2026 June “Authentic Leadership Talk” Newsletter

Have you ever wondered why some people don’t get you at work?

You explain something clearly, yet the other person seems confused, disengaged or even frustrated. Meanwhile, somebody else completely understands and responds positively to the exact same message.

Often, when I facilitate group training, I notice something fascinating. Some participants want to jump straight into action and solve the problem immediately. Others want more detail and clarity before making a decision. Some people are energised by group discussion and brainstorming ideas out loud, while others prefer to quietly observe and process things internally before contributing.

Same room. Same topic. Completely different needs and responses.

One of the biggest lessons DISC teaches us is that people communicate, process information and make decisions differently. Many workplace frustrations don’t come from bad intentions. They come from differences in behavioural styles, priorities and communication preferences.

As leaders and work colleagues, when we treat everybody exactly the same, we often unintentionally create misunderstandings, frustration and disconnection. However, when we learn to better understand behavioural styles and adapt our communication, we create stronger trust, better collaboration and more meaningful outcomes.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

In this month’s Leadership Talk, I’m sharing practical DISC insights to help you better understand yourself and others so you can communicate with greater clarity, confidence and influence.

Great communication is not just about saying the right thing. It is about understanding how different people receive, process and respond to information. The more adaptable we become, the more influential and effective we can be. 👇

Stop treating everyone the same – 3 DISC lessons for great leaders

Some people want you to get straight to the point. Others value connection and conversation first. Some need time to process information carefully, while others thrive on energy, spontaneity and fast decision-making.

The challenge? Many leaders communicate in the style that feels natural to them rather than adapting to the needs of others.

In this practical article, we explore three important DISC lessons that can help leaders improve communication, strengthen relationships and bring out the best in their teams.

Inside the article, we unpack:

• Why different people need different communication approaches
• Why behaviour is not personality
• How flexibility builds trust, influence and collaboration

Whether you lead a team, work with clients, facilitate groups or simply want stronger interpersonal relationships, these insights can make a significant difference.

👉 If you would like to know how to land your message: read the article here

Reflection

“Which communication style do you naturally default to — and who in your workplace or personal life may need something different from you to feel understood, supported or motivated?”

Quick win [leadership tip]

Spot the style

One simple way to improve communication is to become more aware of behavioural patterns and preferences.

1. How to quickly spot DISC styles:

• D style → Fast-paced, direct, results-focused
• I style → Expressive, enthusiastic, people-oriented
• S style → Calm, supportive, steady-paced
• C style → Analytical, detailed, careful

2. Quick communication tips:

• With D styles → Be concise and solution-focused
• With I styles → Build rapport and engagement
• With S styles → Slow down and provide reassurance
• With C styles → Provide clarity, logic and detail

The goal is not to label people. The goal is to better understand them.

Self-evaluation [freebie]

Curious about your own communication and behavioural style? Find out what DISC style you are.

Take our free PROfound DISC self-evaluation to gain greater awareness of your natural tendencies, communication approach and behavioural preferences.

Start here: Link to online self-evaluation

Personalised DISC report [PDF]

Want deeper insights into yourself?

Our personalised DISC profile report provides deeper insights into:

• your communication style
• leadership tendencies
• behavioural strengths
• potential blind spots
• workplace preferences
• strategies for working more effectively with others

This report is valuable for leaders, professionals, teams and anybody wanting greater self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness.
Learn more about the personalised report

DISC for teams [group training]

In Chris’ words:

Support stronger communication, collaboration and understanding across your workplace. Speak to your leader, manager or learning and development team about organising a DISC workshop or behavioural profiling for your organisation. Or find out more on the website.