This is the latest in our series on unlocking team potential with the Everything DiSC® methodology. If you missed our introduction to Everything DiSC and why it matters for SMEs, you can check out that article here: Unlocking Team Potential: An Introduction to the Everything DiSC® Methodology for SMEs.
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the “S” or Steadiness style.
What is the S Style?
People with a strong Steadiness style are often the glue that quietly holds teams together. They’re patient, supportive, and reliable, and they value stability and harmony in the workplace. In small and medium businesses, S-style team members help create a calm, consistent environment that enables others to thrive, even through change or uncertainty.
Likely Attributes of Someone with an S Style
- Supportive and dependable: Always ready to help and keep things running smoothly.
- Patient and good listeners: They take them time to understand others’ perspectives.
- Collaborative: They prefer working with others and building consensus.
- Consistent and methodical: They value routine, structure, and predictability.
- Calm under pressure: They remain steady, even when things get hectic.
Common Strengths of the S Style
- Builds trust and loyalty: S’s tend to be approachable, reliable, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Promotes teamwork: Focus on group harmony and collaboration, smoothing over conflict.
- Provides stability: Brings a steady hand during change or stressful periods.
- Excellent listeners: Enable others to feel heard and valued.
- Ensures follow-through: Pays attention to details and sees tasks through to completion.
Typical Challenges of the S Style
- May resist change or be uncomfortable with sudden shifts in direction.
- Can be prone to avoiding conflict, sometimes at the expense of addressing important issues.
- May struggle to say “no,” leading to over-commitment or burnout.
- They may sometimes be seen by others as being slow to adapt or make decisions when under pressure.
- They may undervalue their own contributions or hesitate to speak up.
A Quick Client Example
We worked with a small business in which the office manager was a classic S style; unfailingly supportive, calm, and always the first to help a colleague. The business was growing rapidly, and changes were coming thick and fast. While the office manager found it stressful she didn’t want to upset the applecart, so instead was working longer hours to keep things running, to the point that other staff were becoming concerned. Through DiSC, the team became more aware of one another’s motivators and stressors, and so instigated more regular team check-ins and clearer communication about proposed changes. This allowed the office manager to better understand the changes and contribute her suggestions/raise concerns early. The team was better able to determine appropriate next steps and ultimately deliver a better outcome for the business and all individuals concerned.
If You Have Strong S Attributes, Here’s How to Get the Best from Your Style:
- Speak up early: Your calm perspective is valuable; stretch your comfort zone by sharing your thoughts before decisions are set in stone.
- Set boundaries: Recognise that it’s okay to say “no” or ask for help when you’re stretched.
- Prepare for change: Take time to process new directions, and if needed ask questions so that you are more comfortable.
- Practice healthy conflict: Use simple scripts to raise issues constructively (“I’m concerned about X because…”).
- Celebrate your strengths: Recognise the value you bring in creating stability and supporting others.
- Schedule regular check-ins: Touch base with leaders or peers to share feedback and flag concerns.
If You’re Working with Someone Who Has an S Style, Try These Practical Tips:
- Give advance notice: Share changes or new projects early so they have time to adjust.
- Invite input: Ask for their opinion, especially if they’re quiet in group settings.
- Be patient with decisions: Allow time for them to process and reflect before responding.
- Encourage open dialogue: Create a safe space for feedback or concerns.
- Acknowledge their contributions: A simple thank-you or public recognition goes a long way.
- Support through change: Offer extra reassurance and clarity during transitions.
Team Practices That Help S’s (and Everyone Else):
- Regular team check-ins: Foster open communication and keep everyone in the loop.
- Clear roles and routines: Provide structure to help S’s feel comfortable and confident.
- Conflict resolution processes: Normalise healthy debate and (appropriate) disagreement.
- Change management plans: Break changes into steps, and communicate the “why” and “how.”
- Recognition rituals: Celebrate steady, consistent contributions, not just big wins.
Why It Matters in SMEs
The S style’s steadiness and support create a foundation of trust and reliability. This is critical for small and medium businesses, where every team member’s wellbeing and consistency matter. When S’s are empowered to speak up and adapt, the whole team benefits from both stability and growth.
DiSC gives leaders and teams a shared language to value these differences, turning natural tendencies into complementary strengths.
What’s next in this series
Next time, we’ll explore the final core style, the Conscientiousness (C) style; what motivates someone with a predominant C style, how to spot them, and how to work together for better results. If you haven’t yet, check out our introduction to Everything DiSC for SMEs for the bigger picture. Or check out the other articles in this series:
Ready to See What DiSC Could Do for Your Team?
If you’re curious about how DiSC could help unlock the potential of your people, or if you’re interested in building stronger leadership and a more cohesive team, let’s chat (or click here for a preview of our DiSC-related programs).