DISC is not a test. It is an assessment that helps one to better understand his or her’s normal behavior. It does not measure one’s skill, education, what motivates one to do what they do, or is it about emotional intelligence or IQ.

There are 4 Behavior Types

1. Dominant-“D”

2. Influencer-“I”

3. Steadiness-“S”

4. Compliance-“C”

Each of these Behavior types have a “high” and a “low”.

The “D” describes  how handles problems and challenges. “High” Ds are risk takers, where “Low” Ds tend to not make decisions quickly. They like to conquer things, outgoing, decisive and like to get things done. They take action and are direct with others. They can also be impatient.

The “I”  tells how one interacts or influences others. They too are outgoing and like to motivate and persuade others to get things going.  “High” Is are optimistic and loves to tell stories, where “Low” Is tend to be less chatty and not be the center of attention. They like to interact with others, and are optimistic.

The “S” tells someone how they pace themselves or react to change. They are supportive by nature. “High” Ss steady of their feet, organize tasks, where “Low” Ss tend to be more active and restless.  They are about long relationships, trust and value. They like to serve others.

And the “C” tells one how they handle rules and procedures set by others. “High” Cs are more diplomatic, and careful, where “Low” Cs tend to be more firm and unbending. They like to avoid trouble, so they follow rules to ensure that doesn’t happen; however, if the rules don’t work they will correct them. They have high standards.

based on observable behavior

not a personality assessment

assessment/report is NOT a test - you can't pass or fail

not a measure of intelligent or values or experience

it is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your strengths and will aid you in communicating better and building a well-rounded team

everyone has behavior that fits into every quadrant - none better than the other

some people are more intense in one quadrant and less intense in others

It helps you to understand how you and others respond to the 4 Ps - Problems, People, Pace and Procedures

Its important to respect and value each behavior - each have their strengths

Your motivators are what drives you to do what you do. These are not easy to detect. Most often you have to ask WHY, more and more to learn more about motivates someone to do something. These motivators are also called Driving Forces. It’s what drives one to do what they do. These motivators are different from disc, as one’s behavior is easier to see. It’s is how someone does something, not Why they do something.

The 6 motivators are:

Theoretical - It’s about learning and knowing

Utilitarian - It’s about investing. Whether it be time or money, it’s about the ROI

Aesthetic - this is about balance and feelings. Can be from the “arts” to conservation.

Social - Social is about others how they are taken care of

Individualistic - It’s about focusing on self-expression, independence, and personal goals rather than group conformity.

Traditional - It’s about having structure around politics, religious belief and or family. They like a system of accepted way s of ding things that have been the standard.

Motivators are what drives one’s intentions. I often ask, how do you spend your time and money to uncover one’s motivators.

Motivators (Driving Forces) explain why people do what they do—unlike DISC, which shows how one does what they do.

Motivators are like adding spice - the higher the ranking, the "spicier" it gets. It is the fuel for our behaviors. When we are working in an environment that satisfies our top 2-3 motivators, we tend to feel more positive when talking, listening, or doing activities associated with them.

When someone is not working or living in an environment conducive to their motivators, it can cause a major misalignment in their work and personal relationships. It will heighten DISC behaviors that may be perceived by others as negative.

Of all the motivators, Traditional brings the most controversial understanding. Traditional is better described as regulatory and includes order, tradition, and principles for living. Often thought of as referring to conservative values and/or religious beliefs, while both can be included, this motivator also includes activism and standing up for a purpose or mission - ANY mission so long as it can be described as providing defined rules or regulations. Organized religion and the mob would both fall under this attitude, for example.