New Managers: Setting the Stage for Success with the DISA Behavioural Model

Jan 10, 2025·By Stephen Keery

Starting a new management role can feel like being handed the reins of a runaway horse. It can still be exciting, nerve-wracking and full of opportunities to make a lasting impact.

As a new manager, you might juggle authority, communication, time management, workload and delegation. If that sounds familiar, don’t fret. The DISA Behavioural Model is your reliable guide to navigating these challenges. Below we explore how understanding behavioural styles can help you excel in your new role.

The Basics of DISA

The DISA Behavioural Model identifies four key behavioural styles, each represented by a colour and associated traits:

🔴 Red – Dominant: Direct, decisive, and driven.
🟡 Yellow – Influential: Social, outgoing, and enthusiastic.
🟢 Green – Steadfast: Supportive, dependable, and patient.
🔵 Blue – Analytical: Analytical, detail-oriented, and precise.

New managers often struggle because they fail to recognise how their behaviour and that of their team affects workplace dynamics. DISA isn’t about labelling people, it’s about understanding behaviours to foster better communication, collaboration, and decision-making.

Establishing Authority

Authority doesn’t mean acting like an overbearing boss from the past. It’s about earning respect. Here’s how knowing your primary DISA colour can help:

🔴 Red – Dominant managers set clear goals and demonstrate confidence but should balance this with empathy to avoid seeming overbearing.
🟡 Yellow – Influential managers bring energy and inspiration but should stay focused and follow through.
🟢 Green – Steadfast managers build authority through trust and reliability but need to assert themselves when necessary.
🔵 Blue – Analytical managers gain respect with their expertise and precision, though they must engage with their team on a personal level.

Communicating Effectively

Communication is the cornerstone of successful management. The DISA model helps tailor your approach:

🔴 With Red – Dominant behaviours, keep it concise and results-focused.
🟡 For Yellow – Influential behaviours, inject enthusiasm and positivity.
🟢 With Green – Steadfast behaviours, emphasise collaboration and harmony.
🔵 For Blue – Analytical behaviours, provide data, logic, and structure.

By adapting your communication style, you’ll ensure your message resonates, whether delivering feedback, explaining processes, or motivating your team.

Managing Time and Delegating Tasks

Time management is often a sticking point for new managers. Delegation, done right, is key:

🔴 Red – Dominant behaviours prefer autonomy. Give them goals and let them run with it.

🟡 Yellow – Influential behaviours thrive on creative tasks and recognition, so delegate accordingly.

🟢 Green – Steadfast behaviours are dependable but may need encouragement to take on new challenges.

🔵 Blue – Analytical behaviours excel with detailed, structured tasks but might require reassurance to avoid perfectionism slowing progress.

Maintaining Positive Relationships

A harmonious workplace doesn’t happen by accident. Use DISA to foster strong relationships:

🔴 Red – Dominant: Respect their need for efficiency and show appreciation for achievements.
🟡 Yellow – Influential: Engage socially and celebrate successes.
🟢 Green – Steadfast: Show gratitude for their support and create a safe environment for feedback.
🔵 Blue – Analytical: Value their precision and provide clear, logical communication.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Remember, no one is purely one colour. We all have a mix of behaviours influenced by our environment, experiences, and even our mood on a Monday morning! As a manager, self-awareness is crucial. Reflect on your own behavioural tendencies and consider how they might impact your leadership style. Additionally, observe your team’s behaviours to create a workplace where everyone feels understood and valued.

Final Thoughts

The road to managerial success can feel daunting, but with the DISA Behavioural Model as your guide, you can tackle challenges with confidence and composure. By understanding and adapting to different behavioural styles, you’ll build stronger relationships, communicate effectively, and lead your team to success. So, grab a cuppa, reflect on your behavioural colour, and let DISA be your management superpower.