Career Plus: DISC/Behaviors

DISC scores reveal a person’s natural behavioral styles. You can use your DISC scores to better understand yourself and articulate your unique qualities. The four different colored bars represent four behavior qualities, which are Dominance, Influencing, Steadiness, and Compliance.

Reading the DISC Graph

To interpret your results you will need to understand how to read the DISC graph.

Interpreting Your Scores

There is no “correct” score to have. Each personal style is a unique blend of D, I, S and C. When looking at the graphs on your report, use the graph on the summary page or the Natural Style graph (on the right of the Style Insights page) as the main point of reference. This graph describes how you tend to behave naturally in non-stressful conditions. Each colored bar has a meaning. To read the graph start with the red “D” bar on the left and end with the blue “C” bar on the right.

Let’s go over how to read your DISC Chart.

Your DISC scores each fall somewhere between 0-100, and are indicated by a colored bar with your numerical score listed underneath. Take note of the 50 line on the graph, which we call the energy line. We call it the energy line because if you have to adapt and behave in a way on the opposite of this line from your natural style, this may drain your energy. Remember, there is no good or bad in DISC. Your score just indicates which behaviors come more naturally to you, which we will cover more of in this section.

On the DISC graph, scores above 50 are “High” in that behavioral style. Scores below 50 are “Low”. How High or Low the score is shows how strongly that attribute is or is not displayed in your behavior and communication style.

Another way to look at this is that the scores the furthest away from the “50” are the most pronounced behavioral traits for a person (“High” or “Low”). If scores are toward the middle, it means that this person’s style in the given category tends to be more moderate, allowing them to easily adapt to different styles.

The most important thing to know when it comes to behaviors is: There is no wrong or right style. A high Dominance score is not better or worse than a low Dominance score, and vice versa. In the same vein, people with more extreme scores are not more “special” than people whose scores hover closer to the 50 line (average). Humans are incredibly unique; every type of combination is necessary and valuable.

Introduction to DISC

Next, learn about the DISC traits with this introduction to DISC. Navigate the slideshow below by using the little arrows or bars underneath the content

Explore Your DISC Results

Explore your DISC traits in more detail.

What to Look For

Pay the most attention to your highest and lowest scores, especially if any of them are above 70 or below 30. Think about people you know who might have very high or low DISC scores in any category. Do they have an unusually Low “I” (Influencing) score? If so, you may want to avoid fast, loud talking and tone down your emotional enthusiasm. Speak slowly and calmly so you don’t overwhelm them. Do they have a High “D” (Dominance) score? If so, don’t be afraid to make bold statements, and get straight to the point. A person with a High “C” (Compliance) score needs a lot of structure, so consider what they are saying and present your responses in an organized fashion.

Extreme Scores
When there is an extreme difference in your DISC scores, pay attention to the highest and lowest scores. For example, if you have a 90 Influencing score, it is critical for you to find a work environment that provides plenty of social interaction. Or, if your Compliance score is 5, you will likely become frustrated and drained when you have to do work that requires you to keep track of details (even if you can do details well). If your Steadiness score is 85, you will thrive in predictable work environments where you know what to expect instead of getting stressed when things change every day.

What if all four scores are above the 50 line (or all four are below the 50 line)?: This typically means that when answering the Indigo survey questions, you were feeling some pressure to “be a particular way.”

Average Scores
If your scores all hover near the 50 line (ALL scores between 30 and 70), you are what we call a “Bridge”. Bridges can adapt to a variety of environments without much stress. After reading about all the “highs and lows” you may feel uncertain about your behavioral style because you don’t have any scores that stand out. Don’t worry, that very fact means you have a wide range of options when it comes to major and career choice.

Expand the section for your high or low DISC scores and watch the video.

Dominance

High Dominance

High Dominance

Scores above 50 are considered High D’s.
High D’s tend to address things directly and urgently, not minding if conflict is created.
High D’s like intense environments with challenges and competition.

Low Dominance

Low Dominance

Scores under 50 are considered Low D’s.
Low D’s tend to be deliberate and thoughtful, avoiding friction while solving problems.
Low D’s prefer to work in more peaceful, collaborative settings.

Influencing

High Influencing

High Influencing

Scores above 50 are considered High I’s.
High I’s tend to be talkative, enthusiastic, and outgoing.
High I’s like to express themselves and connect with people. They trust others easily.

Low Influencing

Low Influencing

Scores below 50 are considered Low I’s.
Low I’s tend to be more reserved and reflective and listen more than they speak.
Low I’s prefer a more cautious approach when developing trust.

Steadiness

High Steadiness

High Steadiness

Scores above 50 are considered High S’s.
High S’s tend to be patient, routine driven, and supportive.
High S’s like stable environments with clear expectations.

Low Steadiness

Low Steadiness

Scores below 50 are considered Low S’s.
Low S’s tend to be adaptable, change oriented, and prefer variety.
Low S’s like environments that are constantly changing.

Compliance

High Compliance

High Compliance

Scores above 50 are considered High C’s.
High C’s do not like to make mistakes and are very detail-oriented.
High C’s prefer environments where there are rules and procedures to follow.

Low Compliance

Low Compliance

Scores below 50 are considered Low C’s.
Low C’s tend to think of rules and regulations as suggestions.
Low C’s prefer environments with less structure and less focus on the details.

DISC Concept Evaluation

Complete the DISC Concept Quiz to review the material in this module.

Ideal Work Environment Statement

DISC Pre-Activity

First, review the job tips based on if your DISC score is low, medium, or high. Then scroll down for instructions for writing an Ideal Environment Statement.

DISC Activity: Ideal Work Environment Statement

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.