When the topic of behavior and collaboration comes up, many in research and specialist environments are skeptical. “It’s too fluffy… it’s basically corporate astrology,” as one participant once told me.

And I get it. If DiSC® is used to put people in boxes, you quickly lose credibility in environments where critical thinking and scientific depth are the norm. But that’s also where the potential lies: once specialists discover what DiSC® can and cannot do, skepticism often turns into curiosity and strength.

Show, don’t tell

DiSC® is one of the most statistically validated tools on the market. I could easily throw data on the table, but the fact is that my participants are often far more skilled in statistics than I am, despite my research background. So instead, I let them feel the impact by experiencing the tool in practice.

I use playful simulations where the focus is on behavior rather than expertise. For example, participants might solve an unrelated task in small groups, while one person observes using a “cheat sheet” of DiSC® behavior patterns. When they later share their observations, it suddenly clicks: “We can actually recognize this from our everyday work.”

Because the exercise isn’t tied to their professional domain, no one feels their expertise is at stake. That makes it safe, engaging, and opens the door to reflections that can easily be translated back into their daily collaboration.

Competence vs. preference

One of the biggest insights for participants is learning to distinguish between competence and preference. In specialist environments, there is, rightly, a strong focus on competence. We are all competent enough to stretch beyond our natural preferences. But when we are under pressure, the brain conserves energy and pulls us back to what feels most natural.

This insight gives teams a vital shared language: Behavior on a good day isn’t necessarily the same under stress. It builds respect for why we react differently, even when we are all “skilled enough” to do otherwise.

Data focus – in many ways

In specialist teams, everyone is data-driven. The difference lies in how we approach data.

With my research background, I help participants explore these nuances and connect them to their daily work. Some dive deep into details, others see patterns, connect datasets, or push processes forward. Once we put words to these differences, participants see that DiSC® doesn’t oversimplify their expertise. It gives the team a shared language where all four styles are recognized.

From skepticism to strength

Some of the most valuable conversations start when someone says: “Well, it depends…”

And that’s the point. DiSC® does not predict how you will always act. It opens up dialogue about situational behavior: How our needs and preferences show up differently depending on the context. That dialogue gives teams a language that strengthens collaboration, trust, and results.

My three recommendations for working with DiSC® in specialist teams:

• Focus on “show, don’t tell.” The experience of the tool is more powerful than data or statistical arguments.
• Talk about competence vs. preference. It creates respect for differences and gives teams a shared language for why we react differently under pressure.
• Add nuance. Everyone is data-driven, but in different ways. Be ready to unfold that with concrete, context-based examples, so no one feels their expertise is diminished.