What is DISC Profiling?
- Mim Haigh
Introduction to DISC Theory
DISC is a powerful framework for understanding human behaviour and improving workplace dynamics. At Team8 People, we use this theory in our tailored behavioural profiling tools; the Team8 DISC Profile and the TeacherDISC Profile; to help individuals, teams, and organisations develop self-awareness, effective communication strategies, and reach their best performance. This article provides an introduction to DISC theory, offering practical tips on identifying behavioural styles and working effectively with different types of people. Importantly, DISC works focuses on behavioural tendencies – which are observable and malleable; as opposed to personality, which is not always observable and is much more rigid. Put simply, you wouldn’t tell someone their personality isn’t right for a team or project, but we can ask people to adjust their behaivour, if needed, in order to achieve a required outcome or work effectively with others.
What is DISC?
Both the Team8 DISC and TeacherDISC Profiles measure the degrees an individual has in four distinct areas of behaviour, represented by the letters D, I, S, and C:
- Dominance (D): Fast-paced, direct, goal-oriented, and personally guarded. These individuals are focused on results and thrive on challenges.
- Influence (I): Fast-paced, direct, people-oriented, and personally open. They enjoy connecting with others and bring energy and enthusiasm to their interactions.
- Steadiness (S): Slower-paced, indirect, relationship-oriented, and personally open. Known for their reliability, they value harmony and take time to build trust and rapport.
- Conscientiousness (C): Slower-paced, indirect, task-oriented, and personally guarded. Detail-oriented and analytical, they aim for accuracy and excellence.
How to Identify the Different DISC Styles
As mentioned, behaviour is observale and while having your team complete their own individual DISC Profile is a reliable and validated way to know what their unique style is. We can also use the DISC Model to quickly identify someone’s likely style and communicate effectively with them. To do this, we focus on the two axes of the model, looking for these behavioural qualities:
- Are they more direct and fast-paced or indirect and slower-paced?
- Consider the pace at which they speak,
- do they get straight to the point or dance around or alude to their point?
- Are they more guarded and task-oriented or open and people-oriented?
- Do they focus more on the goal/task or people/relationship aspect of what they are talking about?
Using these questions, and through having an understanding of your own behavioural style, you can better understand and adapt to different styles by determining the best course of action for an interaction.
Diving deeper, here are some behavioural indicators to look for to identify someone’s likely DISC style:
Direct and Fast-Paced (D and I Styles):
- Frequent gestures and voice intonation.
- Less patient and more competitive.
- Strong opinions and sustained eye contact.
- Active contributors in team settings.
Indirect and Slower-Paced (S and C Styles):
- Subtle body language and infrequent gestures.
- More patient and cooperative.
- Well-structured, detailed communication.
- Reserved expression of opinions.
Open and People-Oriented (I and S Styles):
- Expresses feelings and enthusiasm freely.
- Friendly, animated facial expressions.
- Conversations may wander but are engaging.
- Easy to get to know and warm in interactions.
Guarded and Task-Oriented (D and C Styles):
- Keeps feelings private and avoids physical contact.
- Focused on facts and specifics.
- Formal and proper communication.
- Conversations remain task-focused
Bringing it All Together
When you combine these dimensions, you get the four primary DISC behavioural styles:
- Dominance (D): Direct and guarded, goal-oriented.
- Influence (I): Direct and open, people-oriented.
- Steadiness (S): Indirect and open, relationship-oriented.
- Conscientiousness (C): Indirect and guarded, task-oriented.
Understanding the different styles and their needs allows you to adapt your communication and approach to improve collaboration, productivity, and relationships. Using DISC within the workplace, with leaders and their teams provides invaluable insights into how people behave and are perceived, as well as offering a consistent language and framework for understanding.
Why Choose Team8 DISC Profiling?
At Team8 People, we specialise in helping teams and organisations unlock their full potential using our proven DISC Profiling tools to support individual, team, and organisational development. In addition to our suite of DISC Profiling tools which can be administered and used independently within your organisation, we also offer tailored development programs and services.
Whether you’re looking to improve team dynamics, enhance coaching effectiveness, or drive better business outcomes, our tailored solutions provide the insights and strategies you need to succeed. Find out more about our key services.
Where to From Here?
To thrive in today’s competitive business environment, you need the best resources to support your people—your greatest asset. Explore Team8’s DISC Profiling tools, including the Team8 DISC and TeacherDISC Profiles, to elevate your team’s performance.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve your goals and bring out the best in your team through our tailored services including DISC Accreditation training, DISC Workshops, and team and leadership development programs.
share this Post:
