The Social Code

Every new leader remembers their first communication breakdown — a meeting that went sideways, a misunderstood email, or a conversation that left everyone frustrated. Most leaders don’t fail because they lack skill—they fail because they can’t connect.

Research from the Center for Creative Leadership confirms that the top reasons leaders derail are poor self-awareness, difficulty building relationships, and resistance to change. To help emerging leaders overcome these challenges early, Dirigo™ has launched The Social Code: Unlocking Your Communication Style — a high-energy, three-hour experiential program that helps leaders decode their communication patterns and activate stronger collaboration, trust, and impact.

Built for the Camp Stage of Dirigo’s Leadership Journey Framework, The Social Code helps participants uncover how their natural DiSC-based behaviors influence every conversation and relationship. The program emphasizes what Harvard Business Review calls the foundation of effective leadership—self-awareness. Yet, studies show that only 10–15% of people are truly self-aware, leaving most leaders unaware of how their communication habits affect others.

Through activation exercises and real-time practice, participants experience how adjusting their style to meet others where they are can transform team dynamics. Research from the TRACOM Group reveals that leaders who flex their behavioral style see up to a 32% increase in team productivity and a 40% reduction in workplace conflict. The results are that The Social Code helps unlock early in a leader’s journey.

Course Duration

Half-Day - 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

(Doors Open At 8:00 AM)

Agenda

Arrival & Registration | 8:00 - 8:30 AM

• Coffee & light breakfast snacks
• Networking & introductions

Workshop Begins | 8:30 AM

Welcome

• Introduce the “Camp” stage of the Leadership Journey.
• Purpose: Building self-awareness as the foundation of leadership.
• Icebreaker: Big Question

Understanding Social Styles

• Activity: Communication Challenge
• Defining effective communication
• Activity: One Word
• Overview of the four primary DiSC social styles.
• Group discussion: Why do styles matter in leadership and teamwork?
• Interactive: Participants identify observable behaviors of each style.

Personal Assessment Review

• Review participants' personal DiSC reports.
• Paired discussion: Share insights with a partner

Break

Impact of Style on Communication & Teams

• How different styles prefer to communicate, decide, and collaborate.
• Activity: A Day's Journey
• Activity: Crossing Paths
• Debrief: How mismatches create friction and how awareness can reduce it.

Action Planning & Closing

Participants identify strategy to improve their communication and build an action plan.

• Group reflection
• Closing remarks