Understanding the Four Primary Behavioral Styles
What are the four, primary DiSC styles?
The four behavioral styles are typically referred to as:
- Dominance (or “D-Type”)
- Influence (or “i-Type”)
- Steadiness (or “S-Type”)
- Conscientiousness (or “C-Type”)
The four behaviors describe how people tend to interact with others, make decisions, and approach tasks. These styles were theorized by William Moulton Marston and are more commonly referred to as DISC.
DISC Theory shows that all individuals have a unique combination of the four behavioral styles. The model is used to help show how people’s natural tendencies, behavior, and emotions can be grouped into one of these four styles.
Each style has its own set of drivers and motivations. By understanding your own style, you can better understand why you might gravitate toward certain people and feel pushed away by others.
The drivers and motivators for each of the four behavioral styles are as follows:
Dominance or D-Style
These individuals are driven by power, control, and achievement. They tend to be assertive, competitive, and ambitious, and they enjoy taking charge of situations and making decisions.
Influence or i-Style
Recognition, relationships, and personal growth drive these individuals. They tend to be outgoing, sociable, and optimistic, and they enjoy interacting with others and making connections.
Steadiness or S-Style
These individuals are driven by stability, security, and predictability. They tend to be steady, reliable, and patient, and they enjoy working in a supportive role and following established procedures.
Conscientious or C-Type
These individuals are driven by accuracy, quality, and knowledge. They tend to be analytical, detail-oriented, and systematic, and they enjoy solving problems and making logical decisions.
It’s important to note that these descriptions are not mutually exclusive and that every individual can have traits from all four behaviors, but one of them tends to be more prominent. These drivers can also change over time depending on the person’s experience, personal development, and the situation they are facing.
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