How Leaders Use DISC to Build Trust and Reduce Friction
In this episode of Ask The Professor, Ari Justice and Professor Ben Hippeli continue the conversation about DISC communication styles and their role in building trust, psychological safety and effective teamwork. The conversation centers on why people experience the same meeting, message or situation very differently – and how DISC helps leaders understand those differences.
Using real audience questions, Ben and Ari explore common workplace challenges including working with highly critical teammates, managing fast-moving D-style personalities without slowing progress, and building rapport with S and C styles. This episode reinforces why vulnerable trust is the foundation of high performing teams and how adapting your communication style is essential for collaboration, influence, and overall team success.
What is DISC?
DISC is a powerful framework that breaks down human behavior into four primary styles — Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. By understanding these styles, leaders can recognize their own tendencies while adapting their approach to better connect with their team.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with from this episode:
- DISC explains why communication breaks down—even when intentions are good
People process information, feedback, and decisions differently based on their DISC style. - Vulnerable trust is the foundation of effective teams
Psychological safety allows team members to speak up, challenge ideas, and address issues without fear of negative consequences. - Critical or distant behavior is often style-driven, not personal
C-styles, in particular, process internally and value accuracy, which can be misinterpreted as coldness or disapproval. - Speed and accuracy must be balanced across styles
D-styles show accountability by moving quickly, while S and C-styles need clarity, stability, and information before progressing. - One-size-fits-all communication damages trust
Building rapport requires adapting to how others want to be treated—not relying on generic advice or personal preferences.
- DISC explains why communication breaks down—even when intentions are good
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