Three Benefits for Family Communication with DISC

No one doubts the importance of communication in corporate or family settings. While in the business world, proper communication is crucial for the successful outcome of any undertaking, the way we communicate at home, every day, brings some different challenges and learning opportunities.

Spending time as a family offers a unique opportunity to observe the similarities and differences in behavior. Over time, key characteristics begin to surface, forming recognizable behavioral patterns and predictable behavior. Things like daily routines, food and activity preferences, happiness, and stress responses paint a picture that can clue others in on the individual DISC styles in the home environment. This is particularly helpful during extended family time, such as holidays or social gatherings, or even during times of crisis when families come together to provide one another a sense of security, comfort, and support. Here are three ways DISC can be a powerful tool for families:

1. Learning Who You Are, Together, As A Family (Identity and Purpose)

Learning the family DISC styles can assist in building communication and connection by understanding the values, beliefs, individual motivators, and primary fears of each member. It is also helpful for families with school-aged children, as parents and guardians can gain key insights on how to effectively support and encourage their students based on their unique learning and thinking styles. It is particularly helpful for older students looking to identify potential careers aligning with their natural strengths.

2. Empowering Dynamic Family Structures (Communication and Connection)

DISC can also be an effective learning tool in blended family, foster, or adoption scenarios. The goal is learning about the individual, building a foundation of mutual understanding, trust, and respect, and developing positive communication based on individual needs.

Consider a large family with quarreling siblings and parents struggling to communicate while implementing rules and expectations effectively. Utilizing DISC to learn the individual motivators and fears of each child can help build a framework for parents to establish a more stable and consistent environment, using communication skills to meet the needs of each child. Each family member learns to be accountable for their actions and behaviors, as they understand how they positively and negatively impact one another.

3. Preparing Young Generations for Success (Equipping and Empowering)

Leadership in the home is not just for parents; teens and young adults who may still be living at home and working or attending college can benefit from learning their DISC styles.

DISC provides a framework for leadership development, from adolescence to adulthood. As high school and college students prepare for life outside of the family home and for increased responsibility, knowing their DISC profile can be a valuable tool they will carry with them day in and out. It helps them establish and continuously develop excellent communication and relational skills needed in today’s workplace and world. From preparing for job interviews to communicating with new colleagues and customers, equipping future generations for leadership success is essential, and you can begin today!

Leading yourself and your family well will naturally extend beyond the family structure and into independent roles within your community and workplace, but it starts at home.