Characteristics of DISC Style
DISC stands for Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C).
Each of these quadrants refers to a set of typical responses or behaviors people are expected to exhibit. According to the two-dimensional model, D and I styles are fast paced, while S and C styles are moderately paced. In the same way, D and C styles are task-oriented or skeptical and S and C styles are people-oriented.
It’s important to note that individuals with a D style will not only exhibit the characteristics of that style. Everyone is a combination of all four styles. Being in one of the quadrants implies that the characteristics defining that style are the dominant behaviors and preferences of the individual. A D style characteristic, for example, corresponds to a person’s dominant behavioral tendencies. Occasionally, an individual with a D style may also exhibit characteristics of I, S, or C styles.
To achieve greater differentiation, each of the four DISC styles can be further subdivided into three more segments. Thus, 12 DISC styles may be identified. Four of these twelve styles are “pure” or “natural” styles, namely, D, I, S, and C. The remaining eight styles are combinations of two styles, namely, DI, ID, IS, SI, SC, CS, CD, and DC.
Let us now examine each style in more detail:
Dominance/Influence (DI or ID) styles: Both these styles are fast-paced and dynamic by nature. People belonging to either of these styles tend to be more action oriented, bold, and impulsive. The combination of self-confidence and social poise characterizes these personalities, and it is this combination that leads them to be entrepreneurial and risk-takers.
Influence (I) styles: I styles are lively, energetic, and extremely outgoing. These individuals are energetic and have positive interpersonal relationships. High energy and enthusiasm are two adjectives that describe them.
Influence/Stability (IS or SI) styles: These styles are enthusiastic, but not as extreme as I style. They’re gentler and cheerier. They’re both trusting of others and look for the best in people. Their best attributes are compassionate and welcoming. The IS styles are more upbeat and lighthearted, whereas the Si styles are more supportive and friendly.
Steadiness (S) styles: S styles are both interpersonally warm and moderately paced and therefore, are described as calm, peaceful, or even-tempered. Supportive in nature, S styles are also very accommodating and show a lot of concern for others.
Consistency/Steadiness (SC or CS) styles: Different from D styles, these two styles take less action and are more deliberate. Making decisions for them is usually a step-by-step process. These two styles prefer to be behind the scenes of all actions and demonstrate a great deal of passivity.
Consciousness (C) styles: The best adjective to describe C styles is analytical. People who are C styles are more reserved than enthusiastic, the exact opposite of I styles. They tend to be cautious and skeptical about expressing emotions and make decisions based on logical reasoning and data.
Consciousness/dominance (CD or DC) styles: Both are task-oriented and skeptical, but not to the point of being highly aggressive or highly withdrawn. The best word to describe it is challenging. DC styles are resolute and strong-willed, while CD styles are unsentimental.
Dominance (D) styles: The most direct way to describe D styles are as being dominant. Direct, result-oriented, competitive, strong-willed, and forceful, D types do not care about other people’s preferences.
This is a description of the 12 behavioral styles. After reviewing the DISC model, do you think we should learn about it?
According to Judy Suiter, “You must first invest in order to reap the rewards.”. Investing always precedes return. Always.” Understanding the DISC model and its language is like an investment – an investment that yields better interpersonal relationships, effective team building, and increased commitment by preventing conflict. If we become aware and understand the behavioral tendencies of ourselves and others, we can become more effective in communicating with others and pave the way for increased positive results.