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Thinking Skills — How Do You Think Your Way Through Work?

In Episode 2, the DISCy Chicks take a closer look at the Thinking Skills domain of TTI’s DNA Competencies. We explore the seven competencies that help us understand how effectively people process information, learn, innovate, plan, solve problems, and make decisions—not how “smart” someone is.

We break down Conceptual Thinking, Continuous Learning, Creativity & Innovation, Futuristic Thinking, Planning & Organizing, Problem Solving, and Tactical Thinking, with practical workplace examples and some important distinctions between competencies that can sound very similar.

We also introduce the DNA Skills Crossover Matrix, which helps clarify where these competencies overlap—and where they are distinctly different. And, because we’re still the DISCy Chicks, we talk about how DISC behavioral styles may influence how we approach thinking, while DNA Competencies help us understand how effectively we demonstrate specific thinking skills.

The big takeaway? A preference isn’t automatically a competency. Understanding the difference can give us a much clearer picture of ourselves and the people we work with.

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Season 9, Episode 1: A Fresh Look at Competencies

Welcome to Season 9 of the DISCy Chicks! In our first episode, Cindy and Martha dive into the exciting updates to the TTI Success Insights competencies model.

TTISI has reorganized its 23 competencies into three important domains: Working Skills, Thinking Skills, and Relationship Skills. We explore what these changes mean, why understanding competencies matters for personal and professional development.  We answer the questions How are Competencies different than DISC? and Which on is more important?

Join us as we kick off a new season filled with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and plenty of DISC—and beyond!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the 23 competencies are organized into three domains
• Why competencies are important to workplace success
• What to expect from the DISCy Chicks in Season 9

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Episode 9: Beyond the Letters — Busting DISC Myths

In this episode of DiscyChicks, we tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about DISC and why reducing people to a single letter misses the entire point. From “High Ds are bossy” to “High Ss avoid conflict,” we unpack the truths behind the stereotypes and explain how DISC is meant to create awareness—not excuses.

We discuss:

• What DISC actually measures
• Why behavior is adaptive and situational
• Common myths about D, I, S, and C styles
• How labels can limit growth and damage communication
• Why flexibility is the real superpower of DISC

Key takeaway: DISC should help us understand people better—not put them in boxes.

“DISC doesn’t define you—but how you use it might.”  

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Remote work didn’t create communication challenges—it magnified them. In this episode, the DISCy Chicks break down how each DISC style shows up in virtual meetings and why those differences matter more than ever. From D types who want to move fast and make decisions, to I types who bring energy and connection, to S styles who listen and support, and C styles who crave structure and clarity—everyone is approaching the same Zoom call from a completely different lens.

We dig into how these differences can easily lead to misinterpretation. A D’s urgency can feel like impatience, an I’s enthusiasm can come across as interrupting, and an S’s quiet presence may be mistaken for disengagement. Meanwhile, C styles can become frustrated when meetings lack organization or clear outcomes. Without the visual and relational cues of in-person work, these gaps widen—and teams can start to feel disconnected or ineffective.

The good news? A few intentional shifts can make a big difference. Clear agendas are a game-changer, helping C styles feel prepared, giving D styles a sense of efficiency, and creating space for I styles to connect and S styles to contribute. Strong facilitation also matters—balancing participation by drawing out quieter voices while keeping dominant personalities in check helps maintain both productivity and engagement.

Ultimately, remote work requires more empathy and adaptability from everyone. When teams understand and respect different DISC styles, communication improves and collaboration becomes more natural. We also explore how technology—like meeting assistants and collaboration tools—can support better structure and follow-through, while still leaving room for the human connection that keeps teams thriving.

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Cindy and Martha give valuable insight into sales success with DISC

Sales Strategy Using DISC

This session centered on improving sales by matching communication styles with clients’ DISC profiles to build rapport and close deals effectively.

• Adapting Sales Style to Prospect’s DISC Profile 
• Identifying DISC Styles through Communication Cues
• Distinct Sales Approaches for Each DISC Type 

Post-Sale Service Tailored to DISC

Sales success extends into post-sale follow-up, which must also align with the client’s DISC style to maintain trust and satisfaction.

• Customized Follow-Up Strategies per DISC Profile 
• Importance of Connection in Closing and Retention 

Common Sales Pitfalls by DISC Type

Understanding typical mistakes sellers make helps avoid losing clients and improves sales effectiveness.

• Dominant Sellers’ Pitfalls 
• Influence Sellers’ Pitfalls 
• Steady Sellers’ Pitfalls
• Conscientious Sellers’ Pitfalls 

Overall Sales Philosophy and Key Takeaways

The session concluded with reflections on effective sales communication and mindset shifts needed for success.

