Twenty-four hundred years ago, scientists and philosophers, most notably Hippocrates, began to recognize and categorize differences in behavior that seemed to follow a pattern.

Since then, many psychologists and scientists have explored behavioral patterns. Dr. William Marston wrote The Emotions of Normal People in 1928 after earning his doctorate from Harvard University. Marston theorized that people are motivated by four intrinsic drives that direct behavioral patterns. He used four descriptive characteristics for behavioral tendencies which are represented by four letters of the alphabet: D, I, S, and C. Thus the concept of “DISC” was introduced.

Many behavioral models focus on what is wrong with a person to identify “personality disorders.” The DISC model is based on normal behavior, not abnormal behavior. DISC is a “wellness model” that is objective and descriptive rather than subjective and judgmental. Therefore, DISC is a practical way to understand yourself and those around in the common settings of everyday life.

The DISC wellness model is a good framework for understanding people. DISC should be used in a positive way to encourage a person to be his or her best—not as a way to “label” someone.

Healthy, positive relationships come from having an accurate understanding of yourself and others. DISC is a powerful tool for obtaining a new appreciation for our personality styles and their effect on our everyday lives.

We apply the DISC model with four main ideas that allow it to be used appropriately as an effective and encouraging tool:

I have a saying that, “Your strengths should carry you while your blind spots should concern you.” Being able to identify and articulate your strengths can be very empowering. Being able to identify and uncover blind spots can also be very empowering! The next few pages can be the start of your own empowering discovery process.

So, now that you know where the DISC concept came from and the importance of having a positive, flexible approach, let’s take a look at the Model of Human Behavior using the DISC!

This Is Just the Beginning!

One of the dangers of learning about DISC is that you may think you now understand all there is to know about it. We have just scratched the surface of the dynamics involved in personality styles. Did you know there are not just four personality styles? We identify 41 specific personality blends that are all very different. Even within the 41 personality blends, there can be a wide variety of nuances.

The DISC Model of Human Behavior is based on two foundational observations about how people normally behave:

Observation #1: Some people are more outgoing, while others are more reserved. You can think of this trait as each person’s “internal motor” or “pace.” Some people always seem ready to “go” and “dive in” quickly. They engage their motor quickly. Others tend to engage their motor more slowly or more cautiously.

Observation # 2: Some people are more task-oriented, while others are more people-oriented. You can think of this as each person’s “external focus” or “priority” that guides them. Some people are focused on getting things done (tasks); others are more tuned in to the people around them and their feelings.

With both observations, we want to emphasize that these behavioral tendencies are neither right or wrong or good or bad. They are just different. We are simply identifying normal behavior styles. People have different styles, and that is okay. We represent these two observations:

In review, we have four behavioral tendencies to help us characterize people:

Everyone has some of all four of these tendencies at different times and in different situations. However, most people typically have one or two of these tendencies that seem to fit them well in their everyday behavior. And, on the other hand, one or two of these tendencies usually do not fit them well, and these tendencies may even seem “foreign” to their approach to life. The balance of these four tendencies shapes the way each person “sees” life and those around them. By combining the two previous diagrams, we can show four basic quadrants of the circle as shown below. Thus, four basic personality traits emerge from our diagram corresponding to the four quadrants of the circle (in clockwise order):

This Is Just the Beginning!

One of the dangers of learning about DISC is that you may think you now understand all there is to know about it. We have just scratched the surface of the dynamics involved in personality styles. Did you know there are not just four personality styles? We identify 41 specific personality blends that are all very different. Even within the 41 personality blends, there can be a wide variety of nuances.

Next, we will add descriptive terms for each of the four main personality types that emerge in the diagram. The descriptive terms will begin with D, I, S, and C.

There are four different personality types with four different priorities. Notice the letters D, I, S and C appear in the four quadrants of the circle in the figure below. You will also notice that descriptive terms have been added in each of the four corners of the diagram. Now we can further describe each of the four main personality styles:

1. The Dominant “D” type. An outgoing, task-oriented individual will be focused on getting things done, accomplishing tasks, getting to the bottom line as quickly as possible and “making it happen”! The key insight in developing a relationship with this type of person is respect and results.
2. The inspiring “I” type. An outgoing, people-oriented individual loves to interact, socialize, and have fun. This person is focused on what others may think of him or her. The key insight in developing a relationship with this type person is admiration and recognition.
3. The Supportive “S” type. A reserved, people-oriented individual will enjoy relationships, helping or supporting other people, and working together as a team. The key insight in developing a relationship with this person is friendliness and sincere appreciation.
4. The cautious “C” type. A reserved, task-oriented individual will seek value, consistency, and quality information. This person focuses on being correct and accurate. The key insight in developing a relationship with this individual is trust and integrity.

To summarize the DISC Model of Human Behavior (in clockwise order):

We spend years in school developing our intelligence to effectively use our mind. Developing our unique personality to effectively use our behavior is just as vital to successful living. Your intelligence quotient, or IQ, measures your intelligence. Your Personality Quotient, or PQ, refers to your ability to understand yourself and others for effective communication and teamwork. Studies have shown that technical skill, beginning with intelligence and developed through education and experience, accounts for only 15 percent of success in the workplace. The other 85 percent of workplace success comes from people skills! These skills are developed through learning better ways to behave and interact.

We spend years in school developing our intelligence to effectively use our mind. Developing our unique personality to effectively use our behavior is just as vital to successful living. Your intelligence quotient, or IQ, measures your intelligence. Your Personality Quotient, or PQ, refers to your ability to understand yourself and others for effective communication and teamwork. Studies have shown that technical skill, beginning with intelligence and developed through education and experience, accounts for only 15 percent of success in the workplace. The other 85 percent of workplace success comes from people skills! These skills are developed through learning better ways to behave and interact.

This Is Just the Beginning!

One of the dangers of learning about DISC is that you may think you now understand all there is to know about it. We have just scratched the surface of the dynamics involved in personality styles. Did you know there are not just four personality styles? We identify 41 specific personality blends that are all very different. Even within the 41 personality blends, there can be a wide variety of nuances.