The 12 DISC Styles Explained

One of the reasons DISC Profiling is so useful is its relative simplicity, featuring four core styles — D, I, S, C — refined by integrating with their neighbouring core styles to make total of 12 DISC styles.

Here are short descriptions of each of the 12 DISC Styles:

DC – Dominance + Conscientiousness

The DC style represents individuals focused on achieving their goals through hard work and determination. They are conscientious and reliable, with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail. They are practical, systematic, and analytical. Though reserved, they are extremely dependable, following through on commitments. Good problem solvers, they persist in reaching their goals, typically working behind the scenes to ensure things are done correctly.

D – Dominance

The D style is characterised by assertiveness, results-orientation, and decisiveness. These individuals are natural leaders, driven by ambition and a need for control. Direct, confident, and competitive, they prefer autonomy and may struggle with teamwork. They are respected for their vision and strategic thinking, though they can sometimes appear blunt or insensitive. They tend to act quickly and can be impatient with delays and inefficiencies.

DI – Dominance + Influence

The DI style includes individuals who are highly independent and self-motivated. They tend to be ambitious, decisive, and assertive, often seen as natural leaders. Comfortable with taking risks, they challenge the status quo. While competitive and results-driven, they may prioritise personal success over collaborative effort. They can be direct and independent, sometimes resistant to criticism or feedback.

ID – Influence + Dominance

The ID style features individuals who are independent, self-motivated, and results-oriented. They are decisive and assertive, possessing a strong need for control. They are competitive and goal-oriented, unafraid to challenge existing norms. Natural leaders who are also comfortable working alone, they are confident but may appear blunt or insensitive. Quick decision-makers, they adapt swiftly to changes.

I – Influence

The I style represents outgoing, expressive, and sociable individuals. Natural communicators, they influence and persuade others with ease, maintaining enthusiasm and optimism. They enjoy collaboration, often listening well and being sensitive to others' feelings. Despite lower assertiveness, they contribute to positive team dynamics but may avoid taking risks and prefer stability.

IS – Influence + Steadiness

The IS style combines outgoing and expressive traits with patience, consistency, and cooperation. These individuals are communicative team players who value collaboration and avoid conflict. They bring positivity and stability to teams but can be resistant to change. Dependable and reliable, they follow through on commitments but may not seek leadership roles.

SI – Steadiness + Influence

The SI style is characterised by patience, consistency, and cooperation. These individuals work steadily with an emphasis on accuracy and caution. They thrive in teamwork and collaborative environments, avoiding conflict and maintaining a positive routine. Dependable and reliable, they may not pursue leadership but bring stability to teams.

S – Steadiness

The S style represents those who are patient, consistent, and cooperative. With a steady approach to work, they prioritise accuracy and caution. Valuing teamwork and collaboration, they avoid conflict and prefer routine. Dependable and supportive, they follow through on commitments and contribute stability, though they may resist change.

SC – Steadiness + Conscientiousness

The SC style features practical, systematic, and analytical individuals. Conscientious and reliable, they pay great attention to detail and prefer working behind the scenes. They are dependable problem solvers, though less assertive and outgoing. Sensitive to others' feelings, they may not be expressive but are valued for their dependability.

CS – Conscientiousness + Steadiness

The CS style represents practical, systematic, and analytical individuals who are conscientious and reliable. Preferring to work behind the scenes, they are dependable and focused on detail-oriented tasks. They support and cooperate well with teams but are less assertive and outgoing, bringing stability and reliability to their roles.

C – Conscientiousness

The C style includes practical, systematic, and analytical individuals who exhibit high attention to detail. Conscientious and reliable, they prefer working behind the scenes and are reserved. Valued for their problem-solving skills and persistence, they follow through on commitments but may be less expressive and sociable.

CD – Conscientiousness + Dominance

The CD style features practical, systematic, and analytical individuals with strong reliability and attention to detail. They are assertive and dominant, decisive, and goal-oriented. Often seen as strong leaders, they are willing to take risks. While dependable, they work behind the scenes and may need to be mindful of others' feelings.

Make It Real

Whatever your style and the style of those you work with, keeping your DISC profiles in mind will enhance your connections and collective effectiveness. Don’t leave DISC on the shelf—make it a source of strength in your work.