Style it Up
Name the four DISC styles.
Dominance (D)
Influence (I)
Steadiness (S)
Conscientiousness (C)
What is Adaptability?
Adaptability is adjusting your openness, directness, pace and priority in the direction of the other person’s preference. It is made of two elements: Flexibility & Aptitude.
How does the Dominance (D) style communicate?
D styles communicate in direct, guarded, fast-paced, and task-oriented ways.
They are confident and decisive, face conflict openly and will challenge and disagree when appropriate
Why is DISC so useful?
DISC is universally applicable, easy to understand & remember, simple, and practical. It focuses on observable behavior & emotions, and shows people how to identify and respond to others’ communication styles for mutual benefit.
What are the emotions of each DISC style?
D – Anger and Impatience
I – Optimism and Trust
S – Patience and Non-expression
C – Fear and Concern
Which style needs to have social relationships and a friendly environment?
The I style is all about people/contacts.
Is any style more adaptable than another?
No one style is more adaptable than another. That said, some styles do have to use more energy and effort to adapt to styles that are very different from them.
How does the Influence (I) style communicate?
I styles communicate directly, openly, and are fast-paced, and people-oriented.
They are upbeat, positive, and engaging, and initiate conversations or give recommendations.
Is the DISC assessment always right?
DISC has a history of accuracy and validity and is rarely wrong! However, humans are more complex than one assessment and one report, so there may be tendencies of a style group that do not apply specifically to every individual in the same way.
True or False: Style identification is a one-time activity. A D will always behave as a D.
False! Most people are a blend of styles, and many adapt differently depending on environment, situation, or relationship. It is important to continue to identify style as you interact. Sometimes, behaviors and emotions change in an instant.
Which style is all about Procedures and Constraints and fears being criticized and doing things wrong?
The C style is all about following the rules and having the data to prove accuracy and quality.
True or False: Adaptability a choice.
TRUE - Adaptability is a choice.
- You can choose to be adaptable with one person, and not so with others.
- You can choose to be very adaptable one day and less the next day.
How does the Steadiness (S) style communicate?
S styles communicate in indirect, open, slower-paced, and people-oriented ways.
They are likely to make decisions more collectively, avoid arguments and conflict, and are sensitive to others.
What are the PACE and PRIORITY of each style?
D styles are faster-paced and task-oriented.
I styles are faster-paced and people-oriented.
S styles are slower-paced and people-oriented
C styles are slower-paced and task-oriented.
What is DISC and what is it not?
DISC is:
Observable behavior and emotion
A combination of nature (inherent) and nurture (learned) qualities
Not a measure of intelligence, skills, values or education
When working with opposing styles
(D & S or I & C) what are the 2 biggest challenges or tensions you can expect to encounter?
The two greatest challenges or tensions present when working with opposing styles are PACE and PRIORITY.
(Remember, these are also a great way to identify style!)
What are the two power questions to determine another’s behavioral style?
Are they DIRECT/FAST-PACED or INDIRECT/SLOWER-PACED?
Are they GUARDED/TASK-ORIENTED or OPEN/PEOPLE-ORIENTED?
How does the Conscientiousness (C) style communicate?
C styles communicate in indirect, guarded, slower-paced, and task-oriented ways.
They are more risk-aware, approach things logically and factually, and require time to think and verify.
What are some other ways to describe the four DISC styles besides using pace, priority, directness, and openness?
Another way to describe the styles is with the descriptors of behavior, including words like Assertive (D), Persuasive (I), Supportive (S), and Analytical (C).
Is DISC a Personality Test?
DISC is NOT a personality test.
- Tests have right or wrong answers and there is no right or wrong style, only what is effective.
- Behavior and emotion are only one facet of personality, not the whole thing.
What do each of the styles do best?
D styles are great at reaching goals, providing direction and getting things done.
I styles keep things interesting, fun and engaging.
S styles are great at building support systems and keeping teams connected.
C styles will always be sure things are accurate and complete.
What is Flexibility and Aptitude?
Flexibility is your WILLINGNESS to adjust your approach to others.
Aptitude is your CAPABILITY to do so by understanding DISC.
While the Steadiness (S) style considered the “Mystery Style”?
While the S style is an Open style for others, they are not open with their OWN emotions, needs, or fears. They can be difficult to recognize or fully understand as they are non-expressive and do not show their emotions openly.
Why are the score extensions (both high and low) important to understand?
Whether the extension is high or low, a score over 90 or under 10 in any style represents a behavioral NEED. When a behavioral need is present, the person will create an environment in which the need can be met.
Why are there so many varieties of DISC assessments and ways to describe it?
DISC has been around since 400 BC, and has had many associations – but there are always 4 styles (elements, birds, colors, bodily fluid, etc.).
DISC is not copyrighted so it can be applied in many different ways.