Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have an innate ability to understand and connect with others, while others struggle to make sense of their own emotions, let alone those of others? The answer lies in the 12 DiSC styles. DiSC is a personal assessment tool that helps individuals understand their own behavior and how it impacts those around them. With over 25 million users worldwide, DiSC has become a trusted resource for personal and professional development. In this article, we will explore the 12 DiSC styles and how they can help you better understand yourself and others. Get ready to unlock the secrets to successful relationships and improved communication!

What is DiSC?

Definition and Overview

DiSC (Diversity, Inclusion, and Strengths) is a personality assessment tool designed to help individuals understand their own behavioral style and how it impacts their interactions with others. The tool was developed by the University of Oregon in the 1950s and has since been refined and updated to better reflect the diverse personalities and work styles found in today’s workplaces.

The DiSC assessment is based on the premise that there are four primary behavioral styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style is represented by a different color in the DiSC model: red for Dominance, orange for Influence, green for Steadiness, and blue for Conscientiousness. By taking the DiSC assessment, individuals can learn which style(s) they tend to lean towards and how this impacts their behavior and interactions with others.

Understanding one’s personal behavioral style can be incredibly valuable in both personal and professional settings. It can help individuals better understand their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of others. By recognizing the different behavioral styles and how they impact communication and decision-making, individuals can learn to work more effectively with others and build stronger relationships.

The 12 DiSC Styles

DiSC is a personal assessment tool that helps individuals understand their own behavioral style and how it relates to others. It is based on the theory that there are four main behavioral styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. These styles are represented by the acronym DiSC.

Each of the 12 DiSC styles is a combination of these four main styles, with varying degrees of emphasis on each. By understanding your own style and the styles of others, you can improve communication, build better relationships, and increase your effectiveness in the workplace.

Here is a brief description of each of the 12 styles:

Dominance (D)

Individuals with a high Dominance style tend to be assertive, confident, and results-oriented. They enjoy taking charge and being in control. They can also be seen as demanding, forceful, and sometimes intimidating.

Influence (I)

Individuals with a high Influence style tend to be outgoing, enthusiastic, and people-oriented. They enjoy building relationships and persuading others. They can also be seen as talkative, social, and sometimes unpredictable.

Steadiness (S)

Individuals with a high Steadiness style tend to be warm, friendly, and patient. They enjoy helping others and maintaining harmony. They can also be seen as passive, indecisive, and sometimes resistant to change.

Conscientiousness (C)

Individuals with a high Conscientiousness style tend to be analytical, thorough, and detail-oriented. They enjoy solving problems and making decisions. They can also be seen as critical, inflexible, and sometimes overly cautious.

By understanding these styles and how they interact with one another, you can gain valuable insights into your own behavior and the behavior of others. This can help you improve your communication, build better relationships, and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life.

Understanding Your Own Style

How to Take the DiSC Assessment

The DiSC assessment is a tool used to identify an individual’s behavioral style based on their responses to a series of questions. By taking the assessment, you can gain a better understanding of your own strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Here are the steps to complete the assessment:

1. Find a reputable source: The DiSC assessment is available from a variety of sources, including online providers and professional consultants. Make sure to find a reputable source to ensure the accuracy of the results.
2. Choose the right assessment: There are different versions of the DiSC assessment, each designed for a specific purpose or audience. Choose the one that best fits your needs.
3. Prepare for the assessment: Take some time to reflect on your own behavior and preferences before taking the assessment. This will help you to answer the questions more accurately.
4. Answer the questions: The assessment will present you with a series of questions that pertain to your behavior and preferences. Answer each question as honestly as possible, based on your own experiences and tendencies.
5. Receive your results: After completing the assessment, you will receive a report that outlines your DiSC style and provides insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies.

It is important to approach the assessment with honesty and self-reflection in order to get the most accurate results. The assessment is just the first step in understanding your own style, but it can provide valuable insights that can help you to better understand yourself and others.

Interpreting Your Results

When you complete a DiSC assessment, you will receive a report that details your personal style and how it relates to the DiSC model. The report will include a graph that shows your scores for each of the 12 DiSC styles, as well as a description of your primary and secondary styles. To interpret your results, follow these steps:

1. Review your graph: Look at the graph to see which styles are highest and lowest for you. These scores will help you identify your primary and secondary styles.
2. Read the descriptions: Read the descriptions of each style to learn more about what they mean and how they relate to your personal style.
3. Identify your primary and secondary styles: Your primary style is the one that you use most frequently, while your secondary style is the one that you use less frequently but still rely on in certain situations. These styles will be identified in your report.
4. Consider the context: Remember that your personal style is just one aspect of who you are. Your style may change depending on the situation or the people you are interacting with. Consider the context in which you took the assessment to better understand your results.

By understanding your own style, you can better understand your strengths and weaknesses, and how you relate to others. Use this knowledge to improve your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Benefits of Knowing Your Style

• Improved self-awareness and communication skills:
  • Recognizing your own DiSC style can help you understand your natural tendencies and preferred ways of communicating.
  • This awareness can lead to improved self-awareness, as you become more attuned to your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Additionally, understanding your communication style can help you communicate more effectively with others, as you can adapt your approach to better suit their needs.
• Enhanced personal and professional relationships:
  • Knowing your DiSC style can also help you understand the styles of those around you, including friends, family, and colleagues.
  • This understanding can lead to more effective collaboration and teamwork, as you can anticipate and accommodate the styles of others.
  • Additionally, recognizing and appreciating the styles of others can help to build stronger personal and professional relationships, as you can better understand and empathize with their perspectives and needs.

Applying Your Style in Relationships

Adapting Your Style to Different Situations

Adapting your style to different situations is a crucial aspect of effective communication and relationship building. It involves being aware of your own style and adjusting it to better fit the needs of others. This can be particularly important when working with people who have different DiSC styles than your own.

One way to adapt your style is to pay attention to the situation and the people involved. For example, if you are working with someone who is more reserved or introverted, you may need to adjust your communication style to be more patient and less assertive. On the other hand, if you are working with someone who is more outgoing and extroverted, you may need to adjust your style to be more assertive and confident.

Another important aspect of adapting your style is being flexible and open to change. This means being willing to try new approaches and to be responsive to feedback from others. By being adaptable, you can better meet the needs of others and build stronger relationships.

In addition to being aware of the situation and being flexible, it is also important to be mindful of your own emotions and reactions. For example, if you are in a situation where you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it may be helpful to take a step back and breathe before responding to others. This can help you to better manage your emotions and to adapt your style in a way that is more effective.

Overall, adapting your style to different situations is a key aspect of effective communication and relationship building. By being aware of your own style, being flexible, and being mindful of your emotions, you can better understand yourself and others, and build stronger, more effective relationships.

Building Better Relationships

• Using your DiSC style to build stronger connections with others
• Examples of how different styles can complement each other

Building better relationships is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth. Understanding your DiSC style can help you navigate relationships and communicate effectively with others. Here are some ways you can use your DiSC style to build stronger connections with others:

• Knowing your style can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in relationships. For example, if you have a high D style, you may be good at making decisions and taking charge, but you may also come across as forceful or controlling. Knowing this about yourself can help you adjust your behavior to build better relationships.
• Recognizing the styles of others can help you understand their behavior and adapt your own behavior to build better relationships. For example, if you are working with someone who has a high I style, you may need to be more patient and empathetic in your interactions with them.
• Using your DiSC style to build stronger connections with others can help you create more harmonious and productive relationships. For example, if you have a high C style, you may be good at building trust and fostering collaboration. You can use this strength to create a positive work environment and build stronger relationships with your colleagues.
• Examples of how different styles can complement each other can help you understand how to work effectively with people who have different styles. For example, a high C style can complement a high D style by providing a balance between assertiveness and collaboration. A high I style can complement a high S style by providing energy and enthusiasm alongside stability and support. By understanding how different styles can complement each other, you can build stronger relationships and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life.

Overcoming Common Challenges

One of the main benefits of understanding your DiSC style is that it can help you overcome common challenges in relationships. Here are some strategies for overcoming common challenges:

Effective Communication

Effective communication is key to overcoming common challenges in relationships. By understanding your own style and the style of others, you can adapt your communication style to better suit the needs of the other person. For example, if you are dealing with someone who has a high level of dominance, you may need to be more assertive in your communication style. On the other hand, if you are dealing with someone who has a high level of submission, you may need to be more patient and understanding in your communication style.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is another important factor in overcoming common challenges in relationships. By understanding your own emotions and the emotions of others, you can better navigate difficult situations. For example, if you are dealing with someone who is highly emotional, you may need to take a step back and allow them to express their emotions before trying to resolve the issue.

