The DISC model is a behavioral assessment tool designed to measure four primary personality traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. These traits represent the ways people tend to approach problems, relate to others, deal with the pace of their environment, and navigate rules and procedures. By understanding one’s DISC profile, individuals can gain insights into their behavioral strengths and preferences, improving communication, teamwork, and personal development.
This article was inspired by my time on the National Cyber Security Centre‘s NCSC for Startups accelerator programme on behalf of Cyber Tzar.
The Four DISC Personality Types:
- Dominance (D)
- Overview: Those with a high “D” are assertive, direct, and value results and control over their environment.
- Characteristics:
- Confident and decisive
- Goal-oriented
- Risk-taking
- Challenges the status quo
- Motivated by: New challenges, power and control, direct answers.
- Potential Weaknesses: May come across as aggressive or overbearing. They may also be impatient with others.
- Influence (I)
- Overview: People with a high “I” are sociable, talkative, and lively.
- Characteristics:
- Persuasive and charismatic
- Enthusiastic and optimistic
- Prioritizes relationships and influencing others
- Motivated by: Social recognition, group activities, and positive feedback.
- Potential Weaknesses: Might be perceived as disorganized or lacking focus. They may also be overly emotional.
- Steadiness (S)
- Overview: Those scoring high in “S” are calm, reliable, and value loyalty.
- Characteristics:
- Patient and even-tempered
- Supportive and empathetic
- Resistant to change
- Motivated by: Stability, consistency, and harmonious relationships.
- Potential Weaknesses: Resistance to change and difficulty adjusting to new environments or procedures.
- Compliance (C)
- Overview: People with a high “C” seek accuracy, precision, and like to adhere to rules.
- Characteristics:
- Analytical and systematic
- Detail-oriented
- Strong focus on quality and accuracy
- Motivated by: Clearly defined expectations, structure, and logical processes.
- Potential Weaknesses: Overly critical, gets bogged down in details and can be perceived as inflexible.
While these descriptions provide a general overview of the four DISC types, it’s important to remember that many people will have a blend of these traits. The DISC assessment usually offers insights into which traits are dominant or influential in an individual’s behavior, helping them navigate both personal and professional relationships more effectively.