Let me take you back to a time before I discovered the power of Everything DiSC®. It was also a time before I truly understood my own work preferences. Picture this: a bustling office environment with projects stacking up, emails flooding my inbox, and an ever-growing list of follow-ups. Amidst the chaos, there was me—frustrated, confused, and convinced that my colleague, Morgan, was on a mission to test my patience.
Morgan and I were like oil and water. Without realizing it, I thrived on structure, detailed plans, and precision. Morgan, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of energy—bursting into meetings with big ideas and infectious enthusiasm but little concrete follow-through. While I appreciated his creativity, I often felt left in the lurch, scrambling to make sense of his unfinished concepts.
Every interaction felt like a battle. I craved specifics; he delivered broad strokes. I needed deadlines; he preferred flexibility. The tension drained us both.
Enter Everything DiSC®: The Game-Changer
Our team participated in an Everything DiSC® workshop, where we each completed our personalized assessments. The results were eye-opening. I discovered that I have a high C style—Conscientiousness—meaning I’m naturally inclined toward structure, accuracy, and analytical thinking. Morgan, by contrast, was a classic high i—Influence—driven by social interactions, creativity, and enthusiasm.
Suddenly, our communication struggles made sense. We weren’t incompatible; we were simply wired differently.
Applying DiSC Insights to Improve Collaboration
Armed with this new understanding, I made a conscious effort to adapt. Instead of pushing for immediate specifics, I let Morgan brainstorm freely and then followed up with, "That’s a fantastic idea! How do you envision this in practice?" I also adjusted how I communicated updates—keeping them engaging and big-picture rather than overwhelming him with details.
And the results? Remarkable.
Morgan became more responsive to my need for structure, while I learned to appreciate his dynamic, innovative approach. We met in the middle—his enthusiasm energized me, while my structure helped ground his ideas into actionable plans. The friction that once defined our working relationship gave way to productive, even enjoyable, collaboration.
The Broader Impact of DiSC at Work
Understanding Everything DiSC® didn’t just improve my relationship with Morgan; it transformed how I navigate all workplace relationships. I no longer label colleagues as "difficult." Instead, I recognize their behavioral styles and adapt my approach accordingly.
Now, when I encounter a team member who seems resistant or challenging, I ask myself: "What’s their DiSC style?" This simple shift in perspective has helped me communicate more effectively, foster stronger connections, and reduce unnecessary frustrations.
Ready to Discover the Power of DiSC for Your Team?
If you’ve ever found yourself at odds with a colleague, consider this: The key to better collaboration might be as simple as understanding their DiSC style.
Want to learn more about how Everything DiSC® can transform your workplace? Let’s chat today!
