As a travel agency owner, how can you use the DISC personality model to truly connect with and manage your team? For leaders, it’s not just about understanding clients—it’s about understanding your people.
The CTC and CTIE programs will teach you how to use DISC to connect better, communicate smarter and turn differences into real strengths—for your career and your confidence. Check out these programs today and keep growing as the kind of leader people want to follow.
And don’t miss our PEP Talk: DISC Personality Styles and Teamwork, presented June 5 at 2:00 pm (ET) by Victoria Ann Akkerman, CTIE, Operations Manager for ABT.
So, how do you get better at understanding your greatest asset—your people? Think of it this way: your agency is a mix of personalities, just like your clientele. And knowing the DISC styles of your agents can change everything about how you communicate, delegate, and motivate.
So, let’s break it down:
First, the D Agents – Dominance These folks are your go-getters. They’re driven, results-oriented, and they want to know the bottom line. When managing “D” style agents, be direct and concise. Don’t beat around the bush. They appreciate clear goals and the autonomy to achieve them. You might say, “Hey, we need to boost sales in this area by 15% this quarter. I trust you to figure out the best way to get there.” Give them responsibility, challenge them and then get out of their way. They thrive on achieving targets and leading the charge.
Next, the I Agents – Influence These are your people-people. They’re enthusiastic, social, and love brainstorming. Managing “I” style agents is about fostering a positive and collaborative environment. They need to feel connected and appreciated. When you give them a task, explain how it impacts the team and makes the clients happy. Use phrases like, “Your creativity is key to making this campaign a success!” They’ll excel in roles that involve relationship building and client interaction. Just make sure to keep them on track and help them prioritize because they can sometimes get a little scattered.
Further, the S Agents – Steadiness These are your reliable, supportive team members. They value stability and harmony. Managing “S” style agents means providing a calm and predictable work environment. They don’t like sudden changes or conflict. When assigning tasks, be patient and explain the process clearly. Say things like, “We’re going to implement this new system, and I’m here to support you through the transition.” They are excellent at providing consistent service and building long-term client relationships. Make sure they feel secure and appreciated, and they’ll be your most loyal team members.
And finally, the C Agents – Conscientiousness These agents are detail-oriented, analytical, and they want things done right. Managing “C” style agents involves providing clear guidelines and ensuring accuracy. They’ll want all the details, so be prepared to answer their “why” questions with data and reasoning. When delegating, provide them with all the necessary information and documentation. Use phrases like, “Here’s the report with all the specifics we need. I know I can rely on you to analyze this for us.” They’re fantastic for complex bookings and ensuring compliance. Just remember they sometimes can get bogged down in the details, so help them see the bigger picture.
Putting It All Together
As a travel agency owner, you can use DISC to:
- Tailor your communication: Speak to all agents in a way that resonates with their individual styles.
- Delegate effectively: Match tasks to each agent’s strengths and preferences.
- Build a balanced team: Recognize the different strengths each style brings and build a well-rounded team.
- Resolve conflicts: Understand the root cause of misunderstandings and address them constructively.
- Increase motivation: Understand what drives each agent and provide recognition accordingly.
Essentially, DISC is a tool to help you connect with your team on a deeper level. It’s about understanding individual needs and preferences and creating a work environment where everyone can thrive. And when your team is happy and engaged, that translates to better service for your clients and a more successful travel agency.
