on the ideas of psychologist William Moulton Marston. It is used by over one million people a year, and is one of the most insightful tools that Leaders can use to enhance their effectiveness. DISC is an acronym that stands for four primary behavioural traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.

Dominance: how you approach problems and challenges

Influence: how you interact with and influence others

Steadiness: how you respond to change and pacing

Conscientiousness: how you approach rules and procedures

Everyone has a unique combination of these traits, which shapes their communication style, decision-making process, and overall behaviour in the workplace. For example, people who lead with ‘Dominance’ like clear, straight talkers. On the other hand, ‘Influence’ individuals enjoy lively chats and personal connections.

Top 5 Reasons why DISC Profiling enhances Leadership

Here are the top 5 reasons why knowing your and your team member’s DISC profile can help you be a better Leader:

  1. Self-awareness: helping you better understand your (and your team’s) strengths and weaknesses.
  2. Improved communication: by understanding the DISC profiles of you and your team members, you can adapt your communication style to the needs of each individual team member.
  3. Team building: DISC profiling can help you create balanced teams by bringing together complementary behavioural styles which can lead to improved team dynamics.
  4. Conflict resolution: different DISC styles can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Once you’re aware of these differences it can help you to resolve these situations more effectively.
  5. Motivating others: different DISC profiles are motivated by different factors.

By understanding what drives each team member, you can provide more targeted and effective motivation and recognition.

Interested in finding out more?

I am a fully qualified and accredited Career and Leadership Coach focused on working with mid-senior level professional women, helping them flourish in all aspects of their lives.

I am qualified in facilitating DISC profiling assessments, and use them with my clients to help them understand more about themselves and their teams, thereby improving motivation and team performance. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch for a no obligation chat. I’d be delighted to have a conversation with you.

 

Laura Wong is a Partner Coach with Careering into Motherhood. For more details on working with Laura, her background, testimonials, fee structure and qualifications see her profile page HERE.

 

 

 

September 24, 2024