Recruiter Real Talk by Declan Kluver

Understanding different personality types can dramatically improve communication, foster better teamwork, and enhance recruitment outcomes. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of the DISC model and how to leverage it effectively in your recruitment practices.

We’ll break down the DISC types, discuss strategies for working with each personality, and guide you through a personal assessment to discover your DISC type. Understanding your personality will help you communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients, and candidates.

What is the DISC Model?

The DISC model categorises personalities into four main types:

• D – Dominance (The Driver): These individuals are results-focused, direct, and competitive. They thrive on challenges and are driven by success.
• I – Influence (The Social Butterfly): Charismatic, persuasive, and outgoing, these people excel in social environments. They are great at networking and motivating others.
• S – Steadiness (The Supporter): Loyal, team-oriented, and dependable, these individuals are reliable and work well in stable environments. They are the glue that holds teams together.
• C – Conscientiousness (The Analyst): Detail-driven, organised, and logical, these individuals value accuracy and precision. They are great at problem-solving and process-driven tasks.

It’s important to note that no personality type is "better" than another. Each type has strengths and weaknesses that impact recruitment, teamwork, and leadership. The key to leveraging DISC in your recruitment process is recognising how different personality types can complement one another to create better outcomes.

Understanding Each Personality Type

D – Dominance (The Driver)

• Strengths:
  • Confident and decisive
  • Thrives on challenges and competition
  • Goal-oriented and results-driven
• Weaknesses:
  • Impatient and may overlook details
  • Blunt in communication
  • Can be perceived as too aggressive or direct
• How to Communicate:
  • Be direct and to the point
  • Focus on results and outcomes
  • Avoid unnecessary small talk
  • Appreciate their drive and decisiveness

S – Steadiness (The Supporter)

• Strengths:
  • Loyal, dependable, and trustworthy
  • A great listener and team player
  • Works well in a stable, supportive environment
• Weaknesses:
  • Avoids conflict and can be resistant to change
  • Can be indecisive and slow to act
  • Prefers a predictable, stable routine
• How to Communicate:
  • Be warm, patient, and reassuring
  • Avoid rushing them into decisions
  • Focus on harmony and team dynamics
  • Provide clear, step-by-step instructions when needed

I – Influence (The Social Butterfly)

• Strengths:

  • Charismatic and engaging
  • Great at networking and building relationships
  • Motivates and inspires others

• Weaknesses:

  • Can be disorganised and easily distracted
  • Tends to be impulsive
  • May overlook details and fail to follow through

• How to Communicate:

  • Keep the conversation upbeat and engaging
  • Offer verbal recognition and praise
  • Allow for social interaction and avoid being overly formal
  • Encourage them to focus on results while maintaining their enthusiasm

  C – Conscientiousness (The Analyst)

  • Strengths:
    • Detail-oriented and organised
    • Highly analytical and logical
    • Works well with processes and systems
  • Weaknesses:
    • Can be overly critical or perfectionist
    • Struggles with spontaneity and flexibility
    • Tends to focus too much on details and may miss the bigger picture
  • How to Communicate:
    • Be precise and structured in your communication
    • Provide data and factual evidence to support your points
    • Give them time to analyse and process information
    • Avoid rushing them and allow them to think through decisions

How These Personalities Work Together

Understanding how the different DISC types interact can help you create more effective teams and communication strategies. Here’s how different types can work together:

• D ↔ I: D should allow I more enthusiasm, while I should focus on the end result.
• D ↔ S: D needs to be patient with S, and S should learn to assert themselves more.