The world has largely recovered from the 2007 to 2009 recession, but the memories of that period remain vivid for many professionals. Some industries faced intense pressure, particularly service firms, and this case from that time has always stood out to me.
During the recession, we were approached by the senior partner of an eight-partner legal firm. He was concerned about growing communication problems among the partnership group. He had attended a presentation delivered by a business development consultant who strongly advocated the use of Extended DISC®. The presentation, which was sponsored by a trading bank, explained how Extended DISC® profiles could help organisations better understand their people. This message resonated deeply with the senior partner.
The firm had recently lost several major clients, and the resulting pressure was straining relationships among the partners. Hoping to improve communication and understanding, the senior partner decided that each partner should complete a Behavioural Report, and that the reports should be shared openly within the group.
The results were interesting. Although the assessment was completed six years earlier, we still have copies of the reports. Five of the eight profiles showed clear signs of pressure, while three revealed more serious emotional issues.
Two of the Profile sets are shown below.
Understanding the Profiles
The first (left Profiles) was in fact that of the senior partner who had suggested the exercise.
Each report told a story, and to their credit, the partners shared them openly. The senior partner acknowledged that he had been feeling insecure and worried about the future of the firm. This explained the tight Profile II.
The Profiles shown alongside the senior partner’s Profiles were that of the newest and youngest partner.
The significant suppression of “C” in Profile I revealed that he felt “it is better to do nothing than to fail.” He openly expressed that he felt he had lost his freedom to make decisions and even admitted that he felt constrained.
The other partners had not realised this. They had assumed his introverted and withdrawn behaviour was due to losing his largest client shortly after joining the firm. In reality, the root cause was that he no longer enjoyed the independence he once had as a sole practitioner.
The third set of Profiles (displayed opposite) showing a “tight” Profile I was produced in a report for another partner who admitted he was seriously considering leaving the partnership for a role in commerce. This revelation came as a surprise to the group, as he had not discussed it with any of them. His tight Profile I made sense once he acknowledged that he had begun questioning his future within the firm.
How Behavioural Reporting Helped the Partnership
The assessment process opened the door for transparent and meaningful conversations that would not have taken place otherwise. The partners gained a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, emotional pressures, and concerns.
Each partner was debriefed by our team, and the exercise became a form of guided self-discovery. The reports allowed them to express thoughts they had been reluctant to share.
The outcomes varied. The partner considering a move into commerce ultimately left the firm. The youngest partner also decided to leave and formed a new partnership with a long-standing university friend. These decisions might have happened regardless, but the behavioural insights helped all parties understand the reasons behind their choices.
One of the major strengths of using behavioural reports in situations like this is that they create a safe opportunity for individuals to talk openly about themselves. The profiles provide clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and encourage honest discussion. In this case, the reports helped the partners recognise their own emotional states, understand their colleagues better, and make informed decisions about their futures.
Want to Improve Communication in Your Team?
Extended DISC® Behavioural Reports can help uncover hidden pressures, strengthen relationships, and create the foundation for open and effective dialogue.
