Episode 70: Beyond Personality Clashes: Using DISC to Turn Team Friction into Strength

Episode 70

Beyond Personality Clashes: Using DISC to Turn Team Friction into Strength

Episode Summary

Teams struggle when different behavioral styles collide – the person pushing for quick decisions clashes with those who need time to process, and task-focused members butt heads with people-oriented colleagues. DISC provides a framework for understanding why people approach work differently, transforming frustration into appreciation. Three real stories show how teams move from conflict to collaboration when they learn to work with their differences instead of against them.

Key Points:

• Grace through understanding: When teams learn DISC, behavior that seemed irrational or frustrating suddenly makes sense – the quiet person is processing, the direct person isn't being rude, the relational person isn't wasting time.

• All perspectives matter: Teams with mostly one style need to intentionally create space for different voices, especially minority styles who can see blind spots the majority misses.

• Process beats preference: The strongest teams don't eliminate differences – they build decision-making processes that honor both speed and thoroughness, both task and people concerns.

Resources

• Blog Posts (see DISC page for full list of DISC blog posts):

  • DISC Overview

  • Dominant, Direct, Decisive (D Style Overview)

  • Influential, Interesting, Inspiring (I Style Overview)

  • Strong, Stable, Supportive (S Style Overview)

  • Calm, Controlled, Conscientious (C Style Overview)

  • Stop Guessing, Start Building: Using DISC Insights to Cultivate a High-Performing Team

• Free Leadership Toolbox

• Learn about DISC and do a DISC assessment (and debrief)

Related Episodes

• Unlocking Communication: An Overview of the DISC Model

• Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Using DISC to Strengthen Your Leadership Approach

• Speak Their Language: Using DISC to Communicate with Impact

• Under Pressure: Navigating DISC Styles in Stressful Situations

• Best Day, Worst Day: Using DISC to Understand and Manage Motivation

• Unlocking Your DISC Report: Turning Insights into Action

• Speak Their Language: Using DISC to Communicate with Anyone

• From Clash to Connection: Using DISC to Navigate Conflict with Confidence

• Stronger Teams Start with Better Communication: How DISC Helps

• From Friction to Flow: Using DISC to Build Stronger Teams

• Lead without Hovering: Using DISC to Manage without Micromanaging

• From Meh to Meaningful: My DISC Story

Listen

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About Jacquie:

Jacquie is the founder of Leadership and Life by Kayric Inc, where she blends the best of teaching, leadership, and the occasional The West Wing reference to help non-profits and small business build strong leaders and healthy teams. Utilizing DISC and The Five Behaviours of a Cohesive team, combined with teaching knowledge and experience, Jacquie strives to empower leaders with the skills no one taught them and to create teams who want to work together.

Formerly a junior high teacher (who loves teenagers), Jacquie brings a decade of classroom wisdom, ten years corporate training experience, a growth mindset, and a sprinkle of mild rebellion to her dynamic approach.

In her free time, Jacquie channels her passion for community improvement by volunteering with school councils, serving on non-profit boards, and generally finding ways to make her corner of the world a better place. You can also find her on the side of a soccer pitch, at Remedy Café or in her scrapbook room.

Contact Jacquie