7 Ways to Use DiSC® Styles During Conflict at Work

One of the main reasons groups benefit from learning about DiSC® styles is that it helps them communicate better at work. But did you know that one of the main benefits of DiSC® is that it helps with conflict?

Knowing DiSC® Styles Helps in Several Ways

By learning the four major personality styles used in the DiSC® Profiles system, team members can work towards being able to identify those styles in everyday encounters.

Once they can do that, they can begin to understand behavior in others, which in turn leads to improved communication and avoidance of conflict.

Let’s See How That Works…

All this sound good and well, but if you’re just learning about DiSC® styles, it might sound very theoretical and not very practical to you. Here then are some examples of how this knowledge may be used during conflict.

If someone is overpowering the conversation with logic and facts, then you know he or she might be a C-style personality type. Logic and facts are good in some circumstances, but dominating a conversation with them is unhealthy behavior. Knowing that someone’s personalty style is driving that unhealthy behavior might temper your reaction, thus avoiding conflict.
When conflict arises, different styles react in different ways. If someone’s reaction is to try and even the score rather than remaining very calm then you can bet that person is a D-style. They’re not seeking revenge because they’re terrible people…it’s because they are Dominant personality types!
C-types will appreciate your letting them know that, during conflict, a resolution will be worked out but it doesn’t have to be right away. Careful consideration of the matter can take place first. This will help ease the stress of conflict.
During conflict, someone who is an S-style will listen to other people’s perspectives, but other DiSC® styles will be more apt to become passive-aggressive, stand their ground, or voice their opinions about problems.
In order not to take offense when a D-style person is being very direct, it’s important to remember that the directness is not a personal attack on you. This should help you when you have conflict with D-styles.
S-styles like their conflict served up in a logical, step-by-step manner, so try not to let your discourse wander all over the place and get too emotion-driven.
We haven’t said a lot about the i-styles yet: when you’re in conflict with them, you’ll want to assure them that just because you’re having a conflict, it doesn’t mean you don’t like them!

This is only the beginning for how DiSC® styles can help with conflict resolution or any other type of communication at work. Interested? We have a certified DiSC® styles teacher on board here at Magnovo. Give us a call!