Empathy

Empathy is also an important factor in overcoming common challenges in relationships. By putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and understanding their perspective, you can build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts more effectively. For example, if you are dealing with someone who is highly critical, you may need to acknowledge their feelings and concerns before addressing the issue at hand.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, and learning how to resolve conflicts effectively is crucial to overcoming common challenges. By understanding your own style and the style of others, you can develop effective conflict resolution strategies that work for everyone involved. For example, if you are dealing with someone who has a high level of influence, you may need to find a compromise that meets both of your needs.

Overall, by understanding and respecting different styles, you can overcome common challenges in relationships and build stronger, more effective relationships with others.

Using DiSC in the Workplace

Enhancing Team Dynamics

Using DiSC to build stronger, more effective teams

• Identifying and understanding individual team members’ DiSC styles
• Facilitating communication and collaboration among team members
• Addressing conflicts and resolving issues more effectively
• Allocating tasks and responsibilities based on individual strengths and weaknesses

Importance of understanding the styles of team members

• Enhancing team collaboration and communication
• Resolving conflicts and improving problem-solving
• Enabling better leadership and management
• Encouraging individual and team growth and development

Improving Leadership Skills

How DiSC can help leaders better understand and connect with their team members

DiSC can help leaders better understand their team members by providing insights into their behavioral styles, strengths, and challenges. By understanding each team member’s unique style, leaders can adapt their communication and leadership approach to better meet their needs and motivate them.

Strategies for using your style to lead effectively

1. Lead with your strengths: As a leader, it’s important to understand your own style and use your strengths to lead effectively. For example, if you have a high D style, you may be more comfortable with tasks that require analysis and decision-making.
2. Adapt your communication style: To effectively communicate with team members who have different styles, it’s important to adapt your communication approach. For example, if you’re communicating with someone who has a high I style, you may want to focus on building rapport and using a more collaborative approach.
3. Build a team with diverse styles: To ensure that your team is effective, it’s important to build a team with diverse styles. This will help ensure that you have a well-rounded team with a variety of strengths and perspectives.
4. Encourage open communication: To ensure that everyone on the team is able to contribute and be heard, it’s important to encourage open communication. This can be done by creating a safe space for team members to share their ideas and perspectives, and actively listening to what they have to say.
5. Provide opportunities for growth: As a leader, it’s important to provide opportunities for team members to grow and develop their skills. This can be done by providing training and development opportunities, and actively seeking out feedback and input from team members.

Resolving Conflict

Using DiSC to understand and resolve conflicts in the workplace

One of the key benefits of using the DiSC model in the workplace is its ability to help teams understand and resolve conflicts. By understanding the different communication styles and tendencies of each team member, it becomes easier to identify the root causes of conflicts and find effective solutions.

For example, if two team members have a conflict, it may be due to differences in their communication styles. A team member with a high “D” style may be more direct and task-oriented, while a team member with a high “I” style may be more focused on building relationships. By understanding these differences, the team can work together to find a solution that meets the needs of both parties.

Strategies for addressing conflicts with different styles

When conflicts arise, it’s important to use strategies that are tailored to the specific DiSC style of each team member. Here are some examples:

• For team members with a high “D” style, it may be helpful to focus on the facts and data of the situation, and to present a clear plan for resolution.
• For team members with a high “I” style, it may be helpful to focus on building rapport and finding common ground, and to use empathetic language to understand their perspective.
• For team members with a high “S” style, it may be helpful to provide a clear outline of the steps that will be taken to resolve the conflict, and to emphasize the importance of maintaining positive relationships.
• For team members with a high “C” style, it may be helpful to encourage them to analyze the situation objectively, and to present a logical argument for their position.

By using these strategies, teams can effectively address conflicts and build stronger relationships, leading to increased productivity and success.

Building Stronger Relationships with Colleagues

Using DiSC to build stronger, more productive relationships with colleagues is a powerful tool that can benefit any workplace. By understanding and respecting different styles, individuals can improve communication, collaboration, and overall team dynamics. Here are some key points to consider when using DiSC to build stronger relationships with colleagues:

• Understanding different communication styles: Each DiSC style has its own unique communication style, and understanding these differences can help individuals adapt their own communication style to better match their colleagues’. For example, a person with a high D style may prefer direct, straightforward communication, while a person with a high I style may prefer more open-ended, exploratory conversations.
• Recognizing and valuing individual strengths: By understanding the strengths and limitations of each DiSC style, individuals can learn to appreciate and utilize the unique skills and perspectives that each colleague brings to the table. For example, a person with a high C style may excel at analytical thinking and problem-solving, while a person with a high S style may excel at building rapport and fostering a positive team environment.
• Addressing conflicts and misunderstandings: Conflicts and misunderstandings can arise in any workplace, and using DiSC can help individuals identify the root causes of these issues and find effective solutions. For example, a person with a high I style may struggle with a colleague who has a high C style, as they may have different approaches to decision-making and problem-solving. By understanding these differences, they can work together more effectively to find common ground and resolve conflicts.
• Building trust and credibility: When individuals understand and respect the DiSC styles of their colleagues, they can build trust and credibility within the team. By demonstrating empathy, active listening, and open communication, individuals can foster a culture of respect and collaboration that benefits everyone.

