Introduction to the DiSC® Styles

If you've recently taken an Everything DiSC® assessment, your profile has a much more in-depth and personalized explanation of what each style means for you than what is presented here. But this can be used as a handy “quick reference” page to link to and let others learn a bit more about you. Or you can use it to better understand someone you work or live with.

 

The D style tends to prioritise getting immediate results, taking action and challenging themselves and others

You will recognise people who are high in Dominance style by their high self-confidence, assertiveness, goal orientation, competitiveness, and high sense of urgency. This is not to say other styles aren’t competitive, just that people high in the D style tend to show their competitiveness outwardly, to the extent of being verbally competitive, and enjoying getting into debates or arguments.

Priorities: getting immediate results, taking action, challenging self and others

Motivated by: power and authority, competition, winning, success

Fears: loss of control, being taken advantage of, vulnerability

You will notice: self-confidence, directness, forcefulness, risk-taking

Limitations: lack of concern for others, impatience, insensitivity

When communicating with “D” style individuals, give them the bottom line, be brief, focus your discussion narrowly, avoid making generalisations, refrain from repeating yourself, and focus on solutions rather than problems.

The Golden Rule: be Brief, be Bright, be Gone!

 

The i style tends to prioritise expressing enthusiasm, taking action and encouraging collaboration

People high in the Influence style can be identified as talkative; filled with enthusiasm, optimism, energy; and as having vivid imaginations. They have many ideas and feel a need to share those ideas with as many people as possible in order to gain support. They neither hide nor spare their feelings and tend to be very expressive with their tone of voice, their facial expressions, and in their mannerisms.

Priorities: expressing enthusiasm, taking action, encouraging collaboration

Motivated by: social recognition, group activities, friendly relationships

Fears: social rejection, disapproval, loss of influence, being ignored

You will notice: charm, enthusiasm, sociability, optimism, talkativeness

Limitations: impulsiveness, disorganisation, lack of follow-through

When communicating with “I” style individuals try to approach this person informally being relaxed and sociable. Listen to how they feel and keep the conversation light and add some humour. Give them praise. Don’t go into lots of detail during your conversation, but feel free to provide them with written details.

The Golden Rule: be Fast, be Fun, be Flexible!

 

The S style tends to prioritise giving support, maintaining stability and enjoying collaboration

You’ll notice calmness and patience with people high in the Steadiness style. They are cooperative and friendly, although because they are more subdued, their friendliness is more low-key than the effervescence of the “i” dimension. You may need to pay closer attention to their mannerisms to see their friendliness, until you get to know them.

Persistence is another one of their strengths.

Priorities: giving support, maintaining stability, enjoying collaboration

Motivated by: stable environments, sincere appreciation, cooperation, opportunities to help

Fears: loss of stability, change, loss of harmony, offending others

You will notice: patience, team player, calm approach, good listener, humility

Limitations: overly accommodating, tendency to avoid change, indecisiveness

To communicate effectively with “S” style individuals, arrange for a secure environment (their office or some other familiar place). Be logical and systematic in your approach and if your message involves any type of change, tell them about it early on and let them adapt to it slowly. Emphasise their importance and show sincere appreciation.

The Golden Rule: be Steady, be Supportive, be Sincere!

 

The C style tends to prioritise accuracy, maintaining stability and challenging assumptions

What you may notice first about people high in the Conscientiousness style is their concern for accuracy and high standards. They have an analytical mind, an eye for detail, and typically enjoy solving problems. They usually keep their feelings to themselves, which can make it more difficult to get to know them. They are more cautious in answering questions and communicating information because they need to think through what they say and make sure it is accurate before they say it.

Priorities: ensuring accuracy, maintaining stability, challenging assumptions

Motivated by: opportunities to use expertise or gain knowledge, attention to quality

Fears: criticism, slipshod methods, being wrong

You will notice: precision, analysis, scepticism, reserve, quiet

Limitations: overly critical, tendency to over-analyse, isolates self

To communicate effectively with a high C style try to be precise and focused in your message. Give clear expectations and be prepared to answer many questions. Be tactful and reserved, refrain from getting emotional. Demonstrate loyalty and value for high standards.

The Golden Rule: be Precise, be Logical, be Thorough!