Contributing author Sandra Rowell:  Associate of DISCsimple

Why do some teams click, while others struggle with constant tension?

• Miscommunication that leads to frustration?
• Clashing work styles that create tension?
• A lack of trust, making collaboration difficult?

I spoke with Sarah Owen, Founder of DISCsimple, about why some teams thrive while others struggle. We agreed, it’s not just about skills but, more importantly, it’s about understanding personality dynamics with DISC.

What Stops Teams from Working Well Together?

Many teams struggle because they overlook the fundamental differences in how people work, think, and communicate. Here are some common challenges:

Miscommunication – Some team members prefer directness, while others need a softer approach. Without a shared understanding of communication styles, frustrations grow, leading to disengagement and inefficiency.

Conflicting Work Styles – A High D (Dominance) team member thrives in a fast-paced environment, making quick decisions, while a High C (Conscientiousness) prefers careful analysis before taking action. Without awareness of these differences, teams can experience tension and delays.

Lack of Trust – Trust is built when team members feel heard, valued, and respected. Without an understanding of different personalities, assumptions take over, leading to resentment and barriers to collaboration.

Unclear Roles – If responsibilities and expectations aren’t clearly defined, accountability weakens. A High S (Steadiness) might wait for direction, while a High I (Influence) might take the lead informally, creating imbalance and confusion within the team.

By recognizing and addressing these challenges using DISC, teams can improve communication, collaboration, and productivity.

How DISC Unlocks Team Potential

DISC provides a simple yet powerful framework to help teams understand and leverage their differences.

When leaders apply DISC insights, they can foster collaboration, reduce tension, and improve performance.

High D (Dominance – Green): Drives action and decision-making but may overlook input from others in a rush to get things done.

High I (Influence – Red): Energizes and connects the team, creating a positive atmosphere, but may lose focus or struggle with structure.

High S (Steadiness – Blue): Provides stability, reliability, and support, but may hesitate to challenge ideas or push for change.

High C (Conscientiousness – Yellow): Ensures accuracy and thorough planning but may slow down collaboration by overanalysing details.

When teams recognise these differences and adapt their approach, they experience smoother collaboration, fewer conflicts, and greater success.

Lisa’s Team Struggled – Until They Used DISC

Lisa dreaded meetings. Every discussion turned into a battle of opinions, and her team seemed more disconnected than ever. Deadlines were slipping, trust was fading, and she couldn’t figure out why.

That’s when Lisa introduced DISC to her team. Here’s what changed:

 High D team members: She gave them clear objectives and let them lead projects.

 High I: She encouraged more collaborative discussions and idea-sharing.

 High S: She provided reassurance and structure to make them feel secure in their roles.

 High C: She ensured detailed plans and clear expectations were always in place.

The result? The team transformed. Communication improved, collaboration thrived, and productivity soared.

The Business Case for Teamwork

86% of employees and executives say a lack of collaboration is the top reason for workplace failures (Forbes).  Why? Because misaligned teams waste time on misunderstandings, duplicate work, and unresolved conflicts.

Companies that prioritize teamwork are 5 times more likely to perform at a high level (Harvard Business Review).  Case Study: A well-known tech company restructured teams based on DISC, ensuring complementary styles worked together. Within months, innovation and problem-solving rates soared.

High-functioning teams report 21% higher profitability and lower turnover (Gallup).  Fact: Teams that communicate openly and leverage diverse work styles experience higher efficiency, better decision-making, and faster problem-solving. When employees feel valued and understood, they are more engaged and committed, leading to lower turnover and higher performance. Companies with strong collaboration also reduce workplace silos, streamline processes, and improve customer satisfaction—directly impacting profitability.

Strong teamwork doesn’t just improve efficiency—it fosters innovation, reduces employee burnout, and strengthens company culture. When individuals understand their strengths and how they contribute to a team, they feel valued, engaged, and motivated to perform at their best.

Consider high-performing organizations like Google’s Project Aristotle, where research found that the most successful teams weren’t necessarily the most talented—but rather, they were the ones that communicated openly, respected each other’s work styles, and leveraged strengths effectively. DISC provides the same level of clarity and alignment, ensuring teams function at their highest potential.

When teams work together effectively, they deliver better results, drive innovation, and create a positive workplace culture.

Final Thought: Teamwork is a Skill, Not Just an Expectation

Strong teams don’t just happen—they are built through understanding, trust, and communication.

What if one small shift could change the way your team collaborates?

Book in and let’s discuss how DISC can transform your team’s collaboration.

Join us for DISClive Mondays at 13:00—a free 30-minute live session on teamwork, leadership, and DISC strategies to build stronger teams.

Let’s build stronger teams together!

Sources:

Forbes (2023). Why Collaboration Matters in Business Success. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/workplace-collaboration
Harvard Business Review (2024). The Power of Teamwork in High-Performing Organizations. Retrieved from: https://www.hbr.org/teamwork-performance
Gallup (2024). How Strong Teams Drive Business Growth. Retrieved from: https://www.gallup.com/teamwork-business-success