DiSC® and Difficult Employees

Using the DiSC® personality model to manage and understand difficult employees can be highly effective.  The DiSC® model categorizes personalities into four main types: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C).  Each type has distinct traits, which can help tailor your approach to managing difficult employees.  Here's a breakdown of how to handle challenges with each personality type:

Dominance (D)

Traits: Direct, assertive, results-oriented, decisive

Challenges: May be seen as overly aggressive or insensitive, might not listen to others Approach:

• Be direct and to the point
• Focus on results and outcomes
• Allow them to take charge of projects or tasks
• Provide opportunities for leadership and decision-making
• Avoid micromanaging

Influence (i)

Traits: Enthusiastic, persuasive, sociable, optimistic

Challenges: Can be disorganized, may lack follow-through, might struggle with details Approach:

• Engage in friendly, informal conversations
• Acknowledge their contributions and enthusiasm
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork
• Help them stay organized and on track with tasks
• Provide positive reinforcement and recognition

Steady (S)

Traits: Patient, reliable, team-oriented, empathetic

Challenges: Can resist change, may be overly accommodating, might avoid confrontation Approach:

• Be patient and provide clear, consistent instructions
• Show appreciation for their dependability and team spirit
• Support them through changes and transitions
• Encourage them to express their concerns and opinions
• Offer a stable and predictable work environment

Conscientious (C)

Traits: Analytical, detail-oriented, systematic, accurate

Challenges: Can be overly critical, may have difficulty delegating, might be risk-averse Approach:

• Provide detailed and precise instructions
• Allow time for thorough analysis and careful planning
• Acknowledge their need for accuracy and high standards
• Encourage them to share their expertise and knowledge
• Be patient with their need for time to process information

General Tips

1. Communication: Adapt your communication style to match the employee’s DiSC® profile.  For instance, be more direct with a Dominance type and more collaborative with an Influence type.
2. Feedback: Tailor feedback to be most effective for their personality type.  Dominance types might prefer direct and results-oriented feedback, while Steadiness types might appreciate a more supportive approach.
3. Conflict Resolution: Understand the root cause of their behavior by considering their DiSC® profile.  This insight can help you address issues more effectively and empathetically.
4. Motivation: Use their strengths to motivate them.  For example, give Conscientiousness types tasks that require attention to detail and analysis, while providing Influence types opportunities for social interaction and creative thinking.
5. Development: Help them develop skills that balance their weaknesses.  For instance, encourage Dominance types to improve their listening skills, and Steadiness types to become more comfortable with change.

Using the DiSC® model to understand and manage difficult employees can lead to more effective communication, better conflict resolution, and a more harmonious work environment.

View a completed DiSC® assessment report.

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