DISC Definitions
The first of the four DISC factors is Dominance, or simply 'D'. As its name suggests, Dominance is the factor of directness, assertiveness and control. If you have read the History section, you may be interested to know that the Greeks would have associated Dominance with blood and fire, a fitting combination for this tempestuous personality factor.
After Dominance, the next DISC factor is Influence, also known simply as 'I'. Influence is associated with a sunny, friendly and extroverted personality, warm and open to other people, sociable and gregarious. As you might expect, personalities with a high Influence score (called High-'I') often possess well developed social skills and an urge to meet and talk with other people.
Third of the four factors is Steadiness, abbreviated to 'S'. As its name suggests, personalities showing a high level of Steadiness take a measured, steady approach to life. They are patient and undemanding, often showing sympathy for and loyalty to those around them.
The final DISC factor is Compliance, or simply 'C'. This is perhaps the most complex of the four factors. Traditionally, High-'C'(people showing a high level of Compliance) were categorized simply as 'rule-oriented'. Recent investigation, however, has shown that this is only part of the story, and that the factor represents a far more sophisticated element of the personality, as we will explain in this section.
Dominance
People who score high in the intensity of the "D" styles factor are very active in dealing with problems and challenges, while low "D" scores are people who want to do more research before committing to a decision. High "D" people are described as demanding, forceful, egocentric, strong willed, driving, determined, ambitious, aggressive, and pioneering. Low D scores describe those who are conservative, low keyed, cooperative, calculating, undemanding, cautious, mild, agreeable, modest and peaceful.
Influence
People with high "I" scores influence others through talking and activity and tend to be emotional. They are described as convincing, magnetic, political, enthusiastic, persuasive, warm, demonstrative, trusting, and optimistic. Those with low "I" scores influence more by data and facts, and not with feelings. They are described as reflective, factual, calculating, skeptical, logical, suspicious, matter of fact, pessimistic, and critical.
Steadiness
People with high "S" styles scores want a steady pace, security, and do not like sudden change. High "S" individuals are calm, relaxed, patient, possessive, predictable, deliberate, stable, consistent, and tend to be unemotional and poker faced. Low "S" intensity scores are those who like change and variety. People with low "S" scores are described as restless, demonstrative, impatient, eager, or even impulsive.
Conscientious
People with high "C" styles adhere to rules, regulations, and structure. They like to do quality work and do it right the first time. High "C" people are careful, cautious, exacting, neat, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, and tactful. Those with low "C" scores challenge the rules and want independence and are described as self-willed, stubborn, opinionated, unsystematic, arbitrary, and careless with details.