Overall, using DiSC to build stronger relationships with colleagues is a powerful tool that can help individuals and teams work more effectively and productively. By understanding and respecting different styles, individuals can improve communication, collaboration, and overall team dynamics, leading to a more positive and successful workplace.

Overcoming Common Challenges in the Workplace

Strategies for overcoming common challenges in the workplace

One of the key benefits of using DiSC in the workplace is that it can help teams overcome common challenges that they may face. By understanding the different DiSC styles, team members can learn how to better communicate with one another, manage conflicts, and work together more effectively. Some specific strategies for overcoming common challenges in the workplace include:

• Identifying and addressing communication barriers: DiSC can help team members identify communication barriers that may be preventing them from working effectively together. For example, a team member who is a high D style may tend to be more direct and assertive in their communication, while a team member who is a high I style may tend to be more relationship-focused and collaborative. By understanding these differences, team members can learn how to adapt their communication style to better suit the needs of their colleagues.
• Resolving conflicts: DiSC can also help teams resolve conflicts more effectively. For example, a team member who is a high C style may tend to be more analytical and focused on the details, while a team member who is a high S style may tend to be more process-oriented and focused on building relationships. By understanding these differences, team members can learn how to approach conflicts in a way that is more productive and respectful.
• Building trust: DiSC can also help teams build trust with one another. By understanding the different DiSC styles, team members can learn how to appreciate and value the unique strengths and perspectives that each person brings to the table. This can help to create a more positive and supportive team culture, which can in turn lead to greater trust and collaboration.

Importance of using DiSC to build a more cohesive team

In addition to these specific strategies, using DiSC to build a more cohesive team can have a number of broader benefits as well. By understanding the different DiSC styles, team members can learn how to work together more effectively, communicate more clearly, and build stronger relationships with one another. This can help to create a more positive and productive team culture, which can in turn lead to greater success and achievement for the team as a whole.

FAQs

1. What are the 12 DiSC styles?

The 12 DiSC styles refer to the 12 different personality traits identified by the DiSC assessment tool. These styles are based on four primary behavioral traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style is characterized by a unique combination of these traits, which can influence how a person behaves, communicates, and interacts with others.

2. How can the 12 DiSC styles help me better understand myself?

By understanding your own DiSC style, you can gain insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. This can help you recognize your preferred communication style, leadership approach, and conflict resolution style. It can also help you understand why you react to certain situations in a certain way, and how you can adapt your behavior to work more effectively with others.

3. How can the 12 DiSC styles help me better understand others?

By understanding the DiSC styles of others, you can better anticipate their reactions, communication preferences, and work styles. This can help you build stronger relationships, work more effectively as a team, and manage conflicts more effectively. It can also help you understand why others may have different communication or work styles than you, and how you can adapt your own behavior to work more effectively with them.

4. What are the four primary behavioral traits that make up the 12 DiSC styles?

The four primary behavioral traits that make up the 12 DiSC styles are Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Dominance refers to a focus on control and achievement, Influence refers to a focus on persuasion and relationships, Steadiness refers to a focus on support and harmony, and Conscientiousness refers to a focus on quality and accuracy. Each DiSC style is characterized by a unique combination of these traits.

5. How can I find out my own DiSC style?

To find out your own DiSC style, you can take the DiSC assessment tool. This tool measures your behavior in various situations and provides you with a detailed report of your DiSC style, including your strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. It can also provide insights into how you can work more effectively with others.

6. How can I use my DiSC style to improve my relationships with others?

By understanding your own DiSC style and the DiSC styles of others, you can improve your relationships with others. You can learn to adapt your communication style to better match the style of the other person, which can help you build stronger relationships and work more effectively as a team. You can also learn to recognize and manage conflicts more effectively by understanding the underlying behavioral traits that may be driving the conflict.

DISC Types Explained – Which One Are You?