DiSC assessments are a great tool and indicator to help us understand our behavioral tendencies. What motivates us, how we respond to fear or weakness, and even how we communicate and prefer to work and operate.
There are 4 DiSC styles. While we are a summation of each, one behavioral style will outrank the others. The 4 disc styles are D-dominance, i-influence, S-steadiness, C-conscientiousness.
While we usually discuss the uses of DiSC in a professional capacity, let’s dive into a few humorous situations how individuals may behave based on their DiSC style.
Getting on a busy elevator:
The D walks up, gets on the elevator, and pushes the button that closes the door.
The i lets others in, says “Always room for one more,” and “Come in, you’re going to be late; we’ll wait for you!”
The S will wait in line, moving from one line to another, unable to make a decision.
The C will get on the elevator. If it’s crowded, the C will count the number of people and, if the number is over the limit, will make someone get off.
Shopping for groceries:
The D is the impulse shopper. No list. Just sees what looks good. Grabs what they need. Doesn’t dawdle. Gets in and out.
The i tells you where everything is in the store, whether you ask or not.
The S is prepared, has a list, and gets it done efficiently.
The C wouldn’t think of going shopping without coupons and a calculator. They may even plan to go to multiple stores to shop the sales and get the best deals.
On the golf course:
The D frequently drives through groups of golfers.
The i spends more time in the clubhouse talking than on the course.
The S plays golf the same day, the same time, the same place, using the same clubs.
The C keeps score, plays strictly by the rules, and cleans his or her clubs a lot.
Hanging wallpaper:
The D says, “Come over Saturday and help me wallpaper. And bring the paste.” The D then starts in the middle of the living room. The patterns don’t match. The D says, “So what? That’s what drapes and pictures are for.”
The i has the wallpaper in the closet with the paste. It’s on the list of things to do. The i never gets around to it.
The S is still researching, shopping, and considering everyone else’s opinions about wallpaper before even beginning to think about hanging it.
The C starts hanging the wallpaper in a closet or in the garage to be sure the pattern is going to match. The C then gets it exactly right before starting on the living room.
Get something from their desk:
The D will have a messy desk. “It’ll be there, just have to look for it.“
The C may have a messy desk, but they’ll be able to pin-point where it is.
The S may have a desk fully clean, and each item filed alphabetically.
The i will say, “Oh yeah, let me find it and I’ll get back to you.” But they don’t know where it is.
While each of these examples pokes a bit of fun at each style, we can see how just doing things one way might not be the best way. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses. By understanding our DiSC style we can work on improving our weaknesses and utilizing our strengths efficiently. If you want to learn more about DiSC, get in touch with our DiSC experts