Strong leadership isn’t just about setting direction—it’s about understanding people. In every veterinary practice, team success depends on how well individuals connect, communicate, and collaborate under pressure. That’s where behavioural awareness becomes a game-changer.

When leaders understand the behavioural styles that shape how their team members think, work, and respond to challenges, they create stronger relationships, reduce friction, and unlock greater performance. It’s not about putting people in boxes—it’s about giving them the tools and support to thrive.

Why Behavioural Styles Matter in the Workplace

Behavioural styles shape how people interact, make decisions, manage stress, and approach their tasks. When leaders recognise and work with these styles, they can:

• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Reduce friction and misunderstandings
• Support individual growth
• Strengthen collaboration and trust

In a fast-paced, emotionally charged environment like a veterinary clinic, these skills help your team stay connected, focused, and productive—even on the busiest days.

The Four DISC Behavioural Styles

The concept of behavioural styles stems from the work of psychologist William Moulton Marston in the 1920s. He developed DISC theory to describe how people respond to their environment, identifying four core behavioural traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Today, DISC is widely used in workplaces to improve communication, enhance teamwork, and strengthen leadership.

The DISC model is one of the most effective and accessible tools for understanding behavioural styles in the workplace. Here’s how each style typically presents:

Dominance (Decisive, Action-Oriented, Results-Focused)

• Strengths: Confident, efficient, and focused on outcomes.
• Challenges: Can come across as impatient or blunt.
• Tip for Leaders: Allow autonomy and focus on results, but encourage emotional awareness and team input.

Influence (Outgoing, Enthusiastic, People-Focused)

• Strengths: Great communicators, energisers, and team motivators.
• Challenges: May overlook details or follow-through.
• Tip for Leaders: Acknowledge their enthusiasm, but provide structure and clarity to help them stay on track.

Steadiness (Reliable, Loyal, Relationship-Focused)

• Strengths: Empathetic, team-oriented, and supportive.
• Challenges: May resist change or avoid confrontation.
• Tip for Leaders: Offer reassurance during change and create a safe space for honest conversations.

Conscientiousness (Precise, Cautious, Detail-Oriented)

• Strengths: Analytical, thorough, and focused on accuracy.
• Challenges: Can be overly cautious or critical under stress.
• Tip for Leaders: Give them time to prepare, and acknowledge the value they bring in upholding standards.

Applying Behavioural Insights in Your Team

As a leader, behavioural awareness helps you tailor your approach to better support your team. Here are three ways to integrate this into your leadership style:

• Observe with Curiosity: Pay attention to how people communicate, handle feedback, and approach tasks. Avoid assumptions—behavioural style doesn’t always match personality or role.
• Flex Your Leadership Style: Great leaders know when to step in, when to step back, and how to adapt their approach to meet the needs of different team members.
• Leverage Tools Like DISC: Behavioural assessments like DISC offer a shared language for understanding each other. Use them to spark conversations, not to label or limit.

Behavioural Awareness Strengthens Culture

When leaders understand and work with different behavioural styles, trust grows, communication improves, and individuals feel valued. This creates a more engaged, resilient, and confident team.

Understanding behavioural styles doesn’t just improve team dynamics—it helps create a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead.

Need Support Understanding Your Team’s Behavioural Styles?

At Crampton Consulting Group, we help veterinary leaders build thriving teams through hands-on leadership development, team coaching, and behavioural profiling. Our DISC Profiling Service provides powerful insights into team dynamics and individual communication styles. Whether you’re onboarding new team members, navigating change, or strengthening your practice culture, DISC helps you lead with confidence and clarity.

Want to learn more? Get in touch—we’re here to help.

Related articles:       Navigating Workplace Relationships: A Guide for Leaders, Navigating Team Conflict: Turning Challenges into Opportunities, 6 Practical Communication Skills Every Leader Should Master