Many people think DiSC is a measure of personality. In truth, however, it’s actually measuring your natural behavioral style, specifically how you “default-behave” in varying contexts/situations (in other words, your default temperament). What’s the difference between personality and behavior? Personality is not dependent upon context or situation; behavior often is (for more on this distinction, please see http://blog.xbinsight.com/blog/difference-personality-behavioral-assessments).
Image Credit: Thammasat Design School
Think of it like this: you may know two individuals who are both incredibly talkative and at ease in front of a crowd, but their personalities are very different. Example: Oprah vs. Bill Clinton. Both are outgoing and full of showmanship (i.e., they are behaviorally similar) but they are very, very different personalities when you actually watch and listen to them speak.
So, what does the DiSC profile say about your temperament?
If you are a strong D, it means you possess a direct, dominant disposition. You typically show up in situations as more aggressive, strong-willed, and/or forceful than the average Joe or Jane.
If you are a strong Di/iD, it means you possess an active, fast-paced disposition. You typically show up in situations as more dynamic, adventurous, and bold than others.
If you are a strong I, it means you possess an interactive, influencing disposition. You typically show up in situations as more sociable, lively, and talkative than most.
If you are a strong iS/Si, it means you possess an agreeable, warm disposition. You typically show up in situations as more trusting, cheerful, and caring than your colleagues.
If you are a strong S, it means you possess an accommodating, steady disposition. You typically show up as more considerate, gentle, and soft-hearted than most individuals.
If you are a strong SC/SC, it means you possess a moderate-paced, cautious disposition. You typically show up as more careful, soft- spoken, and self-controlled than others.
If you are a strong C, it means you possess a private, conscientious disposition. You typically show up as more analytical, reserved, and unemotional than the average Jane or Joe.
If you are a strong CD/DC, it means you possess a questioning, skeptical disposition. More than most, you typically show up as cynical, stubborn, and critical.
Remember this: regardless of style, we all have the ability to access the various behavioral traits of any and all of the other styles. Just because you may lead with an S-Style does not mean you can’t be direct (like a typical D-Style) if you need to be. If you are curious about guestimating your style, read my blog about this (https://www.charitigent.com/two-easy-questions-to-help-you-guestimate-someones-disc-style-when-you-havent-assessed-them-formally) or contact me (chariti@charitigent.com or 608-334-4501) to receive an official Everything DiSC Assessment of your own.
Thank you for describing what your DiSC profile says about your temperament. My coworkers and I took the test, but we have been a little confused about our results. That is good to know that if you are a D that you are strong-willed and are more forceful than the average person. I will have to let my coworkers know.