Building Team Cohesion at 3R: Merging the DISC Approach with the Executive Committee Guiding Principles
At 3R, a private radiology group in Switzerland, our mission aligns with the importance of adaptability in leadership, as emphasized in the fundamental principles of the DISC-color leadership styles. Our vision is transparent: to pioneer in radiological services by deeply rooting our actions in the core values of service, excellence, innovation, and caring.
During my tenure as CEO, it became evident that achieving our vision required enhancing the synergy between executive and operational departments. A shared understanding of our values and objectives was essential. With the guidance of the DISC-color leadership styles, we devised a strategy to instill a spirit of unity and alignment within our organization.
Objective:
The objective was to deeply embed our core values across all tiers and foster a culture of seamless collaboration.
Our Strategy:
DISC Leadership Styles Assessment: Every executive member took the DISC evaluation, identifying their dominant leadership style – whether a decisive Strategist, an optimistic Innovator, a patient Harmonizer, or a detail-oriented Guardian.
Tailored DISC Workshops:
Based on their identified styles:
- Strategists utilized their decisive and direct nature to enhance the excellence of our radiological procedures.
- Innovators harnessed their enthusiasm to explore innovative radiological techniques, staying true to our commitment to innovation.
- Harmonizers employed their supportive demeanor to cultivate a caring ambiance for patients and peers.
- Guardians applied their analytical skills to refine our services, ensuring precision and efficiency at every step.
Introduction of the Executive Committee Guiding Principles:
To bridge the gap between executive insights and ground-level execution, the “Executive Committee Guiding Principles” were introduced to middle managers and C-suite Executives. These principles serve not only as a reference but as an embodiment of our daily operations:
- I deeply grasp and align with our company’s strategic vision.
- I excel in my designated role and genuinely represent my team.
- I command respect both in my professional role and as an individual.
- I ensure my actions resonate with my given responsibilities.
- I possess all the resources and information needed to perform my duties independently.
- I am part of and advocate for a collaborative and positive team dynamic.
- I acknowledge my limitations yet derive strength from my teammates’ expertise.
- I effectively allocate time to fulfill my responsibilities.
- I ensure that projects in my department align with the company’s broader strategy.
- I champion a culture where my voice, and that of others, is freely expressed and respected.
Feedback Mechanisms:
An open channel for feedback was established, collecting insights on a bimonthly basis. This two-way communication ensured alignment and facilitated prompt action on discrepancies in imbibing the Executive Committee Guiding Principles or our core values.
The Result:
The combined efforts bore fruit. A rejuvenated sense of unity enveloped 3R. Our departments began operating in harmony, resonating with our core values more deeply than ever. The amalgamation of the DISC approach with the Executive Committee’s Guiding Principles helped nurture a workforce that encapsulates our core values and paves the way for enhanced innovation and adaptability.
Future Directions:
With the initial success of this strategy, our vision is to expand this approach, continually refining the principles based on feedback and introducing more collaborative platforms for cross-functional teams.
The base article states, “Mastery of diverse leadership styles fosters success through adaptability, strategic acuity, and boardroom diplomacy.” This journey at 3R is a testament to the transformative power of understanding and adapting leadership styles to build a cohesive and visionary team.
