Leading With Strengths (Not Just Your Own)

We are all wired differently. Tools like DISC Personality Assessment and CliftonStrengths have stood the test of time because they help us understand both ourselves and the people we serve (both customers and unit members).

The reality is that most of the time, you are working with someone who is not wired like you. That can create challenges, frustrations, and sometimes even insecurities if we aren’t intentional about how we lead.

When it’s time to put on your Director’s suit and show up to serve, train, and lead, I want to encourage you to intentionally work alongside leaders who are different from you in their DISC style or strengths.

Why This Matters for You

Many of you are carrying a significant amount of creative and leadership weight-deciding meeting topics, leading lives, inviting unit members to events, planning trainings, coaching future leaders, and running your own personal business.

All of those things are good. But when they all sit on one person’s shoulders, burnout can quietly creep in. Strategically aligning with a few leaders allows you to share the load and expand the impact.

Yes, collaboration requires some planning. But having leaders you are aligned with creates margin when life inevitably happens- whether that’s a sick child, a busy season, or simply leading women who think very differently than you do.

Different styles bring different strengths:

• A D often brings execution and speed.

• An S brings stability, loyalty, and warmth.

• An I brings energy, enthusiasm, and connection.

• A C brings structure, detail, and excellence.

Each one strengthens the other. Take time to pray and discern who God may be placing beside you to partner with in leadership.

Why This Matters for Building Leaders

Remember, we are always selling the leadership role.

If the picture of leadership looks like doing everything alone, carrying overwhelming responsibility, or operating from exhaustion, it rarely inspires others to step into the role.

But when your team sees different types of women leading, collaborating, and winning together, it changes the picture.

It shows them:

• leadership can look different for different personalities

• support and partnership exist

• their strengths would have a place here too

• It also allows your unit to cross-pollinate strengths, meaning your team members receive encouragement, perspective, and leadership from multiple voices, not just yours.

Aligning with leaders beside you or ahead of you is a powerful strategy for protecting your energy, consistency, and long-term vision and it gives your team something even more valuable: a picture of leadership that is strong, collaborative, and sustainable.