Understanding DISCIV. DISC Profile ShapesHigh Dominance and Influence

High Dominance and Influence

Understanding DISC Menu

Understanding DISC ContentsAbout Understanding DISCI. The Theoretical Basis of the DISC System

Chapter ContentsWhat is Personality?HistoryTwo Behavioral AxesAssertiveness and ReceptivenessOpenness and ControlThe Biaxial Model of DISCA Note on Profiling Techniques

II. The Style Card

Chapter ContentsThe Style Card ConceptNaming the StylesMotivationPressure ResponsesNegotiation StrategiesSuitability Comparison

III. The Four Factors

Chapter ContentsFrom Style Card to DISC GraphPrinciples of DISC ProfilingThe Basics of DISC GraphsD for DominanceI for InfluenceS for SteadinessC for ComplianceChanges Across a SeriesTwelve Standard Sub-traitsJob MatchingStress

IV. DISC Profile Shapes

Chapter ContentsHigh D OnlyHigh I OnlyHigh S OnlyHigh C OnlyHigh D and IHigh D and SHigh D and CHigh I and SHigh I and CHigh S and CHigh D, I and SHigh D, I and CHigh D, S and CHigh I, S and CSpecial Situations

V. Application Areas

Chapter ContentsRecruitmentCultural IntegrationAssessmentRedeploymentTeam-buildingAddressing Specific ProblemsCareer Development

A profile of this type represents a highly assertive person, capable of both direct, dynamic action or charming sociability as a situation demands. In combination, these factors describe a person with clear goals in life with the determination and commitment to achieve them. This style of person will seek to maintain a position of dominance, both in terms of personal authority and control, but also in a social sense - they like to feel that they are not only respected by those working with them, but also genuinely liked. This powerful behavioral style is often called the 'Lazy Z' in reference to its characteristic DISC profile shape.

Relating to Others

This type is characterized by strong social skills and a persuasive communication style. They are capable of great charm, but will sometimes adopt a more demanding, overbearing approach, especially if they feel themselves to be under pressure. The outgoing and quickly-paced approach of this kind of person can be difficult to deal with for less assertive or direct types, especially as they have no fear of confrontation and will address issues directly rather than prevaricate or evade.

Common Abilities

Challenge is a keyword for this type - they thrive in situations that others would find impossibly stressful and difficult to deal with. Their need for achievement means that they are willing to undertake almost any task to achieve success or recognition, and this driving, motivated approach lends them an urgency and energy rarely seen in other behavioral types.

Regular DISC users will recognize this profile shape as the classic ideal for direct sales work. This type of occupation typifies the characteristics of the Lazy Z, the ability to think and react quickly, adapt to challenging situations and use powers of both assertiveness and persuasion to motivate others to accept their own proposals.

Motivating Factors

As we have already seen, success and recognition are the twin motivating factors for a person with high Dominance and Influence. To be content, they must feel that they are a success in both their business and personal lives. More than this, they are motivated by challenge - stagnation is anathema to a person of this type, and they need to set themselves lofty goals and ambitions, and aim steadily towards these, if they are to operate at their best.

Sub-traits

The Sub-traits of this type are Self-motivation, Independence, Enthusiasm and Self-confidence.

Style Card

In Style Card terms, this profile is intermediate between a Driver and a Communicator, a combined style referred to in this guide as Assertive. As this name suggests, this is a style strong in Assertiveness, but combining elements of both Control and Openness.