1 July 2024 Blog

Why IT Security Specialists May Not Have the Right DISC Profile to Champion a Cyber-Focused Culture Change

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organisations are increasingly recognizing the need for a robust, cyber-focused culture. This involves not just implementing technical defences but fostering an organisational mindset where every employee understands their role in maintaining security. While IT security specialists are vital to this effort, they may not always be the best candidates to lead such a cultural transformation. Here’s why:
 
The Role of DISC Profiles in Cybersecurity Leadership 
The DISC model, which categorizes personality traits into four types--Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C)--provides valuable insights into individuals' behavioural tendencies. While each type brings unique strengths to an organisation, certain profiles are better suited to leading culture change initiatives than others.
 
The Typical DISC Profile of IT Security Specialists 
IT security specialists often exhibit high levels of Conscientiousness and Dominance. These traits are essential for their roles, which demand attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and decisive action in the face of threats. However, leading a culture change requires a different set of skills and attributes.
 

1. Conscientiousness (C): IT security specialists excel in methodical, analytical, and structured environments. They are detail-oriented and focused on precision, which is crucial for identifying and mitigating risks. However, this focus on detail can sometimes make it challenging to engage and inspire a broader audience who may not share the same level of technical expertise or interest.

 

1. Dominance (D): Dominant personalities are decisive and results-oriented, often thriving in high-stakes environments. While these traits are beneficial for making critical security decisions, they can sometimes come across as authoritarian, which may hinder their ability to foster collaboration and buy-in across different organisational levels.

 
The Need for Influence and Steadiness in Culture Change 
Successfully championing a cyber-focused culture requires leaders who can engage, inspire, and motivate employees across all levels of the organisation. This is where the traits associated with Influence (I) and Steadiness (S) become invaluable.
 

1. Influence (I): Leaders with high Influence are charismatic, persuasive, and excellent communicators. They excel at building relationships and motivating others, making them well-suited for driving cultural change. They can translate complex cybersecurity concepts into relatable terms, fostering a sense of ownership and urgency among all employees.

 

1. Steadiness (S): Those with high Steadiness are supportive, patient, and good listeners. They create a stable and inclusive environment, encouraging team collaboration and long-term commitment to new practices. Their empathetic approach helps address employees' concerns and resistance to change, facilitating smoother transitions.

 
The Ideal Champion for Cyber-Focused Culture Change 
An effective leader for a cyber-focused culture change should ideally possess a balanced mix of Influence and Steadiness, complemented by an understanding of cybersecurity. This combination ensures they can communicate the importance of cybersecurity in an engaging manner while providing the support needed to embed new behaviours into the organisational culture.
 
Bridging the Gap: Collaboration Between IT Security and Culture Leaders 
To bridge the gap between technical expertise and the ability to drive cultural change, organisations should consider a collaborative approach. IT security specialists can provide the necessary knowledge and framework, while leaders with high Influence and Steadiness can spearhead the cultural transformation efforts.
 
While IT security specialists are indispensable in protecting an organisation’s digital assets, they may not always have the right DISC profile to lead a cyber-focused culture change. By recognizing and leveraging the strengths of individuals with diverse DISC profiles, organisations can more effectively foster a comprehensive and resilient cybersecurity culture.
 
At Cyberplanz we understand the complexities of cybersecurity and the importance of cultural transformation. Contact us to learn how our human-centric approach can help you achieve a robust cyber-focused culture.