• Awareness Over Script Perfection 
• Asking for the Sale 
• Building Trust is Central 

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Change is inevitable in organizations — new systems, reorganizations, leadership shifts, and strategic pivots all bring disruption. But the real challenge isn’t the change itself; it’s how differently people respond to it. In this episode of the DISCy Chicks podcast, Cindy and Martha explore why one employee may be excited about change while another feels anxious or resistant, and how DISC personality styles shape those reactions. 

The conversation breaks down how each DISC style experiences change. Dominance (D) types tend to welcome fast movement and clear goals, while Influence (I) personalities focus on how change affects people and morale. Steadiness (S) styles often need time and reassurance as they process uncertainty, and Conscientiousness (C) styles want logic, details, and risk analysis before embracing a new direction. Understanding these differences helps leaders avoid common mistakes like over-communicating to one style while unintentionally leaving others behind. 

Cindy and Martha also share practical ways to communicate change more effectively using a DISC-smart approach. Leaders should combine big-picture vision with concrete details, address both emotional and analytical concerns, and continue the conversation well after the initial announcement. The episode closes with rapid-fire takeaways reminding listeners that resistance is often just unmet needs in disguise—and that successful change happens when leaders learn to translate their message into every DISC language. 

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Our focus is on managing up by understanding your boss' DISC style to
improve communication and effectiveness.

Communication Tactics are important. Tailor communication strategies for each style: focus on brevity for a Dominant, acknowledgment for Influence as they all about relationships, calmness for Steady, and precision for Compliant.

Knowing your boss’s primary behavior style enables you to communicate more
effectively with them. For example, let's say you are a Steady and your boss is a
Dominant. These two styles are very different from one another. The differences can create communication issues between the two of you, if you don’t know about DISC and adapting your style to meet people where they are behaviorally.

Being keenly self-aware of the impact you have on other people in your life and
You will notice you are connecting and communicating well and getting things
accomplished at work and at home!

Watch the video on FaceBook: DISCyChicks Podcast

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 Boardroom Communication Strategy

This podcast focuses on tailoring presentations to board members’ DISC styles to maximize engagement and approval.

• Cindy Jacoby and Martha Forlines recommend using a structured approach to pitching ideas by addressing the four DISC types—Dominant, Influencer, Steady, and Conscientious—ensuring each style’s priorities are met.
  • Dominants want quick decisions, results, and options framed as risk-reward tradeoffs.
  • Influencers respond to energetic, vision-driven messaging emphasizing buy-in and excitement.
  • Steadies seek assurances of team support and low disruption during change.
  • Conscientious members require detailed data, risk mitigation, and compliance evidence.
  • This approach balances brevity and depth, avoiding overwhelming any one style while engaging all.

Style by Style

Experienced executives often embody high dominance and expect confident, bottom-line presentations that highlight fast impact and competitive advantage.

• • Dominants prefer options with likelihood of success and cost implications clearly stated.
  • Risk-reward framing resonates strongly with them, guiding swift decisions.
  • They expect minimal storytelling but clear, actionable information.

Influencers value dynamic, relational messaging focused on team and customer excitement to secure buy-in during boardroom pitches.

• • Influencers want to visualize success with phrases like “our team is excited” or “this will boost our brand.”
  • Presenters must energize the room without boring more results-focused members.

Steady board members prioritize security, stability, and team impact, requiring reassurance about low-risk, smooth implementation.

• • Use phrases such as “low disruption implementation” and “support through change” to gain their support. They typically avoid conflict but will engage if they feel the change benefits the team.
  • They typically avoid conflict but will engage if they feel the change benefits the team.

Conscientious members are risk-averse and detail-oriented, demanding thorough preparation and evidence of compliance and risk mitigation (35:34)

• • They appreciate advanced access to materials for review before meetings.
  • Presenters must be ready to answer detailed questions but avoid overloading the entire group with data.
  • Demonstrating risk awareness and mitigation fosters their trust and buy-in.

Successful boardroom communication requires adapting styles to audience composition and not relying solely on one’s personal approach.

• Build mini-presentations addressing each DISC type’s key concerns within a 10-minute pitch.
• Practice presentations to confidently vary tone and content.

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DISCy Chicks are wrapping up Day 2—and the final day—of TTISI Con 2026! 🎤✨

Coaches and consultants from all over gathered in Arizona, and we couldn’t resist capturing the energy, insights, and wisdom in a round of spontaneous hallway interviews. This special short cast gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the conversations that matter where we tackle the most egregious myths about the DISC assessment.

Hit play and join us as we put our colleagues on the spot and close out an inspiring conference!

#DISCassessment

DISC Chicks Podcast with Video

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Listen in as Cindy and Martha explore Day 1 of the TTISICon 2026 in Phoenix,AZ. Enjoy their "man on the street" interview with some of their colleagues.  Enjoy this short recap of  Day !