DiSC
A workshop to explore different communication styles without putting people into boxes.
Explore different communication styles. The goal is not to put people into boxes, but to better understand ourselves and others.
Material
- Empty room
- 4 markers
- 4 flipcharts
Duration
- 60 minutes
Workshop flow
Introduction
5 min- Present the intention: explore different communication styles.
- Remind participants that the goal is not to put people into boxes.
- Ask participants to stand in the middle of the room.
Physical positioning
5 minPhysical positioning
Use the room like a graph: the vertical axis positions extraversion/introversion, the horizontal axis positions pessimism/optimism.
Placement instructions
Extraverted / Introverted
- If you are more extraverted, move to the front of the room.
- If you are more introverted, move to the back.
Optimistic / Pessimistic
- If you see the world in a more positive or optimistic way, move to the right.
- If you see it in a more pessimistic way, move to the left.
ExtravertedIntrovertedD
Dominance
I
Influence
C
Conscientiousness
S
Steadiness
PessimisticOptimisticGroup anchoring
10 min- Each group stays in its zone.
Small-group questions
01
How do you like people to communicate with you?
02
What frustrates you the most?
03
What do you bring to a team?
- Prepare a short flipchart restitution.
Restitution and DiSC explanation
40 min- Each group shares its analysis.
- The facilitator adds key profile insights.
- Surface strengths, risks, needs, and communication adaptations.
DDominance
Decide fast, act, face challenges, and get results.
Recognize them by
- Determined
- Direct
- Fast-paced
- Ambitious
Motivations
- Authority
- Obstacles to overcome
- Succeeding and winning
Watch out for
- Impatience
- Aggression in conflict
- Win/lose dynamics
Communicate with them
- Get to the point
- Be concise and clear
- Stay focused on solutions
- Avoid generalizations and repetition
What they value›
- Autonomy
- Action
- Concrete results
- Challenges
- Personal freedom
Stress and fears›
- Overly strict rules
- Lack of control
- Being seen as vulnerable
- Being taken advantage of
Meetings and problem solving›
- Do not waste time
- Address problems directly
- Offer bold but realistic ideas
- Stay with the big picture without over-analyzing
In a team›
- Help keep the big picture visible
- Push toward firm decisions
- Create urgency and movement
IInfluence
Create energy, connect people, and spread enthusiasm.
Recognize them by
- Enthusiastic
- Friendly
- Energetic
- Charismatic
Motivations
- Novelty
- Relationships
- Social recognition
Watch out for
- Scattering energy
- Taking things personally
- Lack of follow-through
Communicate with them
- Emphasize the positive
- Share experiences
- Do not drown them in details
- Leave time for ideas and questions
What they value›
- Self-expression
- Human connection
- Coaching
- Freedom to speak
Stress and fears›
- Long isolation
- Giving negative feedback
- Rigid environments
- Loss of approval or attention
Meetings and problem solving›
- Leave time for social exchange
- Open up discussion
- Stay optimistic while considering risks
- Welcome creative solutions
In a team›
- Motivate others
- Celebrate successes
- Help analytical teams avoid getting stuck
SSteadiness
Support the group, preserve harmony, and move at a reliable pace.
Recognize them by
- Patient
- Cooperative
- Humble
- Reliable
Motivations
- Empathy
- Harmony
- Stability
Watch out for
- Avoiding confrontation
- Giving in too quickly
- Under-expressing their needs
Communicate with them
- Give them space to speak
- Notice and value their work
- Be warm, clear, and polite
- Clarify expectations
What they value›
- Harmony
- Trust
- Organized systems
- Loyalty
Stress and fears›
- Unclear instructions
- Fast and bold decisions
- Disappointing others
- Rapid change and confrontation
Meetings and problem solving›
- Maintain a pleasant atmosphere
- Explain major changes
- Clarify deadlines
- Check workload and stress regularly
In a team›
- Listen very well
- Often mediate
- Help maintain a good team atmosphere
CConscientiousness
Analyze, secure quality, and challenge assumptions.
Recognize them by
- Methodical
- Logical
- Rigorous
- Objective
Motivations
- Challenges
- Quality
- Expertise
Watch out for
- Over-analyzing
- Coming across as critical
- Withdrawing or becoming passive-aggressive
Communicate with them
- Focus on facts and details
- Limit overly emotional pep talk
- Be patient and diplomatic
- Give them space to think
What they value›
- Logic
- Precision
- Well-thought-out decisions
- Accuracy and quality
Stress and fears›
- Uncertainty and risk
- Making mistakes in front of others
- Criticism or being wrong
- Strong emotional displays
Meetings and problem solving›
- Stay focused on concrete tasks
- Support opinions with logic
- Look for root causes
- Avoid pushing for immediate decisions
In a team›
- Reliable and detail-oriented
- Spot flaws others may miss
- Push toward high-quality outcomes
Conclusion
5 minConclusion
Most of us are a blend. You may recognize yourself in several styles.
What is one thing you will do differently after this session?
The key is not to change who you are, but to adapt to others.
Source: discprofile.com/disc-styles
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