By Sandra Rowell:  Associate of DISCsimple

After a powerful conversation with Sarah Owen of DISCsimple, I was reminded just how transformative it can be when people understand themselves and others through the lens of DISC. This simple tool has helped thousands of leaders, teams, and organisations reduce friction, boost collaboration, and unlock human potential.

Every successful leader I work with has one thing in common: they’ve learned how to work with people, not against them.

But here’s the truth: not everyone thinks, communicates, or leads the way you do. And that’s not a problem, that’s potential.

When we understand personality styles, we unlock the key to better conversations, stronger teams, and less frustration. That’s where the DISC model comes in.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the four DISC styles you’ll meet in most workplaces and help you understand how to work with them, lead them, and honour them in yourself.

Whether you’re a team leader, business owner, or someone who simply wants to reduce friction and boost collaboration, this is for you.

What Is DISC?

The DISC model is a simple, evidence-based framework that helps us understand human behaviour in four core areas:

• Dominance (D)
• Influence (I)
• Steadiness (S)
• Conscientiousness (C)

We all have a blend of these styles, but usually one or two take the lead. DISC doesn’t box people in; it opens them up.

Let’s break it down.

D – Dominance: The Driver

Style Snapshot:

D-style individuals are confident, fast-paced, and results-driven. They’re the ones who see the goal and go for it. No fluff, no faffing, just focus.

How they show up at work:

• Takes charge of projects and people
• Makes quick decisions
• Cuts to the chase
• Values efficiency and results

Strengths:

• Decisive and bold
• Thrives under pressure
• Naturally competitive and determined

Watch out for:

• May overlook details
• Can be perceived as blunt or impatient

How to work with a D:

• Be brief and direct
• Focus on outcomes, not small talk
• Show confidence in your delivery

Why you need them:

They move things forward. When the team is stuck in analysis paralysis, D-styles bring momentum.

I – Influence: The Energiser

Style Snapshot:

I-style individuals are outgoing, enthusiastic, and people-focused. They bring optimism and creativity into the room; and they’re rarely short on words or ideas.

How they show up at work:

• Natural networkers
• Great at brainstorming
• Loves to collaborate
• Brings energy to meetings

Strengths:

• Inspires others
• Builds relationships with ease
• Adaptable and spontaneous

Watch out for:

• Can lose interest quickly
• May skip details or planning

How to work with an I:

• Let them share ideas
• Show enthusiasm
• Keep things engaging

Why you need them:

They build morale, keep teams connected, and bring the “buzz” to business.

S – Steadiness: The Supporter

Style Snapshot:

S-style individuals are dependable, calm, and loyal. They’re not the loudest voice in the room, but they’re often the most steadying one.

How they show up at work:

• Consistent and reliable
• Values routine and structure
• Good listeners and team players
• Prefers one-on-one over large groups

Strengths:

• Patient and empathetic
• Excellent under pressure
• Builds trust over time

Watch out for:

• Can resist change
• May avoid conflict, even when necessary

How to work with an S:

• Be patient and kind
• Provide clear expectations
• Don’t rush big changes

Why you need them:

They keep the team grounded, help maintain harmony and ensure consistency in delivery.

C – Conscientiousness: The Analyst

Style Snapshot:

C-style individuals are detail-oriented, analytical, and quality-driven. They don’t rush — they reflect, research, and ensure the job is done right.

How they show up at work:

• Deep thinkers and problem-solvers
• Meticulous with facts and data
• Prefers logic over emotion
• Often the quality-checker in the room

Strengths:

• High standards
• Objective and fair
• Thorough and organised

Watch out for:

• Can get caught in perfectionism
• May seem critical or overly cautious

How to work with a C:

• Provide data and rationale
• Avoid pressuring quick decisions
• Be clear and structured in your communication

Why you need them:

They protect your reputation and raise the bar. Their attention to detail ensures quality outcomes and consistent results.

We’re All a Blend — And That’s the Magic

Most of us are not just one style.
You might be a driven D with a touch of C.
Or a people-loving I who brings the steadiness of S.

Understanding your primary and secondary styles helps you:

• Communicate clearly
• Understand stress triggers
• Build stronger relationships
• Lead with emotional intelligence

It also helps you understand why others don’t always respond like you would — and that’s where collaboration begins.

How to Use DISC in Real Life

For leaders:
Use DISC to adapt your leadership style to your team’s needs. A ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t inspire everyone. Knowing who needs clarity, who needs encouragement, and who needs space will help you lead with impact.

For teams:
DISC helps reduce tension, increase psychological safety, and boost productivity. When people feel understood, they contribute more.

For self-awareness:
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we see our own style clearly. Not as a flaw — but as a strength to shape.

Next Steps: Discover Your Style

If reading this made you nod along, smile, or think “That sounds like me!”, it’s time to go deeper.

Book your DISC Profile with me and I’ll walk you through your report, help you understand your strengths, and show you how to apply it in your business, leadership, or life.

Or, if you lead a team, let’s do a DISC Team Workshop and transform how your people work together.

Book a call to understand more –  Calendly – Sandra Rowell

Because when you meet the styles, you unlock the people.
And when you unlock the people, you unlock performance.

Are you ready to unlock yourself and your leaders?

Sources:

The descriptors and behavioural patterns are based on widely recognised DISC profiling methodologies. These include:

• Everything DiSC®
• DISCsimple® (used in Sandra Rowell Coaching)