I have always been fascinated by how people (and also myself) behave so differently in similar situations. It was only when I found out about “personality profiles” that I started to realise that the way we behave is not entirely unique to ourselves; there are common personality traits shared among people. So when I discovered this particular “D.I.S.C.” classification, I was able to immediately identify myself to the characteristics of the profile I belonged in!
I’m not going to elaborate on the origins or history of D.I.S.C. – if you’re interested there’s much information on the internet. Instead, I will give a brief description of the categories and some of the characteristics of each profile.
The four profiles are as follows:
- D Driver/Direct = The dominant
- I Influential/Interactive = The socialiser
- S Steady/Supportive = The amiable
- C Cautious/Careful = The analyst
Each of us belongs to a primary profile, but many people also have, to a lesser extent, the characteristics a secondary profile. Let’s have a look at each of them in turn. See if you can spot which one you belong to!
DRIVER: THE DOMINANT
Characteristics of this profile are:
- Outgoing, unemotional.
- Task-oriented.
- Direct, factual, decisive.
- Results driven, fast-paced.
- Strong-willed, firm.
- Straight to the point – does not like small talk.
- Loves to win, hates to lose.
- Can be blunt/forceful.
- Makes quick decisions.
- Accepts challenges.
- Usually they run their own business.
INFLUENTIAL: THE SOCIALISER
Characteristics of this profile are:
- Outgoing, emotional.
- People oriented.
- Likes to be liked.
- Interactive, inspirational.
- Loves having fun, hates being bored/ignored.
- Likes to look good! Flamboyant.
- Unfocused in time management.
- Enthusiastic, optimistic, lively, high-spirited.
- Really likes to talk!
STEADY: THE AMIABLE
Characteristics of this profile are:
- Reserved, emotional.
- People-oriented.
- Sincere, calm, patient.
- Supportive, sympathetic.
- Humble, patient, accommodating, tactful.
- Family oriented, kinaesthetic.
- Loyal, dependable, cooperative.
- Need to feel comfortable.
- Create and maintain peace/harmony.
CAUTIOUS: THE ANALYST
Characteristics of this profile are:
- Reserved, unemotional.
- Task-oriented.
- Analytical, precise, systematic, conscientious.
- Details oriented, reads & highlights text.
- Loves to be right, hates to be wrong!
- Speaks slowly/deliberate.
- Doesn’t make fast decisions (analysis paralysis).
- Technical in nature, loves facts/rules.
- Need to think about themselves/enjoy their independence.
Have you noticed any similarities between yourself (or some people you know) and any of these profiles? What do you think?
I hope this short blog post has given you some useful information that will help you to better understand yourself and others!