Picture the last “boss” you saw in a movie or TV show.
Chances are, they were a no-nonsense character who moved fast and pushed hard. The stereotypical portrayal often mirrors the dominant “D” style from the DiSC model — and not always in a flattering light.
Before I learned about DiSC styles, I would have pegged the “D” style as the natural-born leader. They’re decisive, quick-paced, and action-oriented, always ready to deliver the facts straight away.
But the truth is, all DiSC styles can be amazing leaders.
Who has been the most unforgettable leader in your life?
In our Management Development Course, we do an exercise where everybody tells about a leader who had a big impact on them and the reasons why.
They share about leaders who left lasting impressions. Leaders who are still being talked about 20 or 30 years later.
And guess what?
These influential leaders represent all DiSC styles. In every session, we discover remarkable leaders from every quadrant.
This is often an “aha” moment for people.
Each of us has potential to be an extraordinary leader, especially when we understand our challenges and why they exist.
Developing as a leader means embracing your challenges.
My DiSC style is “Si.” The “S” style is the peacekeeper. That’s something you can’t always be as a leader. Sometimes, you need to have tough, uncomfortable conversations. To this day, that’s a struggle for me, and I’ve been in a leadership role for a long time.
Interestingly, I’m perceived as having the most managerial courage in my company. That did not come easy — my DiSC assessment makes that clear.
But I know my employees need honest feedback to grow, and for our company to grow. So I do a lot of mental preparation before having a tough conversation. I map out what I need to communicate.
Saying “no” is also tough for me. I hired a coach who helps me navigate situations and keep my priorities at the top so I don’t take on too much.
These leadership responsibilities push me out of my comfort zone and into the “D” quadrant. While they might be challenges for my Si style, they’re things I’ve learned to do successfully. Because I’ve worked on them instead of shying away from them, I’ve become a better leader.
Learn to flex with your DiSC strengths and challenges.
No DiSC style is better than the others when it comes to leadership. Know who you are and what your gifts are. Then tackle your challenges and take the steps to develop in those areas.
We each have all four DiSC styles in us. When we learn to lean into the areas that challenge us, just as much as we lean into our strengths, we can become more effective and well-rounded leaders. When you’re able to flex this way — and adapt to the styles of those around you — the team you lead will soar to new heights.
Kim Latko is an entrepreneur, coach, and facilitator for our 6-Month Manager Development Course. As the co-owner of Tent and Table, she brings real-world experience in building businesses and fostering growth. A longtime member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Kim is passionate about empowering leaders to excel both personally and professionally. She’s also an Everything DiSC® Certified Practitioner and Bloom Growth Coach. Her hands-on, relational approach helps leaders and managers build emotional intelligence, navigate challenges, and achieve lasting success.