Know your How: DISC
Now that you have explored your WHY (Motivators), let’s look at your HOW (DISC). DISC can help you pick the type of job role you want to do and where you will thrive. In this section you will (1) have an opportunity to explore DISC traits and characteristics, (2) reflect on what stands out most about you with your DISC and (3) create an ideal work environment statement and add it to your website.
DISC Overview
DISC reveals a person’s natural behavioral styles and the environments you perform best in. You can use your DISC indicators to better understand yourself and articulate your unique qualities. The four different colored bars represent four behavior styles and qualities, which are Dominance, Influencing, Steadiness, and Compliance.
DOMINANCE Dominance reflects how you respond to problems and challenges.
- High D‘s tend to address things directly and urgently, not minding if conflict is created. They like intense environments with challenges and competition.
- Low D‘s tend to be deliberate and thoughtful, avoiding friction while solving problems. They prefer to work in more peaceful, collaborative settings.
INFLUENCING Influencing reflects how you respond to people and contacts.
- High I‘s tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, and outgoing. They like to express themselves and connect with people and trust others easily.
- Low I‘s tend to be more reserved and reflective and listen more than they speak. They prefer a more cautious approach when developing trust.
STEADINESS Steadiness reflects how you respond to pace and consistency.
- High S‘s tend to be patient, routine driven, and supportive. They like stable environments with clear expectations.
- Low S‘s tend to be adaptable, change oriented, and prefer variety. They like environments that are constantly changing.
COMPLIANCE Compliance reflects how you respond to procedures and constraints.
- High C‘s do not like to make mistakes and are very detail-oriented. They prefer environments where there are rules and procedures to follow.
- Low C‘s tend to think of rules and regulations as suggestions. They prefer environments with less structure and less focus on the details.
DISC Adjectives and Tips
In this series of slides you will be able to match keywords to each DISC indicator to review the concepts. Then you will see tips for each trait. Navigate the slideshow by using the little arrows or bars underneath the content. Focus on the tips that correspond to your scores. When you are finished, scroll down to the final activity in this section.
DISC Activity: Ideal Work Environment Statement
Based on the keywords and tips from the previous activity, you are going to create your own “Ideal Work Environment” statement. Your statement should be one to three sentences highlighting your most distinct DISC traits, what they mean to you, and what sort of environment would best fit those traits.
For example, someone who is High D and Low C might write something like
“I work best in an environment where I can share my ideas and opinions and they are valued. I am also best with big picture goals and outcomes, without having to get too bogged down in processes or detailed work”.
Once you have come up with your statement, add it to your website. More detailed instructions are below.