DISC: Dominant, Influencing, Steady, Compliant. It’s one of quickest growing workplace profiling systems aside from Kiersey Temperament Sorter and the MBTI®.
The key quality that sets it apart from other personality inventories is its focus on communication: through speaking in meetings and writing through emails.
How does the model work? Take a look at the DISC guide to find out:
D – Dominant
Characteristics of Dominant (D) communicators:
- Futuristic
- Results-driven
- Concise
- Clear
- Quick-moving
I – Influencing
Characteristics of Influencing (I) communicators:
- People-focused
- Persuasive
- Enthusiastic
- Energetic
- Approachable
S – Steady
Characteristics of Steady (S) communicators:
- Harmonizing
- Cooperative
- Empathetic
- Collected
- Neutral
C – Compliant
Characteristics of Compliant (C) communicators:
- Analytical
- Data-driven
- Precise
- Descriptive
- Perceptive
In most cases, individuals possess a blend of two (or even three) strong DISC types, described in greater detail below:
Dual-Blend DISC Types
DI (Dominant-Influencing)
Natural leader with a charm and appreciation for building strong communities.
Strengths: Decisive, confident, make sound decisions on behalf of an organization. See out-of-the-box solutions with ease.
Limitations: Unpredictable, prone to excessive multitasking. Can set a rushed pace to finish projects. Unintentionally comes off as controlling to subordinates.
DS (Dominant-Steady)
Servant leader who thoroughly enjoys helping others fulfill their potential.
Strengths: Empathetic yet headstrong, excellent event organizers, popular, responsible. Deliver firm yet caring feedback.
Limitations: May make decisions without considering backup plans or all available data. Have a tendency to overlook small yet important details.
DC (Dominant-Compliant)
Autonomous, independent thinker with a drive to keep learning and exploring.
Strengths: Creative, big-picture focused, direct. Fiercely individualistic, able to see and consider many factors at once.
Limitations: Can set unrealistically high expectations, may struggle with explaining complex information in simple terms.
ID (Influencing-Dominant)
Optimistic and confident role model who inspires colleagues to work hard and achieve goals.
Strengths: Enthusiastic, energetic, persuasive, high-energy. Excellent at encouraging teams to shift gears and experiment with new methods and strategies.
Limitations: Difficulty in adhering to strict routines, overly optimistic about outcomes, may socialize more than necessary during and after meetings.
IS (Influencing-Steady)
Charismatic and empathetic leader who is motivated by positivity and the potential in people.
Strengths: Optimistic and naturally charismatic communicators. Able to make others feel at ease instantaneously. Empathetic and warm.
Limitations: Difficulty giving necessary constructive criticism, prone to stress during conflicts. May face disappointment with idealistic view of team members.
IC (Influencing-Compliant)
Detail-oriented and energetic leader who is fluent with data and people.
Strengths: Well-rounded set of hard and soft skills, adaptable and productive. Able to crunch numbers and take team wellbeing into account when making decisions.
Limitations: May lose sense of time and assertiveness midway through a project. Can be easily swayed by others’ opinions and feedback, in order to maintain their reputation.
SD (Steady-Dominant)
Well-wishing and popular team worker who thrives in middle management roles.
Strengths: Gentle yet confident; inspirational role models. Attentive, encouraging and emotionally open.
Limitations: May disregard detailed or highly routined work. May have bouts of passivity and lethargy after long hours of concentration.
SI (Steady-Influencing)
Friendly and caring team worker who seeks harmony and acknowledgment.
Strengths: Adaptable listeners and communicators. Calm under pressure, intuitive ability to keep the atmosphere tension-free.
Limitations: Can expend too much energy trying to solve others’ interpersonal conflicts, difficulty in remaining level-headed when colleagues are under stress.
SC (Steady-Compliant)
Caring and pragmatic team worker who values open and respectful communication.
Strengths: Detail-oriented and patient teachers. Meticulous and respectful in their problem-solving approach.
Limitations: Shys away from conflict, has a tendency to overanalyze incoming information. Risk-averse and plays by the book.
CD (Compliant-Dominant)
Serious and responsible individual who values competence and results.
Strengths: Highly efficient and focused. Straightforward; cuts to the chase. Precise and acute, have stellar time management skills.
Limitations: Detached and isolated approach to problem-solving, prone to rash judgements and miscommunication with colleagues.
CI (Complaint-Influencing)
Easygoing and friendly team worker who collaborates well with any department.
Strengths: Well-liked, diligent, and detail-oriented. Excellent at keeping order in both personal and professional spheres.
Limitations: Overly focused on details, can make misjudgements of others’ emotions. Possess a tendency to work themselves to the point of burnout.
CS (Compliant-Steady)
Calm, modest, and detail-oriented team player who gently encourage others to collaborate effectively.
Strengths: Excellent with time management and concentration; kind and organized. Quietly inspire others to work diligently and stay focused.
Limitations: May struggle with extended amounts of teamwork, get caught up in overthinking solutions. Cautious of trying new strategies.
Summary: DISC Communication Types
- Dominant
- Influencing
- Steady
- Compliant