Many Traits

Today, I learned more about the DiSC system of preferred behaviors.

My “type” is “iD” (for those in the know), which is unusual for the people in the research and development organization where I work. The most interesting thing about my assessment is that my “dot” is very close to the center.

This means that I am not a “strong” “iD” “type”. I can relate to people of all “types”.

Okay, here are a few more details.

• “D” stands for Dominance.
• “i” stands for Influence.
• “S” stands for Steadiness.
• “C” stands for Conscientiousness.

You can think of it in terms of two axes. Are you more “Skeptical” or more “Accepting”? Are you more “Active” or more “Reflective”? If you happen to be “Active” and “Accepting”, you might have a preference for “Influence”. If you are more “Active” and “Skeptical”, you might have a preference for “Dominance”.

Personally, I like “Getting Results”, “Taking Action”, and “Generating Enthusiasm”. I am motivated by “Inspiring others to do their best”.

This is yet another example of the fact that humans are multifaceted.

Some people identify very strongly with one of the DiSC behaviors. Others, like me, identify with more than one of the DiSC behaviors.

I appreciate the need for many traits. I don’t think that any one “type” has all the answers. Diversity is important, whether we find that diversity in one or many individuals.