Understanding Others made simple and why personality tests are only the beginning

Written by Melissa Schlimm | Apr 27, 2025 10:18:34 PM

If you have experience with DiSC or other personality tests, you've likely gained exciting insights. Maybe you discovered traits you already knew and accepted. Or perhaps the test confronted you with an uncomfortable truth you weren't exactly looking for.

And yet, I say: Perfect!

Because awareness creates opportunities.

But a test alone changes nothing. The real magic happens when you dare to bring your insights to life in everyday interactions. When you decide to face those familiar or uncomfortable truths.

When you see yourself as being selected for an upgrade (much like Emirates, which recently offered me one, for CHF 800, which I politely declined 😉).

When you decide that "ameliorating" is an option for you, because the test kindly served you your development areas on a silver platter.

So, let's explore how small steps can have a big impact, leading to better understanding, stronger collaboration, and sustainable team success.

It All Starts with Understanding

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how the DiSC model helps you better understand yourself and others.

Yes, personality tests can be criticized – and maybe I’ll dive into that discussion another time. However, the truly valid criticism is this: No matter how valuable the insights are, they only create real impact when you consciously integrate them into your daily collaboration.

I've seen people celebrating their DiSC results, claiming to have the "best" personality type. But real understanding doesn’t show up in the test results. It shows up in every meeting, every project, every conversation.

That's why we need to explore how you can turn this knowledge into daily practice – in three steps.

Build Awareness – and keep it alive

You probably know the feeling: you learn something new, you’re excited to apply it, and then, suddenly, the initial hype disappears.

Most teams buzz with "aha" moments right after a personality test. I often see it during my workshops: the team feels energized and inspired. Yet a few weeks later, everything usually slips back to the old ways.

Why? Because change is exhausting. Changing yourself is exhausting. Trying something new takes effort.

To ensure that new insights truly take hold, you need regular reflection – and a willingness to face some uncomfortable questions:

  • How am I currently showing up – dominant, influential, steady, or conscientious?
  • What can I observe about the person opposite me? How should I adjust my communication accordingly?
  • How could we create the best possible collaboration?

If your team has embarked on a DiSC journey, start your meetings with a short DiSC check-in. This way, awareness remains alive and becomes a natural part of your team culture.

Adapt your communication to the situation and the person

One Size Fits All? Only for Oversized Sweaters.

Hats, scarves, bags – okay. Maybe even oversized pullovers. But in real life, especially in communication, "one size fits all" almost never works.

A conscious approach to the diversity we encounter daily is the very least we should strive for.

Take the different DiSC personalities, for example:

  • D-Style: appreciates directness and solution options – skip the small talk.
  • i-Style: loves lively, idea-rich exchanges – enjoys the journey toward a solution.
  • S-Style: values trust and respectful, calm interaction – take your time.
  • C-Style: prefers clarity, structure, and a well-thought-out approach supported by facts and data.

If you know your colleague is a structured C-type, send them a short agenda before your meeting. This signals respect – and makes your conversation much more effective. You can skip the agenda with an i-colleague — they'll be much happier if the conversation flows naturally.

Stay active – practice makes perfect

Personal development isn't a sprint – it's a marathon.

Adapting to others is not a one-time thing but a constant, conscious effort in every new encounter.

And just like in sports: You need to stay consistent, even when life gets busy.

Here are some ideas to make it easier:

  • DiSC Tuesday: Every week, reflect on whether tasks and projects are aligned with team members’ personalities.
  • Buddy System: Pair up two complementary team members who check in with each other regularly about their communication patterns.

Reflection cards with typical communication styles and questions can help, because not every personality type naturally reflects spontaneously.

This way, DiSC doesn't become a one-time event but a living part of your team culture.

What truly transforms teams is lived understanding

Personality tests like DiSC open an exciting journey toward better communication and collaboration.

But real change starts when you bring those insights to life – consciously, appreciatively, and attentively.

When you’re ready to actively shape both your own behavior and your team's collaboration, you'll notice: You'll work more efficiently, humanely, and successfully together.

Would you like to find out how to transform DiSC results into a living standard in your team?

Let’s talk – and create something great together!