DISC Behavioral Styles

D – Dominance
Emphasizes: Shaping the environment by overcoming opposition and challenges
Tendencies: / Immediate results / Question status quo
Cause action / Take control
Accept challenges / Manage trouble
Make quick decisions / Solve problems
Motivated By: / An environment that includes challenges / Opportunities for advancement
Power and authority / New and varied activities
Direct answers / Freedom from direct supervision
Individual accomplishments
Fears: / Loss of control / Being taken advantage of
You will notice: / Self confidence / Quick decisions
Decisiveness
Limitations: / Lack of concern for others / Moving forward too quickly without considering outcomes
Impatience
I – Influence
Emphasizes: Shaping the environment by persuading and influencing others
Tendencies: / Involved with people / Participate in groups
Make a favorable impression / Generate enthusiasm
Entertain people
Motivated By: / Social recognition / Freedom of expression
Group activities / Freedom from control and detail
Relationships
Fears: / Not being liked / Disapproval of others
Social rejection / Loss of influence
You will notice: / Enthusiasm / Emotion
Socialism / Charm
Persuasiveness
Limitations: / Impulsiveness / Disorganization
Lack of follow through
S – Steadiness
Emphasizes: Achieving stability and accomplishing tasks by cooperating with others
Tendencies: / Calm / Good listener
Patient / Loyal
Bring conflicts to peaceful resolution / Wants consistency
Develop specialized skills
Motivated By: / Infrequent change / Cooperation
Stability / Using traditional methods
Sincere appreciation
Fears: / Loss of stability / Unpredictability
Unknown / Change
Conflict
You will notice: / Patience / Methodical approach
Team player / Calm, easy-going nature
Stability / Concern for the group
Limitations: / Overly willing to give / Resistance to change
Puts own needs behind the needs of others
C – Conscientiousness
Emphasizes: Working within circumstances to ensure quality and accuracy
Tendencies: / Attention to standards and detail / Diplomacy
Analytical thinking / Uncomfortable with conflict
Accuracy
Motivated By: / Performance expectation clearly defined / Atmosphere that is reserved and business-like
Quality and accuracy / Standards that are articulated
Fears: / Criticism of their work / Situations emotionally out of control
Slipshod methods / Not enough work
You will notice: / Cautiousness / Perfectionism
Preciseness / Restraint
Diplomacy / Factual
Limitations: / Inability to make final decisions because of a desire to collect and analyze data / Creativity hampered by a need to follow the rules
Overly critical of one’s self and others
Keys for Relating to D Dimension of Behavior
Like others to be: / Direct, straightforward, and open to own needs for results
Try to: / Make communication brief and to the point
Respect need for autonomy
Be clear about rules and expectations
Be prepared for: / Blunt and demanding approach
Lack of empathy
Keys for Relating to I Dimension of Behavior
Like others to be: / Friendly, emotionally honest, recognize contributions
Try to: / Approach them informally
Be relaxed and sociable
Let them verbalize thoughts and feelings
Be prepared for: / Attempts to persuade or influence others
Need for the “lime light”
Keys for Relating to S Dimension of Behavior
Like others to be: / Relaxed, agreeable, cooperative, and show appreciation
Try to: / Be logical and systematic in your approach
Provide a consistent and secure environment
Let them know how things will be done
Be prepared for: / Friendly approach to colleagues and supervisors
Resistance to change
Keys for Relating to C Dimension of Behavior
Like others to be: / Minimize socialization, give details, and value accuracy
Try to: / Give clear expectations and deadlines
Show dependability and loyalty
Be tactful and emotionally reserved
Be prepared for: / Discomfort and ambiguity
Resistance to vague or general information

Working with Others

Write the name of someone at work with whom you occasionally have difficulty working. Circle the person’s style:

Dominance Influence Steadiness Conscientiousness

What frustrates you most about this person’s style?

What do you enjoy and appreciate about this person’s style?

What can you do to work more effectively with this person?

Behavioral Styles Digging Deeperv 1.11