DiSC Theory
2 Dimensions of Human Nature = Vertical: Level of Activity
The vertical dimension is best described as the activity level, ranging from active to thoughtful. People with DiSC styles at the top of the circle are fast-paced and often described as assertive, dynamic, and bold.
Traditional explanations of the model suggest that these people perceive themselves as more powerful than the environment. Because of this perception, they try to change their circumstances.
Conversely, people with styles that fall toward the bottom of the circle tend to be more moderate-paced and are often described as calm, methodical, and careful. Traditionally, these people are thought to perceive themselves as less powerful than the environment, and thus they are more inclined to adapt to existing circumstances.
2 Dimensions of Human Nature = Horizontal Level of Acceptance
The horizontal dimension runs from questioning to accepting. People with DiSC styles that fall toward the left side of the circle are naturally more skeptical and are often described as logic-focused, objective, and challenging.
A traditional explanation of these characteristics is that these people see the environment as antagonistic. In other words, they instinctively withhold trust from people and ideas until those outside elements can be thoroughly vetted.
On the other hand, people with styles on the right side of the circle are naturally more receptive in nature and are often described as people-focused, empathizing, and agreeable. Traditionally, they see the environment as being aligned with their interests. In essence, they are biased to see the people and ideas around them as favorable and are thus inclined to trust them.
4 Quadrants of DiSC
The D (Dominance) style is active and questioning. This describes people who are direct, forceful, and outspoken with their opinions.
The i (Influence) style is active and accepting. This describes people who are outgoing, enthusiastic, and lively.
The S (Steadiness) style is thoughtful and accepting. This describes people who are gentle, accommodating, and patient with others’ mistakes.
The C (Conscientiousness) style is thoughtful and questioning. This describes people who are analytical, reserved, and precise.
Although the DiSC dimensions form four distinct styles, it is probably more useful to think of the DiSC circle in continuous terms. Consider that each of the four styles blends into their neighboring styles like colors blend on the color wheel. Red and yellow are distinct colors, but they blend to form a new color, orange.
In the same way, the D and i styles are distinct, but the space between them on the circle represents an equally distinct set of traits. For instance, people with a Di style are more likely than people with a D style to describe themselves as daring and convincing.
A person with an iD style is likelier than someone with the i style to describe himself as charismatic and dynamic. In both cases, these styles (Di and iD) share something with the D, and i style, but they also have characteristics that differentiate them from those singular styles.
You may also notice that when discussing DiSC, we go out of our way to say “a person with the D style” rather than simply calling someone a “D.” This subtle difference in language is meant to mitigate the natural temptation to pigeonhole people.
Although a person with the D style predominantly demonstrates D traits, she also has elements of the other four styles in her. For example, she is likely quite capable of patiently listening to a coworker describe his hurt feelings, even though this is more of an S quality.