I Wasn’t Wrong—But I Wasn’t Being Heard: What DISC Helped Me See

For a long time, I believed I was either saying too much or not expressing myself clearly. I’d find myself overexplaining in conversations, trying to be thoughtful and kind while still getting my point across. Sometimes, I’d hold back to keep the peace, only to feel frustrated that I hadn’t been heard. I thought I just needed to be more assertive—or maybe more agreeable. It was confusing. Turns out, I wasn’t wrong. I just wasn’t being heard.

Learning about the DISC behavioral model gave me language for what I’d always felt. I’m a I, C, and S—Influencing, Compliant, and Steady. That means I’m naturally people-oriented, thoughtful, detail-aware, and peace-seeking. Those are strengths. But when I didn’t understand my style—or others’—those strengths got misread. And so did theirs.

What is DISC?

DISC stands for Dominant, Influencing, Steady, and Compliant. It’s a behavioral tool that helps us understand how we tend to respond to problems, people, pace, and procedures. It’s not a personality label. It’s a map of how we show up—especially under stress.

Most people lead with one or two of these behavioral styles. When we know our own wiring and the wiring of those around us, communication stops feeling like a guessing game.

How It Changed Things for Me

When I started working with DISC—really working with it—I realized I wasn’t too much of anything. I wasn’t too sensitive. I wasn’t too careful. I was simply showing up through a lens that valued connection, clarity, and keeping things running smoothly.

DISC helped me understand why I needed time to think before deciding. Why I resisted fast pivots without a plan. Why I’d over-prepare for a conversation just to make sure no one felt blindsided. And most of all—why that sometimes clashed with others who led with Dominance or fast decision-making.

That awareness shifted everything. I started showing up differently. Not smaller—just clearer. I could honor my natural style without assuming everyone else operated the same way.

Where It Shows Up

DISC isn’t just a tool for boardrooms or business teams. It’s changed how I show up in family decisions, farm planning conversations, workshops, and client calls.

I’ve seen it help:

- A family farm stop avoiding tough conversations

- A nonprofit board finally hear each other’s intentions

- A farm couple realize they weren’t in conflict—they were just wired differently

Who This Is For

DISC is for anyone who communicates. Period.

- If you manage a team—or work with family—you’ll gain clarity.

- If you’re part of a producer co-op or leadership group—it will save you time and heartache.

- If you’ve ever felt too quiet, too blunt, too sensitive, or too intense—DISC can help you understand what’s really at play.

Want to Know Your Style?

As a certified Maxwell DISC Consultant, I offer DISC assessments, debriefs, and coaching for individuals, farm families, and teams. Whether you want to improve communication, reduce stress, or better understand your leadership style—this is a powerful place to start.

You’re not too much. You’re not broken. You’re just wired beautifully.

Let’s find a way to use that to your advantage.

Schedule a Discovery Call