Communication to Connect

Communication to Connect helps leaders understand why the same message can land differently with different people. Developed and hosted by Lynn Rolston, a certified Maxwell DISC Consultant and leadership coach, it uses the Maxwell DISC framework to build awareness of personal communication styles and the ability to adapt with respect and integrity.

The 9 modules combine short videos, handouts, quizzes and practical scenarios. Each includes an exercise participants complete and keep, building a personal workbook that moves from understanding self and others to applying communication skills in teams and leadership. The programme concludes with a 90 day growth plan for continued practice.

The Problem

Most communication breakdowns are not about effort. They happen because people communicate differently, and no one has taught them how to bridge that gap. Left unaddressed, it costs teams trust, momentum, and results: unresolved conflict, disengaged teams, and leaders whose intent is constantly misread.

Delivery Formats

A DISC-centred online learning experience. Self-paced online, with optional group discussion, offering flexible access to revisit modules anytime.

Components: 9 modules, handouts, video lessons, quizzes and scenarios.

Who This Is For

Leaders, teams and organisations seeking to strengthen communication, collaboration and trust.

Programme Curriculum

Each module centres on a named exercise participants complete and keep, turning the nine modules into a personal workbook, not just a set of videos.

Module 01: Foundations of Communication and DISC

Objective: Introduce the DISC framework and why style, not effort, is usually the real gap between people.
Activity: The Communication Snapshot, a short self-check revealing your natural style before the deep-dive begins.
Outcome: A working vocabulary for the four DISC styles, and where you sit inside it.

Module 02: Self-Awareness, Know Yourself First

Objective: Build an honest picture of your own style, strengths, and default reactions under pressure.
Activity: The DISC Mirror, a guided self-audit of how your style shows up in real conversations and conflict.
Outcome: A personal style profile to carry through the rest of the programme.

Module 03: Understanding Others

Objective: Learn to read the people around you, quickly and without guesswork.
Activity: The Style Spotting Guide, tried out on three real relationships: a colleague, a family member, and a leader.
Outcome: The ability to spot someone's style within minutes.

Module 04: Adapting Your Style

Objective: Move from spotting style differences to actively adjusting how you communicate.
Activity: The Adaptation Challenge, running one real conversation twice, once in your natural style and once adapted.
Outcome: A flexible communication style that reduces friction with people unlike you.

Module 05: Building Connections, Not Just Communication

Objective: Shift from exchanging information to building genuine trust and rapport.
Activity: The Connection Audit, mapping key relationships by depth of trust, to see where surface talk stands in for real connection.
Outcome: A short list of relationships to deepen deliberately.

Module 06: Influencing with Integrity

Objective: Build influence that lasts, grounded in respect rather than tactics.
Activity: The Integrity Check, testing a real, upcoming ask against a values-based influence framework.
Outcome: Confidence to lead and persuade without spending trust.

Module 07: Communication in Teams

Objective: Apply DISC at the team level to cut friction and lift performance.
Activity: The Team Style Map, plotting a real team's style mix to spot where conflict is likely.
Outcome: A practical plan for communicating better with a specific team.

Module 08: Communication in Leadership

Objective: Turn communication skill into leadership presence and clearer decisions.
Activity: The Leadership Lens, reviewing a recent leadership moment through the DISC framework.
Outcome: Sharper, more self-aware leadership communication.

Module 09: Application and Transformation, Your Growth Plan

Objective: Lock in the learning with a concrete, personal plan.
Activity: The 90-Day Growth Plan, a worksheet turning eight modules of learning into specific commitments.
Outcome: A written growth plan participants take straight into their workplace.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this programme, participants will:

• Gain deeper self-awareness of their own communication style and its impact
• Recognise the styles of others and adapt effectively
• Strengthen connections that build trust, influence, and engagement
• Improve collaboration, reduce conflict, and build team harmony
• Apply practical leadership tools that drive immediate results
• Build confidence in decision-making and problem-solving
• Transfer learning to their workplace and communities through scenario-based exercises

Why This Programme Works

• Proven Frameworks: based on the Maxwell DISC Assessment and leadership principles from best-selling John Maxwell books.
• Practical and Applicable: designed for real-world workplace situations.
• Engaging Learning Design: bite-sized videos, interactive resources, and scenario-based quizzes.
• Sustainable Impact: participants finish with a 90-day personal growth plan.

Optional Add-Ons

• DISC Assessments: individual and team leader reports, offering deep insights into team strengths and communication dynamics.
• Personal or Group Coaching: tailored support to help embed the learning and apply it to real-world challenges.

PLLFI Pillar Alignment

• Leadership Education: Strengthening communication, influence, and people skills
• Pacific Leadership Expertise: Cross-cultural communication and team development
• Leadership Ecosystems: Building collaborative, values-based organisational cultures