Conversations about succession in farming families are some of the most important and often the most difficult discussions to have. They involve deeply personal issues: identity, legacy, money, land, and family history. It’s no wonder they can be sensitive, emotional, and sometimes strained.
One of the biggest challenges is that we all communicate differently. What makes perfect sense to one person can feel unclear or overwhelming to another. That’s where personality profiling tools, like the DISC model, can help. They remind us that people aren’t all wired the same way and that successful conversations often depend less on what we say and more on how we say it.
And yet it’s good to have differences in a family and in a business team. Each personality brings a unique set of strengths, and often people lean toward two styles, or even a blend of all four. Recognising and valuing this variety is key to healthy conversations and balanced decision-making.
DISC is a simple, practical framework that helps us understand personality styles. It divides people into four main types, often represented by colours:
None of these styles are “better” than others, they’re just different. The strength comes when families recognise these differences and adapt their communication accordingly.
Succession planning isn’t just a financial or legal process, it’s a human process. Each family member may see the farm and its future through their own lens:
If no one recognises these differences, conversations can spiral into misunderstanding or conflict. But when families take the time to notice and respect one another’s styles, discussions become more constructive.
Picture this: a farming family gathered around the kitchen table to talk about succession. Dad and his daughter are both strong-willed, high “Reds.” They want decisions made quickly and directly, but instead of moving forward, they often clash head-on, each determined to drive the process their way.
Mum, on the other hand, is a steady “Green.” She longs for peace and harmony, and when the arguments flare up, she tends to withdraw rather than speak up. Her voice is often missing, even though she cares deeply about the outcome.
Their son is a cautious “Blue.” He finds the fast pace of the Reds overwhelming and wants time to look at the details, check the facts, and ensure that every step is compliant and risk-free. To him, rushing feels careless, but to his sister and father, slowing down feels frustrating.
Into this mix comes the daughter-in-law, a lively “Yellow.” She thrives on enthusiasm and has a natural ability to bring people together. She often lightens the mood, reminding everyone of the bigger picture and encouraging them to see one another’s perspective.
When you look at this family through the lens of DISC, the challenges become clearer and so do the solutions. The Reds need to recognise when their strong personalities are causing conflict, and commit to pausing and listening. Mum, as a Green, needs encouragement to share her thoughts early, instead of retreating. The Blue son should be given space and time to work through the details, and his thoroughness needs to be valued rather than criticised. And the Yellow daughter-in-law can play a key role in balancing the energy, helping keep conversations constructive and inclusive.
Here are some practical tips for adapting your communication in farm succession conversations:
When each person feels heard in their own way, trust grows, and solutions are easier to reach.
Even with awareness of personality styles, these conversations can still be tough. That’s where an impartial facilitator can make all the difference. A facilitator provides structure, ensures that everyone’s voice is heard, and prevents the strongest personalities from dominating. They help the family stay focused on shared goals rather than old arguments, and manage the pace so that both quick decision-makers and detail-oriented thinkers feel comfortable.
By combining the family’s awareness of each other’s styles with the support of a neutral expert, conversations can shift from conflict to collaboration creating a succession plan that works for the farm and for the family.
Succession conversations can feel daunting, but personality profiling offers a practical lens for empathy. By remembering that not everyone thinks or communicates like we do, we open the door to more respectful, balanced dialogue.
Farming is about stewardship of the land, the animals, and the family legacy. Stewardship of relationships is just as vital. Using tools like DISC can help families navigate tough conversations with greater understanding, ensuring that both the farm and the family thrive for generations to come.
There are many different models and tools such as the Myers Briggs Type indicator and the Five Factor Model, that can be used to explore personality styles. We’ll also look at other tools in future blogs.